on Feb 20, 2021)NEW DELHI: Making India a manufacturing hub through changes and reforms at the state level along with “ reimagining agricultureâ€, which includes a revamped cropping pattern with a focus on exports, will be key aspects of the “National Development Agenda†that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will discuss with state chief ministers at governing council meeting of Niti Aayog on Saturday.
While most chief ministers are expected to attend the meeting, West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee and Punjab’s Captain Amarinder Singh may skip the discussions. Along with manufacturing and the farm sector, the agenda also has a significant focus on health infrastructure especially at the primary level and improving service delivery at the grassroots.
The meeting is also expected to deliberate measures to reduce compliance burden through business process reforms and cutting logistics costs to boost exports. “The thrust is to create jobs, “ said a source. The Council will discuss in detail the need to reimagine agriculture with a focus on diversification of crops, water conservation and food processing aimed at exports. Issues linked to shoring up physical infrastructure through the National Infrastructure pipeline and PPP projects will also discussed.
It will also examine ways to improve Human Resource development, skilling and upskilling and mapping requirement of resources globally. The agenda also includes improving urban infrastructure, digital connectivity and delivery of services through Bharat Net network. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, extensive discussion is expected on the healthcare and nutrition and targeted integrated approach to medicine, the source said.
The Governing Council presents a platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues. It comprises the PM, chief ministers of states and UTs, with Legislatures and Lt Governors of other UTs. The sixth meeting will witness the entry of Ladakh for the first time, in addition to the participation of Jammu and Kashmir as a UT. This time, other UTs headed by administrators have also been invited to join.
