Modi to seek states' help in executing central projects

NITI Aayog's first meeting on Feb 8; objectives of programmes on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will define the role of the states and seek their help in executing some of the key projects of the Centre during NITI Aayog’s first meeting.

The governing council of the Niti Aayog — comprising chief ministers of all states and the lieutenant governors of the Union territories — will have its first meeting on February 8. During the daylong meeting, Modi will seek the help of the governing council members for some of his key projects like Namami Gange, Make in India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Digital India.

Officials said the agenda for the meeting clearly spells out the objectives of each programme and also how the state governments can contribute, along with a broad roadmap to achieve the goals.

The views of the states will be solicited on other pet programmes of Modi, including Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, National Multi Skill Mission (under which government plans to convert employment exchanges into career centres), Financial Inclusion, construction of 50 tourist centres, agriculture infrastructure, new and renewable energy, port-led development.

“In total, around 15 issues have been identified on which Centre will seek the help of the states and also chart out a roadmap of their role,” a senior officer said.

In case of programmes like Digital India, the agenda note speaks of how the state governments will need to provide proper power connection and security of equipment for the National Optical Fibre Network (NoFN) to make the programme a success. The NDA government is looking to utilise the NoFN to expand its Digital India footprint.

Under, NoFN initial work is underway in providing broadband connection to around 90,000 gram panchayats of the total 250,000 gram panchayats across the country.

Similarly, for Swachh Bharat Mission, under which government plans to construct over 20 million toilets, the Prime Minister is expected to lay down the funding pattern. He is also likely to announce transfer of around Rs 300,000 crore extra funds to the states, generated through restructuring of the existing centrally sponsored schemes (CSS).

The Prime Minister’s meeting with the state chief ministers on Februrary 8 will be preceded with another meeting of experts and economists on the state of Indian economy and also the forthcoming Budget. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will conduct this meeting.

Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian, vice-chairman of NITI Aayog Arvind Panagariya, full-time members Bibek Debroy and V K Saraswat, minister of state for Planning Rao Indrajit Singh, minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha will also attend this meeting. WHAT’S ON THE MENU ?
Expected topics of discussion in governing council meet

• Infrastructure
• Namami Gange
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sinchaee Yojana
• Port-led development
• National Multi Skill Mission
• Swachh Bharat Mission
• Housing For All
• Smart cities
•  E-governance/Digital India
• Financial inclusion
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
• Ending rural-urban divide
• 50 tourist circuits
• Agriculture infrastructure
• New and renewable energy