NITI Aayog should continue plan panel's functions: Chandy

The NITI Aayog should continue the function performed by the Planning Commission, of deciding in consultation with the finance ministry and state governments, the amount of resources available for plan and budget preparation, said Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Speaking at the NITI Aayog's governing council meeting, called by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he also said that there are many technical issues that cannot be discussed in detail at the level of chief ministers.

"Also, there are state specific issues which need thorough discussion. It is important therefore to constitute bodies at the national and regional levels to address such issues.

"Sectoral discussions with technical experts must also take place and it can perform a useful function by hand holding the state governments and building capacities within states in areas such as financing of infrastructure projects and public private partnership to help achieve the national objective of rapid growth in infrastructure," said Chandy.

He also noted that the agenda notes for the meeting scheduled Sunday was received only on the morning of Thursday.

"In future, notice for Governing Council meetings of NITI Aayog may be sent at least three weeks in advance and agenda notes sent not less than 10 days before the meeting to facilitate proper examination by departments and by ministers," said Chandy.

He added that some flagship programmes such as 'Beti Bachao' and 'Jan Dhan Yojana' may not be relevant for Kerala as it has already reached high standards in these areas.

"There should be more focus on making agriculture a viable and productive occupation through a suitable flagship programme, which focuses on research oriented assistance to agriculturists," added Chandy.