Fadnavis for bigger role of states in new Plan body

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis today proposed to have a National Economic Development and Improvement Council and councils at the regional level, with larger participation of the states, which could replace the Planning Commission.
Speaking at the meeting of state chief ministers called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis said, the Regional Councils- for west, east, south, north and northeast India- should have more say in solving the problems of those particular region.
Fadnavis also proposed that Centre sponsored schemes should be stopped and instead money should be directly given to the states. This "flexible" policy will help the states in solving problems as per their priority.

"For overall and sustainable development it is important that states play a crucial role. For this purpose, it is necessary to have a National Economic Development and Improvement Council, headed by the Prime Minister with participation of chief ministers of states.
"This Council should have a meeting at the regional level every three months," he said.
Pitching for a Regional Council, Fadnavis said, that all the five regions of the country should have such an agency and be given the power to deal with issues pertaining to CRZ and eco-sensitive issues.

"Many central laws are hurdles in the development of states. The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), Land Acquisition Act and Eco-sensitive areas act have had a negative impact on the development of the state.

"The Regional Council should be given the power to seek solution to these issues," he said.
The chief minister also proposed a separate committee, headed by the Prime Minister, for the development of Mumbai.
"The development of the country is not possible without the development of Mumbai. For rapid progress of Mumbai, it is important that different agencies of the state and the centre come together.
"For this, a Mumbai Improvement Committee, headed by the Prime Minister, should be constituted. Meetings of this committee should be held every six months. The committee should make its contribution in making Mumbai a financial and economic hub," Fadnavis said.