(Image source from: NITI Aayog helps development of all states})
Newly formed NITI Aayog which has replaced the planning commission will set up a working group to prepare a draft report on how to make implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) more effectively by taking into account suggestions made at the first meeting of the sub-group of Chief Ministers. NITI Aayog has held its first meeting today and discussed various aspects of the issue so as to improve the impact of the schemes. "We have decided to set up a working group under NITI Aayog CEO Sindhushree Khullar to prepare a draft report on the suggestions made by various Chief Ministers in the meeting," said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, convener of the sub-group. It consists of 11 Members including the Chief Ministers of 10 States viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh and the LG of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. NITI Aayog Member Bibek Debroy and CEO Sindhushree Khullar and other senior officials were also present at the meeting. Some Chief Ministers could not attend the meeting due to the ongoing Budget sessions in their respective states.
The sub-group will discuss the draft report at its meeting next month and then move towards making recommendations said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He will be meeting officials of central departments running various schemes on April 16 to know their experience and suggestions. The sub-group has been constituted to deliberate on funding pattern on CSS as the states' share in central taxes has been increased to 42% from 32%, as per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission. Among others, the meeting was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayed Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das. Over 30 CSS have been identified to be transferred to states because expenditure on them has already been taken into account as state expenditure. The direct involvement of state in NITI Aayog can initiate the development of state with more enthusiasm which will result in the overall growth of the country.
By Premji
