Himachal Pradesh: Conference to discuss sustained economic growth

NEW DELHI: The first national conference of chief secretaries will be held in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on June 16 and 17, during which the implementation of a common development agenda and a blueprint for cohesive action to achieve people’s aspirations will be discussed, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stated in a statement that more than 200 persons from the central government, all states and union territories, as well as subject experts, will attend the conference at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.

The conference, which will take place over three days from June 15 to 17, will focus on achieving quick and sustained economic growth in collaboration with states. According to the PMO, the conference will be a crucial step toward further strengthening the relations between the federal government and state governments. The meeting will create the groundwork for joint action for higher growth with sustainability, job creation, education, ease of life, and ‘Atmanirbharta’ in agriculture. Implementation of the National Education Policy, urban governance, and crop diversification and achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds, pulses, and other agri-commodities are the three issues that will be discussed in depth at the conference.

The National Education Policy would consider both school and higher education, according to the statement. The conference will feature best practices from states and union territories in each of the themes for mutual learning. A session on the Aspirational Districts Program will be held to discuss the progress made so far, as well as successful case studies, particularly those on data-based governance.

Other important themes to be discussed will be reducing compliance burden and decriminalisation of minor offences for ease of doing business, achieving saturation coverage of schemes and ensuring last mile delivery, PM Gati Shakti, etc. A special session on ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav: Roadmap to 2047’ will also be there. The conference’s conclusions will be discussed at NITI Aayog’s Governing Council Meeting, which will be attended by Chief Ministers and Administrators from all states and union territories, so that an action plan may be finalised with broad consensus at the highest levels.