Focus on ease of doing business, Modi tells states

New Delhi: Emphasising on the increasing expectations from India globally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged upon states that it is a “golden opportunity” for the country and, therefore, the “ease of doing business” should be accorded top priority, as it would greatly help them in attracting investment.

Addressing a conference of chief secretaries in the presence of Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha, Niti Aayog vice-chairperson Arvind Panagariya and secretaries of several Central government ministries, the Prime Minister noted that states have enormous untapped development potential.

He said that the nation has a lot to learn from the experiences of states, which could provide the best solutions to problems and challenges.

Top government officials have the collective vision and capabilities to overcome challenges. In this regard, experience sharing is very important, he added.

The Prime Minister said a team of young officers from across states should now deliberate and learn from these best practices, by visiting each state. This, he said, will help in efficient adoption of best practices across states.

The Prime Minister also said that good governance is the greatest key to success of government programmes, and development goals.

He suggested that relatively junior officers in states must spend adequate time in field visits, so that they are aware first-hand about issues on the ground.

The Prime Minister emphasised on the importance of preserving institutional memory. He said writing of Gazettes by officers should be made compulsory in the districts.

Speaking on the agriculture sector, the Prime Minister said the use of technology was imperative. He stressed on eliminating wastage in farm produce, and focus on food processing. The Prime Minister called for States to focus on agriculture reforms.

Earlier during the course of the day-long deliberations, presentations were made on various subjects.

Detailed presentations on how states have performed on development parameters were made by Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, which touched upon key sectors like agriculture, health, nutrition, education, sanitation, roads and power.

Secretaries of agriculture, health and sanitation engaged in a brainstorming session, which focussed on agricultural reforms addressing agrarian distress.

Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha and Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya spoke on |the need to keep the focus on providing best practices to people in agriculture, health and nutrition - the three key sectors which the Centre especially has its focus on.