2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What was the aim of 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries?
• News Summary: Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

 

Why in news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the second National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi.

 

What was the aim of 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries?

• The second national conference of chief secretaries was organised in Delhi.
• Organised by the NITI Aayog, the meeting was attended by senior officials from the Centre and state governments.
• The conference was held with a focus on job creation and inclusive human development in order to meet the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
• The three-day conference, which began on January 5, hosted discussions on six themes: encompassing MSMEs, infrastructure and investments, minimising compliances, women’s empowerment, health and nutrition and skill development.
• The conference also aimed at strengthening coordination between the Centre and the states with a focus on achieving rapid and sustained economic growth in partnership with the states.

 

News Summary: Key highlights of PM’s speech at 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries

 

• Recalled the development milestones achieved by the country 
  • Prime Minister recalled the development milestones achieved by the country since the last conference held in June 2022. These were:
    • India attained Presidency of G20, 
    • became fifth biggest economy of the world, 
    • saw rapid registration of new startups, 
    • foray of private players in space sector, 
    • launch of National Logistics Policy, 
    • approval of National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Highlighted four pillars to build a developed India
  • In order to build a developed India, the country is focussing on four pillars of infrastructure, investment, innovation and inclusion.
  • Today, entire world is reposing its faith in India and it is being looked up as a country that can bring stability to the global supply chain.
  • In order to take full advantage of this, states should focus on pro-development governance, ease of doing business, ease of living and provision of robust infrastructure.
• Discussed MSMEs
  • Discussing MSMEs, Prime Minister said that states must act proactively towards formalisation of MSMEs. 
  • He said that to make these MSMEs globally competitive, we need to make available finance, technology, market and access for skilling. 
  • He also discussed bringing more MSMEs on board the GeM portal.
  • PM said that the linkage of MSME clusters and self help groups can be explored for promoting unique local products and getting GI tags registration for them, associating it with the endeavour of ‘one district one product’.
    • It will give fillip to the clarion call of vocal for local.
  • States should identify their best local products and help them attain national and international stature.
•  Highlighted the burden of over-regulation and restrictions
  • Prime Minister recalled the burden of over-regulation and restrictions once faced by the country. 
  • He spoke about the need to end old laws, some of which have persisted since independence.
  • The need of the hour is to move towards self-certification, deemed approvals and standardisation of forms.
• Highlighted importance of millets
  • PM said that millets are not only smart food but are also environmentally friendly and may turn out to be a sustainable future food.
    • On India’s initiative, the United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
  • He said that states should work on research related to millet products such that processing, packaging, marketing, branding etc.
  • He also discussed establishing 'Millet Cafes' at prominent public places and state government offices across the country.
• For the preparations related to G20 meetings in the states
  • For this, Prime Minister stressed on the importance of involving the common citizens. 
  • He said that creative solutions should be envisaged for achieving such 'Citizen Connect'.

 

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Q1) Where was the first national Conference of Chief Secretaries held?

The first national Conference of Chief Secretaries was held in Dharamshala in June 2022. Spread over three days, it focused on the rapid and sustained economic growth in partnership with the States.

 

Q2) What were the themes of first national Conference of Chief Secretaries?

 For the first national Conference of Chief Secretaries, three themes were identified for detailed deliberations: Implementation of the National Education Policy; Urban governance; and Crop diversification and achieving self-sufficiency in oilseeds, pulses and other agri-commodities.

 

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Source: PM addresses 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries  |  The Hindu  |  Hindustan Times