SEVENTH GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING OF NITI AAYOG

The Governing Council discussed key issues such as crop diversification and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses, oilseeds and other agri-commodities; implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in school education and higher education; and urban governance.

The need to focus on modernized agriculture, animal husbandry, and food processing to become self-sufficient and a global leader in the agriculture sector.

 Rapid urbanization could be turned into strength by using technology to ensure ease of living, transparent service delivery and improvement in the quality of life.

            Describing India’s G20 presidency in 2023 as a unique opportunity to show to the world that India was not just confined to Delhi, but included every State and Union Territory.                  

Each State should focus on promoting trade, tourism and technology via every Indian Mission around the world. The States must focus on reducing imports, increasing exports and identifying opportunities thereof.

Even though the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection had improved, there was much more potential. Increasing GST collection requires collective action by the Centre and States. It is crucial for strengthening our economic position and becoming a $5 trillion economy.

For the first time in the history of G20, India will host the G20 meetings over the year, not only in Delhi, but in every State and Union Territory.

While highlighting the initiatives to boost learning outcomes, capacity-building of teachers, and skilling, further support of the States in the successful implementation of the National Education Policy.

The need for self sufficiency in the area of edible oil. India was currently importing edible oil worth about ₹1 lakh crore, thus meeting nearly half the total demand from imports. During the meeting, a key demand from the States was to make the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses and oil seeds more effective.

Better irrigation facilities in 13 districts for rapid growth in mustard cultivation. the past  five six years, the production of pulses had gone up substantially, except for the deficit in masoor and arhar dal, leading to import dependency of just about 7%.

Revision of the rates of royalty for coal and other major minerals; and suggested that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) be implemented in the rural areas located close to cities and cities with a population of less than 20,000.