India / Centre, states need to work closely to boost economic growth: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Centre and states need to work closely in collaboration to boost economic growth of the country.

Addressing the sixth meeting of the Niti Aayog governing council, PM said that the initiatives taken by the government would provide opportunity to everyone to participate in nation building to its full potential.

He also noted that in past few years, India saw opening of bank accounts, increase in vaccination and health facilities, free electricity connection, free gas connection and many such phenomenal changes that has empowered the lives of the people.

Here's a look at some of the points highlighted by PM:

Covid co-operation

Citing the example of how Centre and states worked closely to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, Modi urged the two to work together to make cooperative federalism more meaningful.

"In the Covid period we saw how Centre and States worked together, the nation succeeded and a good image of India was built before the entire world. I would urge the states to form committees by connecting all the people of the society in their respective states," he said.

"The nation succeeded and a good image of India was built before the entire world," Modi added.

He also said that the country needs to try and bring competitive, cooperative federalism not only among states but also in districts.

Agriculture reforms required for better infrastructure

On farm sector, the Prime Minister said that reforms in agriculture are required for creating a better infrastructure.

He also stated that India being an agriculture-centric country, needs to curb its dependence on import of food items.

Highlighting that even during Covid-pandemic the country witnessed rise in exports in agriculture, PM said that we have a lot of untapped potential in the sector.

He further emphasised that the farm sector requires reforms in order to provide adequate funds and technology.

Modi added that in the past years the Centre has adopted a holistic approach towards agriculture to animal husbandry and fisheries, and as a result, the country's agricultural exports increased significantly even during the Covid-19 period.

Promote private sector to create Atmanirbhar Bharat

PM noted that the private sector is coming forward to contribute to the development of the nation as a whole. He said as government, we need to respect, promote and give them opportunity be an equal part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a step forward in a direction where every individual, organisation and industry will have an equal opportunity to grow and develop.

The campaign is the way to build a nation that produces not only for its needs but also for the world, he said.

Ease of doing business

For India's businesses, PM said that we must try and improve ease of doing business in the country and grab global opportunities.

Better ease of living will help in achieving the aspirations of the people and make their lives better, he noted.

PLI schemes to boost local manufacturing

Praising the Centre's production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes for various sectors, PM said that it is an excellent opportunity to increase manufacturing in the country.

He further said that states should take full advantage of the schemes and attract maximum invest.

Positive response to Union Budget

The Prime Minister stated that positive and enthusiastic response to Union Budget 2021 received from all sectors the economy depicts mood of the nation.

"Positive response to the budget indicates that the country wants to move forward on the path of development at greater speed," he said.

Jal Jeevan Mission

In the last 18 months since Jal Jeevan Mission came into existence and over 3.5 crore rural households have been connected with piped water connections, the Prime Minister said.