NITI Aayog Is Partner In Development Of Uttarakhand: Dr. Rajiv Kumar

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar has said that NITI Aayog is playing the role of partner in the development of Uttarakhand. NITI Aayog is determined to become more and more helpful in the development of Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami requested for cooperation in continuation of GST Compensation beyond the year 2022. He said that floating population should also be included in the norms of central schemes. In the meeting of NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, senior advisors of NITI Aayog and state government officials in the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali auditorium located in the Secretariat, the planned development of Uttarakhand was discussed in detail.

NITI Aayog partner in the development of Uttarakhand

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar said that NITI Aayog is playing the role of partner in the development of Uttarakhand. All possible assistance will be given to the state government related to development. He said that NITI Aayog will talk to the central government ministries on various issues on the side of the state government. The concerned officials of the state government should also follow up regularly.

To promote competition for development in the districts

Dr. Rajiv Kumar said that sector wise plan and overall plan should be prepared for the development of the state. Describing the setting district wise SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) as a good step in Uttarakhand, he said that competition for development should be encouraged in the districts. Pay special attention to important indicators. Their constant monitoring is essential.

Process simplification at the grassroots level

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman stressed the need for procedural simplification at the grassroots level. The approvals required by investors in various sectors should be simplified as well as minimized as far as possible.

Focus on natural farming

Along with organic farming, special attention should also be given to natural farming. This can help in doubling the income of the farmers. He suggested devoting one village in each block to natural farming. Dr. Rajiv Kumar said that the state of school education is better in Uttarakhand. But there are few better educational institutions for higher education. Students can get better higher education in the state itself. Attention should also be paid to this. Much work can also be done on the rejuvenation of rivers. In this, NITI Aayog will try to get the help of the state from Namami Gange. More and more local resources should be used in tourism. How more and more local people can be connected to it, there is a need for a well-planned plan. In agriculture, emphasis will have to be laid on the cultivation of high value products such as medicinal farming, spices, floriculture. Dr. Rajeev Kumar suggested taking cooperation of private sector for setting up of Inland Container Depot.

NITI Aayog to talk to Center for simplification of forest clearance

Dr. Rajiv Kumar, while listening carefully to the presentation of the state made in the meeting, said that the process of forest clearance needs to be simplified. Whatever suggestions are there of the state government in this regard, should be sent to NITI Aayog. Talks will be held with the Center in this regard. In view of the increase in the number of elephants and tigers in the national parks, they agreed to assess their carrying capacity.

Sustainable development and Antyodaya biggest priority of the state government: CM

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami while welcoming NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar and his team to Uttarakhand said that Uttarakhand is going to turn 21 on the coming November 9. The Prime Minister has given us a target that in 2025, when Uttarakhand turns 25, it should be an ideal developed state. The central and state governments are working together for the rapid development of Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister said that sustainable development and Antyodaya is our top priority. Until the government and administration do not reach the last person standing in the society, the benefits of development do not reach them, we will not sit in peace. The focus has been on simplification so that people get maximum benefits of development schemes easily. All the processes have been simplified in industries including single window. Investor friendly environment has been created. Interaction has been initiated with the stock holders of various sectors including entrepreneurs.

More funds should be allocated to Uttarakhand in border area development

A lot of work has been done on road, rail and air connectivity in the state under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The state is getting full support from the Centre. The Chief Minister said that the GST compensation to Uttarakhand is ending in the year 2022. This will create a financial problem for the state. Considering the limited resources of the state, it needs to be continued for Uttarakhand even further. Uttarakhand has an important strategic position due to its international borders with China and Nepal. Here more funds need to be given in the Border Area Development Plan. The Chief Minister requested cooperation in getting the final approval of various proposals of the state government including Lakhwar Vyasi Project, Jamrani Multipurpose Project, Saung Dam, besides setting up of one more AIIMS in Kumaun region of the state. The Chief Minister said that floating population should also be included in the parameters of central schemes.