PM constitutes three sub-groups within NITI Aayog

New Delhi, Feb 8 (INN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the NITI Aayog would constitute three sub groups of Chief Ministers on the different themes.

One Sub-group will study the 66 Centrally Sponsored Schemes and recommend which to continue, which to transfer to States, and which to cut down. Another Sub-group will recommend how NITI Aayog can promote skill development and creation of skilled manpower within states. The last Sub-group will decide on institutional mechanisms to be evolved, and technological inputs, for ensuring that commitment to Swachh Bharat becomes a part of our life in perpetuity.

In his concluding remarks at the first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, the Prime Minister also asked all states to create two task forces under the aegis of the NITI Aayog One task force would focus on poverty alleviation, and the other would focus on future development of agriculture in the state, and how the Centre can assist the state in this regard.

The members of the sub-groups will be decided later, after Chief Ministers indicate their preferences.

The Prime Minister urged all states to use the upcoming school vacations as an opportunity to build and upgrade toilets, so as to ensure that the target of toilets for all schools is achieved. He also suggested that a portion of the funds under the MPLAD and MLALAD schemes can be earmarked for cleanliness-related activities, until 2019.

The Prime Minister appreciated the team spirit shown by all participating Chief Ministers in the thoughts and vision expressed by them during the meeting.