Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2nd National Conference of Chief Secretaries, in New Delhi. , Photo Credit: ANI
The two-day National Conference of Chief Secretaries, which concluded here on Saturday, discussed Centre-State relations and issues such as the status of MSMEs and the functioning of the GST regime. presiding over the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Asks states to take proactive measures to formalize MSMEs.
Shri Modi also launched the Aspirational Block Program and asked the states to follow the Aspirational District Program at the block level. The Prime Minister also discussed the development of physical and social infrastructure, with a focus on enhancing cyber security. The significance of the International Year of Millets and steps to increase the popularity of millet products were also discussed during the meeting. Shri Modi also said that the States and the Center should work together and accelerate the pace of progress.
A release from NITI Aayog, the organizer of the meeting, said the prime minister said the country is focusing on four pillars of infrastructure, investment, innovation and inclusion to build a developed India.
“Launching the Aspirational Block Programme, the Prime Minister outlined the success achieved in various Aspirational Districts of the country under the Aspirational District Programme. He said that the aspirational district model should now be taken up to the block level in the form of aspirational block programme. He asked the officers present in the meeting to implement the Aspirational Block Program in their respective states,” Mr. Modi said.
On MSMEs, the Prime Minister said that states should actively work for the formalization of MSMEs. He said that to make these MSMEs globally competitive, we need to provide them access to finance, technology, markets and skills. He also discussed about bringing more MSMEs on GeM portal. He said that we should take steps to make MSMEs global champions and part of the global value chain.
The PM also talked about the importance of having a secure technology infrastructure for data security and seamless delivery of essential services.
He stressed that states should try to adopt a strong cyber security strategy, adding that this investment is like insurance for the future. Aspects related to cyber security audit management and development of crisis management plans were also discussed by them.