New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called a meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, which comprises all chief ministers, on July 15 to discuss the controversial land bill and other issues like poverty, health and social sector schemes.
"The Prime Minister has called the meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog on July 15. Among other issues land bill is likely to come up for discussion," a source said.
The council is also likely to review the work done by three sub-groups of chief ministers and two task force under the NITI Aayog. The other issues which may come up for discussion include Goods and Services Tax (GST) and devolution of taxes between the Centre and states as per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.
The government had constituted three sub-groups of chief ministers under the NITI Aayog on Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Skill Development and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan which are led by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu respectively.
The two task forces on poverty and agriculture are being headed by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya. These sub-groups and task forces are working on the responsibilities entrusted to them and are in the process of submitting their reports. The source said that the sub-group on CSS has almost completed its work and held its last meeting last month and report was expected to be firmed up by July 5. He further said the report of the group on CSS is likely to be tabled during the meeting of the Governing Council.
The panel had broad consensus on reducing CSS to 30 from 72 and increasing the share of flexi funds to 25 per cent from the current 10% under the social sector schemes. The other two sub-groups on Skill Development and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan have sought extension till August 15 to submit its report. The source said the reports of the task forces on poverty and agriculture could be tabled during the meeting for perusal of the council.
