Important steps needed to reach double-digit growth: Modi
Chairing the NITI Aayog Governing Council meet at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today, PM Narendra Modi said the economy was growing healthily, but the challenge is to take it to double-digit figures. He also assured all assistance to states, which would receive Rs. 11L crore from the Center this year, "an increase of Rs. 6L crore from the previous government's last year."
'Goal is to take India to double-digit growth'
Speaking at the event, Modi noted the economy had witnessed a growth rate of 7.7% in the last quarter of 2017-18, a healthy rate. But under the vision of a 'New India' by 2020, the challenge was to take this rate to double digits. The world expects India to become a five-trillion-dollar economy soon, he added. For this, "many important steps have to be taken."
'States played key role in policy-formulation, will provide all help'
Hailing states for playing "key roles" in formulation of policies like Swachh Bharat Mission, Digital Transactions and Skill Development, Modi assured recommendations of their committees would be incorporated. The Governing Council, which has all state chiefs as members, had promoted the spirit of cooperative, competitive federalism and approached complex issues as "Team India," he said. He promised all help to flood-affected states.
'Various schemes are ensuring good health, education, greater financial inclusion'
Modi elaborated on the progress of various schemes. Under Ayushman Bharat, 1.5L health centers were being constructed. Under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the government was adopting a comprehensive approach towards education. Gram Swaraj Abhiyan has been extended to 45,000 villages in 115 aspirational districts, where all aspects of human development need improvement. Schemes like Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana and Stand Up India were helping in greater financial inclusion.
'Governing Council can bring about historic change in the country'
The day-long Governing Council meet is being attended by CMs, some union ministers and NITI Aayog officials. Modi said this was a platform that could bring about "historic change" in the country. On the agenda of discussion are doubling farmers' income, development of aspirational districts, Mission Indradhanush, Ayushman Bharat, Nutrition Mission, and celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.
