The governing council of Niti Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is scheduled to convene on June 11, just weeks after the Centre's premier think tank underwent a restructuring. The following day, the Prime Minister will preside over a meeting with chief ministers from the northeastern states, according to officials.
Agenda and Background
The governing council is expected to review the outcomes of the previous conference of chief secretaries and assess the progress of actions taken following the annual dialogue with top state officials. During the last meeting with chief secretaries, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the concept of a 'reforms express' and stressed the importance of simplifying regulations to boost manufacturing and promote self-reliance.
Reforms and Economic Context
Late last month, the Union Council of Ministers discussed the reforms agenda and the measures implemented by over half a dozen departments. The high-level committee led by Niti Aayog member Rajiv Gauba also presented its findings. The Prime Minister underscored the need to continue on the reform path while incorporating feedback on the impact of already initiated steps.
The governing council meeting takes place amid the backdrop of the West Asia conflict, which is adversely affecting the domestic economy through a sharp depreciation of the rupee and higher prices of key raw materials. This economic strain adds urgency to the council's deliberations on reforms and growth strategies.
