As the curtains rise on the third National Conference of Chief Secretaries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to champion the principles of cooperative federalism, aiming to turn vision into action. This biennial conference, following the inaugural event in Dharamshala in June 2022 and the subsequent one in Delhi in January 2023, serves as a vital platform for encouraging participative governance and forging partnerships between the Centre and State Governments.
Cooperative Federalism in Action:
The National Conference of Chief Secretaries is emblematic of Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to cooperative federalism. By bringing together representatives from the Central Government, Chief Secretaries, and senior officials from all States and Union Territories, the conference seeks to facilitate collaborative action towards achieving an improved quality of life for both rural and urban populations. The upcoming conference, scheduled from December 27th to 29th, promises to be a significant milestone in this journey.
Focus on ‘Ease of Living’:
This year’s conference places a spotlight on ‘Ease of Living,’ underlining the commitment to making citizens’ lives more comfortable and streamlined. The three-day event will delve into the evolution and implementation of a common development agenda, fostering cohesive action in partnership with the States. By addressing key themes such as Land and property, Electricity, Drinking Water, Health, and Schooling, the conference aims to enhance the accessibility of welfare schemes and improve the quality of service delivery.
Focus on ‘Ease of Living’:
The agenda for the National Conference of Chief Secretaries encompasses focused discussions on vital topics, including Cyber Security, Perspectives on AI, Aspirational Block and district Programmes, Rationalisation of Schemes and autonomous Entities, Enhancing Capital Expenditure, and Challenges & Opportunities in AI Governance. Special sessions will highlight critical issues like Drug De-addiction & Rehabilitation, Amrit Sarovar, Tourism Promotion, Branding & Role of States, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana & PM SVANidhi.
Sharing Best Practices:
An integral aspect of the conference involves the presentation of best practices from States and Union Territories. These success stories aim to inspire replication and adaptation, allowing different regions to learn from each other’s achievements and tailor strategies according to their unique requirements.
The third National Conference of Chief Secretaries stands as a testament to the commitment towards collaborative governance, aligning with the principles of cooperative federalism. With ‘Ease of Living’ as the central theme, the conference is poised to pave the way for a more efficient and accessible governance structure, ultimately enhancing the well-being of citizens across the country. As representatives gather in Delhi for these crucial deliberations, the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility is set to shape the trajectory of India’s developmental journey.