PM Narendra Modi to consult CMs on body to replace plan panel

NEW DELHI: To bring states on board, PM Narendra Modi is expected to seek the opinion of CMs on formation of the new institution that will replace the erstwhile Planning Commission.
A senior government source said Modi wants to make states active partners in finalizing the shape and contours of the new body . States' views are crucial because the BJP government has indicated that state representatives are expected to have a dominant role in the new institution, which will also have sectoral experts from private sector and government.

With Modi keen on cooperative federalism, an official said some CMs could be part of the new body . “The step is in the direction of PM's idea of making states equal partners in growth,“ he said. Earlier, Planning Commission used to act as an interface between the Centre and states. The fate of the over 1,800 staff of the panel hangs in the balance.Though there is no clarity as to when the new body will take shape. An official said it should be formed by the end of the current financial year.