Planning Commission does not meet aspirations of states: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

NEW DELHI: Asserting that the Planning Commission does not meet aspirations of the states, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today suggested its replacement with a new advisory body.

Addressing a meeting of Chief Ministers convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on proposed structure of the Planning Commission, he also suggested establishment of a "knowledge and innovation hub" under the proposed body.

The plan panel "has a centralised structure. It doesn't meet the aspirations and needs of the states. There is a need to change the mandate of Planning Commission," he said.

The new body should be under the Prime Minister and have all Chief Ministers as its members, and have advisory role, he said

"The new body should make sector specific long-term plans," the Chief Minister of BJP-ruled state said.

Chouhan also favoured an autonomous body--knowledge and innovation hub--to suggest best practices and innovate new measures for states to suit their needs.

He gave a presentation on a financial inclusion programme 'Samruddhi' being implemented in Madhya Pradesh through which benefits of various government schemes for weaker sections are being transferred directly in their bank accounts through ultra small banks.

The 'Samruddhi scheme' is similar to Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (MPJDY), national mission for financial inclusion. It is aimed at ensuring access to financial services, namely, banking, savings and deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.

In his Independence Day speech, Modi had announced that a new institution with a new soul will replace the Planning Commission.