First conclave of state chief secys to be held in Dharamsala

NEW DELHI: In its bid to focus on key issues of urban governance, education and agriculture, and ensure coordinated efforts of states, the central government will host a two-day conclave of all state chief secretaries later this month at Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the conclave scheduled on June 16-17, sources said.
This is the first time such a conference of top bureaucrats is being held to discuss important issues in detail. “The details of the schedule are being prepared by the ministries concerned. The conclave will be more consultative in nature and to find out the challenges that the top officers face so that necessary corrective measures can be taken,” said a senior government official.
Talking to TOI, a couple of chief secretaries appreciated the initiative to bring their counterparts in all states and Union territories physically to one location and hold the conclave. “All the officers participating in this conclave have huge experience and they can bring some productive and efficient ideas and solutions when they come together. The three issues chosen for the conclave have relevance to all the states and UTs,” said another official.
Sources also said the conclave gains importance considering that states ruled by opposition parties have some or other issues with the Centre and in recent months the differences have grown. The move to bring all heads of state administration may also send a positive message when the Centre is trying to convince all states to replicate and join the central government’s initiatives such as setting up of state-level GatiShakti Master Plan for infrastructure development, creation of more ponds known as ‘Amrit Sarovar’.