Centre, states need to work closely to boost economic growth: Modi

New Delhi, February 20

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a strong case for repealing archaic laws and making it easier to do business in India, stating that the Centre and states needed to work closely to boost economic growth.

Addressing the sixth Governing Council meeting of Niti Aayog, the Prime Minister said the private sector should be given full opportunity to become a part of the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme.

"The Centre and states should work together for the nation's progress...The government has to respect and give due representation to the private sector for economic progress," Modi said.

He said the positive response to the Union Budget 2021-22 indicated that the country wanted to move forward on the path of development at greater speed.

Modi said the initiatives taken by the government would provide opportunity to everyone to participate in nation building to its full potential.

Referring to the farm sector, the Prime Minister said efforts should be made to produce agriculture items like edible oil and reduce their imports.

"This can be done by guiding farmers," he said, adding that the money being spent on imports could go to the accounts of farmers.

The Prime Minister said the government policies would help farmers raise productivity and cut imports, adding that reforms needed to provide funds and technology for the farm sector.

The Prime Minister also underlined the need for reducing compliance burden and repealing obsolete laws.

He asked the states to form committees to reduce regulations which are no longer relevant in the wake of technology growth.

Modi said states should attract investment using production-linked incentive scheme.

He said the government is spending on infrastructure to boost demand and create jobs.

The Prime Minister noted that bank accounts, free electricity and gas connection and proper vaccinations had brought changes in the lives of the poor.

Stressing on the need to strengthen start-ups and MSMEs, Modi said, “Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not just to make India self-reliant, but also to meet the world’s needs.”

He also urged states to form committees to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day.

The council of the apex body of Niti Aayog includes all chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, several union ministers and senior government officials. PTI