Budget 2019: Amitabh Kant, CEO of the NITI Aayog on Budget 2019

Budget 2019: NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Speaks to WION

Clearing the air about the news report that stated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuhrer-mussolini-rahul-gandhi-bjp-spar-over-jobs-report-194112">India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate</a>, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process.

"Government did not release the data (on jobs) as it is still being processed. When the data is ready we will release it", Rajiv Kumar said.

He further said it was not correct to rely upon the data (released today).

"Data collection method is different now, we are using a computer-assisted personal interviewee in the new survey. It is not right to compare the two data sets, this data is not verified. It is not correct to use this report as final, " he added.

A media report on Thursday showed the assessment by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted between July 2017-June 2018. According to the report the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 per cent, the highest since 1972-73.&nbsp;

The report further said that joblessness stood at 7.8 per cent in urban areas compared with 5.3 parts in the countryside.

The report published in a newspaper on Thursday said that the official survey that has been withheld by the government shows India's unemployment rate rose to a 45-year high during 2017-2018.

Clearing the air about the news report that stated India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process.

Clearing the air about the news report that stated India had recorded a 45-year high unemployment rate, NITI Aayog vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday that the government has not yet released any official data on unemployment as the data was still in process. "Government did not release the data (on jobs) as it is still being processed. When the data is ready we will release it", Rajiv Kumar said. He further said it was not correct to rely upon the data (released today). "Data collection method is different now, we are using a computer-assisted personal interviewee in the new survey. It is not right to compare the two data sets, this data is not verified. It is not correct to use this report as final, " he added. A media report on Thursday showed the assessment by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted between July 2017-June 2018. According to the report the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 per cent, the highest since 1972-73. The report further said that joblessness stood at 7.8 per cent in urban areas compared with 5.3 parts in the countryside. The report published in a newspaper on Thursday said that the official survey that has been withheld by the government shows India's unemployment rate rose to a 45-year high during 2017-2018.

Government has not yet released any official data on unemployment: NITI Aayog on job report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-must-sign-npt-to-gain-entry-into-nsg-patient-negotiations-required-china-194132">India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China</a>

India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into&nbsp;the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136">Will participate in all formats of talks that bring peace: India on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136">Afghan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-participate-in-all-formats-of-talks-that-bring-peace-india-on-afghan-peace-process-194136"> peace process</a>

India has said it is "closely following the&nbsp;developments related to peace&nbsp;and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147">India expresses displeasure to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147">UK</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-expresses-displeasure-to-uk-over-pak-foreign-minister-qureshis-upcoming-anti-india-conference-194147"> over Pak foreign minister Qureshi's upcoming anti-India conference</a>

India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after&nbsp;Pakistan's High Commissioner to India&nbsp;Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gdp-growth-rate-for-2017-18-revised-upwards-to-72-194138">GDP growth rate for 2017-18 revised upwards to 7.2%</a>

The government Thursday revised the economic growth rate upwards to 7.2 per cent for 2017-18 from the 6.7 per cent estimated earlier. "Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 and 2016-17 stand at Rs 131.80 lakh crore and Rs 122.98 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 7.2 per cent during 2017-18 and 8.2 per cent during 2016-17," the CSO said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russia-to-taliban-afghan-politicians-opposed-to-president-ghani-sources-194150">Russia to host Taliban, Afghan politicians opposed to President Ghani: Sources</a>

Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians&nbsp;opposed to President Ashraf Ghani&nbsp;on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process.

India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries.

India must sign NPT to gain entry into NSG, patient negotiations required: China India must sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty(NPT) to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, China said Thursday, asserting that "patient negotiations" were required for New Delhi's admission into the group as there is no precedent for the inclusion of non-NPT countries. Will participate in all formats of talks that bring peace: India on Afghan peace process India has said it is "closely following the developments related to peace and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan which have been undertaken by different stakeholders" and it will participate in "all formats of talks" which could "bring peace and security in the region." India expresses displeasure to UK over Pak foreign minister Qureshi's upcoming anti-India conference India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley. GDP growth rate for 2017-18 revised upwards to 7.2% The government Thursday revised the economic growth rate upwards to 7.2 per cent for 2017-18 from the 6.7 per cent estimated earlier. "Real GDP or GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for 2017-18 and 2016-17 stand at Rs 131.80 lakh crore and Rs 122.98 lakh crore, respectively, showing growth of 7.2 per cent during 2017-18 and 8.2 per cent during 2016-17," the CSO said. Russia to host Taliban, Afghan politicians opposed to President Ghani: Sources Russia will host the Taliban and Afghan politicians opposed to President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday, Russian and Taliban sources said, promoting its role of power broker in what a US official called an attempt to "muddle" the US-backed peace process.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Niti Aayog’s recent report on ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’ rightly recognises that the multidimensional determinants of undernutrition are inadequately reflected in policymaking. It argues that there must be convergent action with annual health, nutrition and sanitation plans being made in an integrated manner for all districts. In the case of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which is the main programmatic platform through which nutrition outcomes are to be achieved, the report finds that its focus on the first 1000 days of the child’s life is inadequate.&nbsp;

It argues that while children under 2-3 years of age must be given highest priority in nutrition interventions, much of the ICDS interventions are focussed on the delivery of services to children in the age group of 3 to 6 years. While the diagnosis is not entirely wrong, the recommendations at the end of the chapter do not show an adequate understanding of what needs to be done to correct this situation.

Researchers and activists have been making the same point for many years now. There is a consensus that there is a need to better reach the younger child. In the current model of the ICDS, where it is largely centre-based with part-time workers, this is not possible. The FOCUS report, 2006, recommended that every anganwadi centre must have two workers, with the primary responsibility of the second worker being the care of children under three years of age and pregnant and lactating women. In a number of subsequent reports, not just the Right to Food campaign but even UN bodies and the Planning Commission have made similar recommendations.

There has been a tremendous expansion in the ICDS following Supreme Court orders in 2006 directing that anganwadi services be universalised. The number of anganwadi centres in the country grew from about 6.5 lakhs in 2006 to almost 14 lakhs currently. The coverage of children under six receiving any ICDS services increased from 28 per cent children in 2005-06 (NFHS-3) to 54 per cent in 2015-16 (NFHS-4). However, although there has been this quantitative expansion in the programme as much attention has not been paid to improving the quality as well as addressing the design gaps.

One of the design issues, as discussed above, is enhancing the outreach to children under three. The Niti Aayog report suggests that this must be done through home visits to be conducted by accredited social health activists, a second auxiliary nurse midwife or community infant and young child feeding counsellors. This means the requirement for additional human resources is being recognised and needs to be provided for in the budgets for the ICDS.

While there was an increase in ICDS budgets commensurate to the higher number of anganwadi centres, throughout the last five years the central government’s allocations for ICDS has been stagnant around Rs.16,000 crores a year in nominal terms and declining in real terms.

The NFHS-4 finds that only about 10 per cent of children in the age group of 6 to 24 months in the country currently receive an adequate diet. While this requires counselling on infant and young child feeding, for the children in this age group it is also equally important to ensure the presence of an adult caregiver as well as the availability of energy-dense diverse foods. A number of NGO experiences across the country have shown that community-run daycare/crèche services can play a significant role in reaching out to children under two years of age and this has an impact not health and nutrition outcomes as well. One of the reforms in ICDS must, therefore, be to convert anganwadis into anganwadi-cum-crèches so that they can be accessible to younger children as well. Different models of crèches will have to be thought of depending on local contexts.

The problem with the ICDS is not that it is food-centric to the neglect of everything else rather than it is under-resourced and lacking investments – financial as well as technical and political. The ICDS is meant to provide pre-school education as well as health and nutrition services and without adequate infrastructure and human resources, achieving these twin objectives is impossible.&nbsp;

Therefore, while on the one side when nutrition is on the agenda, the ICDS is blamed for its excessive focus on older children and preschool; when preschool is the issue being discussed, the problem with ICDS is that it is preoccupied with nutrition! This can be avoided if we keep the child in the centre and not the scheme.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-tradition-turns-fatal-nepali-woman-two-sons-die-in-outlawed-menstruation-hut-2706410">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The Niti Aayog’s recent report on ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’ rightly recognises that the multidimensional determinants of undernutrition are inadequately reflected in policymaking.

The Niti Aayog’s recent report on ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’ rightly recognises that the multidimensional determinants of undernutrition are inadequately reflected in policymaking. It argues that there must be convergent action with annual health, nutrition and sanitation plans being made in an integrated manner for all districts. In the case of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which is the main programmatic platform through which nutrition outcomes are to be achieved, the report finds that its focus on the first 1000 days of the child’s life is inadequate. It argues that while children under 2-3 years of age must be given highest priority in nutrition interventions, much of the ICDS interventions are focussed on the delivery of services to children in the age group of 3 to 6 years. While the diagnosis is not entirely wrong, the recommendations at the end of the chapter do not show an adequate understanding of what needs to be done to correct this situation. Researchers and activists have been making the same point for many years now. There is a consensus that there is a need to better reach the younger child. In the current model of the ICDS, where it is largely centre-based with part-time workers, this is not possible. The FOCUS report, 2006, recommended that every anganwadi centre must have two workers, with the primary responsibility of the second worker being the care of children under three years of age and pregnant and lactating women. In a number of subsequent reports, not just the Right to Food campaign but even UN bodies and the Planning Commission have made similar recommendations. There has been a tremendous expansion in the ICDS following Supreme Court orders in 2006 directing that anganwadi services be universalised. The number of anganwadi centres in the country grew from about 6.5 lakhs in 2006 to almost 14 lakhs currently. The coverage of children under six receiving any ICDS services increased from 28 per cent children in 2005-06 (NFHS-3) to 54 per cent in 2015-16 (NFHS-4). However, although there has been this quantitative expansion in the programme as much attention has not been paid to improving the quality as well as addressing the design gaps. One of the design issues, as discussed above, is enhancing the outreach to children under three. The Niti Aayog report suggests that this must be done through home visits to be conducted by accredited social health activists, a second auxiliary nurse midwife or community infant and young child feeding counsellors. This means the requirement for additional human resources is being recognised and needs to be provided for in the budgets for the ICDS. While there was an increase in ICDS budgets commensurate to the higher number of anganwadi centres, throughout the last five years the central government’s allocations for ICDS has been stagnant around Rs.16,000 crores a year in nominal terms and declining in real terms. The NFHS-4 finds that only about 10 per cent of children in the age group of 6 to 24 months in the country currently receive an adequate diet. While this requires counselling on infant and young child feeding, for the children in this age group it is also equally important to ensure the presence of an adult caregiver as well as the availability of energy-dense diverse foods. A number of NGO experiences across the country have shown that community-run daycare/crèche services can play a significant role in reaching out to children under two years of age and this has an impact not health and nutrition outcomes as well. One of the reforms in ICDS must, therefore, be to convert anganwadis into anganwadi-cum-crèches so that they can be accessible to younger children as well. Different models of crèches will have to be thought of depending on local contexts. The problem with the ICDS is not that it is food-centric to the neglect of everything else rather than it is under-resourced and lacking investments – financial as well as technical and political. The ICDS is meant to provide pre-school education as well as health and nutrition services and without adequate infrastructure and human resources, achieving these twin objectives is impossible. Therefore, while on the one side when nutrition is on the agenda, the ICDS is blamed for its excessive focus on older children and preschool; when preschool is the issue being discussed, the problem with ICDS is that it is preoccupied with nutrition! This can be avoided if we keep the child in the centre and not the scheme. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Children under age of 3 must be given highest priority in nutrition interventions

India is embracing the use of artificial intelligence in a confident but steady manner. Government agencies, start-ups and large corporations are applying it to various functions and processes.

Most of the start-up ecosystem is heavily dependent on the use of new technologies including AI to achieve cost and organisational efficiencies. For the start-ups, using the technology is a natural step if not essential.&nbsp;

With good ideas, but low market presence they depend on AI-based insights to expand in the market. Larger organisations, however, are approaching the technologies with more care and caution. Not least because their size often hinders agility to change over to new systems. Such companies are deploying AI for specific functions of new business divisions.

Individuals are more digital these days than most organisations. Without our realisation, basic AI is already managing our personal and work lives through emails, work processes and even entertainment.

However, India hasn’t invested in AI at the scale required. The key recommendation by a NITI Aayog paper on AI includes setting up collaborative structures between academia, government, industry to create AI-based solutions for economic and development challenges.

A three-way collaboration between government, industry and academia is required for India specific challenges. Since many companies don’t have the risk-taking ability to invest in AI-based pilot projects, a structure for collaboration is needed. This can’t be done by the government alone either. The industry has the capital but not the risk-taking ability. The government can take the risk but doesn’t have inherent knowledge.&nbsp;

Academia has the structure but not the talent. Tech companies are innovative, but they don’t always conform to regulation and are often misguided. But someone has to bring them together. Globally several countries are trying to experiment with structures that will allow them to bring the important stakeholders together including citizens.

The report recognises this, “Many countries have instituted dedicated public offices such as Ministry of AI (UAE), and Office of AI and AI Council (UK) while China and Japan have allowed existing ministries to take up AI implementation in their sectoral areas. Not just national governments, but even local city governments have become increasingly aware of the importance and potential of AI and have committed public investments.”

What form can a structure like this take? Can there be a national body that brings everyone together? Will it be a Ministry of AI? India is yet to clarify its thoughts on this. What is clear is that India will need a body, perhaps not a ministry in the way we know it now. What is required is a coordinating and catalysing body that can guide, shape and enable the use of AI.

Some work has already begun with global organisations like the World Economic Forum (WEF) which is trying to get multiple stakeholders to grasp the importance of AI and related technologies. The Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) is a global hub created by WEF to improve the adoption of new technologies in a sustainable, responsible and collaborative manner, and to minimise their negative effects in the society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the C4IR in October. Mumbai will host the centre for India. Other centres are in San Francisco, Tokyo and Beijing. The over 45 global corporate partners and members include Reliance Industries, Salesforce, Wipro, ABB and SAP.

For India, the C4IR has chosen to support and guide the usage of drones, artificial intelligence and blockchain. The private sector is already using technologies but its growth can be impeded if the government policies don’t keep pace.

C4IR is working with NITI Aayog on expanding access to data to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in sectors such as healthcare, education, smart cities &amp; infrastructure, and smart mobility and transportation. The Centre will support the creation of a National Data Marketplace for India through which available data across these different sectors can be collected and integrated for targeted decision making and analyses using artificial intelligence.

In each of these sectors, the information about various dimensions is fragmented across various bodies that capture and store the data. There is virtually no protocol or framework where this data can be annotated, pooled and analysed. C4IR will help bring all relevant stakeholders together to create governance frameworks, systems and processes that will allow government bodies, private sector and individuals to pool such data and be incentivised for their contribution. For example, in the healthcare sector information about diseases, prevention efforts and clinical trials are distributed across various agencies like private hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and government clinics. For smart data analysis, all healthcare data should be created, curated and stored under a common protocol.

Collaborative structures like these have the potential of transforming the way government and private sector collaborate. Technology can bring a strong bond of trust which will be essential for pooling information and applying it in productive ways.

Though AI by itself is an important tool, the changes it will trigger will be much deeper and beneficial for an emerging economy like India.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-s-progress-on-artificial-intelligence-route-2698481">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India is embracing the use of artificial intelligence in a confident but steady manner. Government agencies, start-ups and large corporations are applying it to various functions and processes.

India is embracing the use of artificial intelligence in a confident but steady manner. Government agencies, start-ups and large corporations are applying it to various functions and processes. Most of the start-up ecosystem is heavily dependent on the use of new technologies including AI to achieve cost and organisational efficiencies. For the start-ups, using the technology is a natural step if not essential. With good ideas, but low market presence they depend on AI-based insights to expand in the market. Larger organisations, however, are approaching the technologies with more care and caution. Not least because their size often hinders agility to change over to new systems. Such companies are deploying AI for specific functions of new business divisions. Individuals are more digital these days than most organisations. Without our realisation, basic AI is already managing our personal and work lives through emails, work processes and even entertainment. However, India hasn’t invested in AI at the scale required. The key recommendation by a NITI Aayog paper on AI includes setting up collaborative structures between academia, government, industry to create AI-based solutions for economic and development challenges. A three-way collaboration between government, industry and academia is required for India specific challenges. Since many companies don’t have the risk-taking ability to invest in AI-based pilot projects, a structure for collaboration is needed. This can’t be done by the government alone either. The industry has the capital but not the risk-taking ability. The government can take the risk but doesn’t have inherent knowledge. Academia has the structure but not the talent. Tech companies are innovative, but they don’t always conform to regulation and are often misguided. But someone has to bring them together. Globally several countries are trying to experiment with structures that will allow them to bring the important stakeholders together including citizens. The report recognises this, “Many countries have instituted dedicated public offices such as Ministry of AI (UAE), and Office of AI and AI Council (UK) while China and Japan have allowed existing ministries to take up AI implementation in their sectoral areas. Not just national governments, but even local city governments have become increasingly aware of the importance and potential of AI and have committed public investments.” What form can a structure like this take? Can there be a national body that brings everyone together? Will it be a Ministry of AI? India is yet to clarify its thoughts on this. What is clear is that India will need a body, perhaps not a ministry in the way we know it now. What is required is a coordinating and catalysing body that can guide, shape and enable the use of AI. Some work has already begun with global organisations like the World Economic Forum (WEF) which is trying to get multiple stakeholders to grasp the importance of AI and related technologies. The Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) is a global hub created by WEF to improve the adoption of new technologies in a sustainable, responsible and collaborative manner, and to minimise their negative effects in the society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the C4IR in October. Mumbai will host the centre for India. Other centres are in San Francisco, Tokyo and Beijing. The over 45 global corporate partners and members include Reliance Industries, Salesforce, Wipro, ABB and SAP. For India, the C4IR has chosen to support and guide the usage of drones, artificial intelligence and blockchain. The private sector is already using technologies but its growth can be impeded if the government policies don’t keep pace. C4IR is working with NITI Aayog on expanding access to data to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in sectors such as healthcare, education, smart cities & infrastructure, and smart mobility and transportation. The Centre will support the creation of a National Data Marketplace for India through which available data across these different sectors can be collected and integrated for targeted decision making and analyses using artificial intelligence. In each of these sectors, the information about various dimensions is fragmented across various bodies that capture and store the data. There is virtually no protocol or framework where this data can be annotated, pooled and analysed. C4IR will help bring all relevant stakeholders together to create governance frameworks, systems and processes that will allow government bodies, private sector and individuals to pool such data and be incentivised for their contribution. For example, in the healthcare sector information about diseases, prevention efforts and clinical trials are distributed across various agencies like private hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and government clinics. For smart data analysis, all healthcare data should be created, curated and stored under a common protocol. Collaborative structures like these have the potential of transforming the way government and private sector collaborate. Technology can bring a strong bond of trust which will be essential for pooling information and applying it in productive ways. Though AI by itself is an important tool, the changes it will trigger will be much deeper and beneficial for an emerging economy like India. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India’s progress on Artificial Intelligence route

Joining the debate on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-madhya-pradesh-and-chhattisgarh-congress-announces-farm-loan-waiver-in-rajasthan-185365">farm loan waivers</a>, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress.

Congress chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waiver-promise-tipped-scales-in-congress-favour-in-mp-183555">Rahul Gandhi</a> has been pressing the government on the issue, saying he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until a loan waiver is given to all farmers.

"Farm loan waiver is not a solution to farm sector distress. It is not a solution but is palliative," Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference after the release of its 'Strategy for New India @ 75' document.

Kumar, however, added that in states where there is genuine farm distress, some short-term measures have to be taken.

Niti Aayog Member and agriculture policy expert Ramesh Chand also said the biggest problem with loan waiver is that it will benefit only a small fraction of farmers.

"In poorer states, only 10-15 per cent of farmers are benefited from loan waiver as few number of farmers get institutional loans in such states. In many states, not even 25 per cent of farmers avail institutional credit," Chand pointed out.

He noted that when you have this kind of variations in states in terms of farmers' access to institutional credit, it is not worth spending so much money on farm loan waivers.

"Even CAG report says that farm loan waivers does not help. Loan waivers is no solution to address distress in farm sector," Chand said.

Citing a recent study, he pointed out that in some states, more than 3/4th of farm loans are taken for consumption purpose and not for agriculture.

Chand argued that the demand for loan waiver arises because income of farmers is not increasing at a reasonable rate.

"We are discussing much better solution to address farm distress. We want to increase income of farmers," the Niti Aayog member insisted.

Both Kumar and Chand said the Aayog has suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture to link allocations to states to reform measures undertaken by them in the farm sector.

Replying to a query on GST, Kumar said the average rate will gravitate towards 15 per cent with increased resources and widening of the tax base.

"As the GST net widens, all these will gravitate towards average 15 per cent. It would be good rate if you compare with the previous indirect tax rate which used to be around 30 per cent. It will give impetus to consumption and economic growth," Kumar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday said the effort will be to ensure that 99 per cent of all items, including almost all items used by the common man, are kept at a GST slab of 18 per cent or less.

To a question on job creation, the Niti Aayog vice chairman said, "On the employment front, I am not sure crisis is appropriate word to use."

"We are concerned with the employment situation. In fact, I am one of those economists who has said our policy targets could well be in terms of employment maximisation and growth will come out of that," he added.

Kumar also noted that aspirational levels are much higher today among the youth than what it was earlier.

He also announced that data on job creation will be released very soon as the work is in advanced stage.

Noting that the government wants to look at regional inequality, Kumar said, "We are not following Washington Consensus."

He also said after the release of 'Strategy for New India @ 75', the Aayog will now start working on the 15-year vision document.

Asked to comment on a recent report prepared by 13 economists from India and abroad, including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agri-loan-waiver-should-not-form-part-of-poll-promises-rajan-184112">former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan</a>, Kumar said that the Aayog's strategy document is much more realistic and ground-based.

On status of the three-year action agenda which was released last year, he said," Three-year action agenda is very much part of the government's operating agenda."

Joining the debate on farm loan waivers, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress.

Joining the debate on farm loan waivers, government think-tank Niti Aayog Wednesday said such a move helps only a fraction of farmers and is no solution to mitigate agrarian distress. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been pressing the government on the issue, saying he will not let Prime Minister Narendra Modi sleep until a loan waiver is given to all farmers. "Farm loan waiver is not a solution to farm sector distress. It is not a solution but is palliative," Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference after the release of its 'Strategy for New India @ 75' document. Kumar, however, added that in states where there is genuine farm distress, some short-term measures have to be taken. Niti Aayog Member and agriculture policy expert Ramesh Chand also said the biggest problem with loan waiver is that it will benefit only a small fraction of farmers. "In poorer states, only 10-15 per cent of farmers are benefited from loan waiver as few number of farmers get institutional loans in such states. In many states, not even 25 per cent of farmers avail institutional credit," Chand pointed out. He noted that when you have this kind of variations in states in terms of farmers' access to institutional credit, it is not worth spending so much money on farm loan waivers. "Even CAG report says that farm loan waivers does not help. Loan waivers is no solution to address distress in farm sector," Chand said. Citing a recent study, he pointed out that in some states, more than 3/4th of farm loans are taken for consumption purpose and not for agriculture. Chand argued that the demand for loan waiver arises because income of farmers is not increasing at a reasonable rate. "We are discussing much better solution to address farm distress. We want to increase income of farmers," the Niti Aayog member insisted. Both Kumar and Chand said the Aayog has suggested to the Ministry of Agriculture to link allocations to states to reform measures undertaken by them in the farm sector. Replying to a query on GST, Kumar said the average rate will gravitate towards 15 per cent with increased resources and widening of the tax base. "As the GST net widens, all these will gravitate towards average 15 per cent. It would be good rate if you compare with the previous indirect tax rate which used to be around 30 per cent. It will give impetus to consumption and economic growth," Kumar said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday said the effort will be to ensure that 99 per cent of all items, including almost all items used by the common man, are kept at a GST slab of 18 per cent or less. To a question on job creation, the Niti Aayog vice chairman said, "On the employment front, I am not sure crisis is appropriate word to use." "We are concerned with the employment situation. In fact, I am one of those economists who has said our policy targets could well be in terms of employment maximisation and growth will come out of that," he added. Kumar also noted that aspirational levels are much higher today among the youth than what it was earlier. He also announced that data on job creation will be released very soon as the work is in advanced stage. Noting that the government wants to look at regional inequality, Kumar said, "We are not following Washington Consensus." He also said after the release of 'Strategy for New India @ 75', the Aayog will now start working on the 15-year vision document. Asked to comment on a recent report prepared by 13 economists from India and abroad, including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, Kumar said that the Aayog's strategy document is much more realistic and ground-based. On status of the three-year action agenda which was released last year, he said," Three-year action agenda is very much part of the government's operating agenda."

Loan waiver not a solution to farm distress: Niti Aayog

A day after Urjit Patel resigned as RBI Governor, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said the central bank's institutional capabilities are 'very strong' and it will do whatever is required for the markets and economy.

Kumar further said although Patel has done an amazing work in the last two years as RBI Governor, the functioning of the central bank is not dependent on any particular individual.

"RBI's institutional capabilities are very strong and they will do whatever is required for the markets and economy. The fact is that RBI itself is such a professional institution, and such a long-standing institution that you know, the business will continue," Kumar said in New Delhi on Tuesday.

Patel, who had a run-in with the government over autonomy of the central bank, resigned as RBI governor on Monday, citing personal reasons.

The Niti Aayog vice chairman also assured that the government will do whatever is required to continue its business as usual.

"Patel has done an amazing work in the last two years...But RBI is not dependent on any one particular individual," Kumar said.

Commenting of weakening of the rupee after Patel's resignation, Kumar said: "The government also, I am sure, is seized of the matter and will take care whichever way it's possible."

The rupee on Tuesday plunged by a significant 110 paise in early trade as domestic equities saw heavy sell-off amid crucial state election results and the unexpected resignation of Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel.

A day after Urjit Patel resigned as RBI Governor, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said the central bank's institutional capabilities are 'very strong' and it will do whatever is required for the markets and economy.

A day after Urjit Patel resigned as RBI Governor, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said the central bank's institutional capabilities are 'very strong' and it will do whatever is required for the markets and economy. Kumar further said although Patel has done an amazing work in the last two years as RBI Governor, the functioning of the central bank is not dependent on any particular individual. "RBI's institutional capabilities are very strong and they will do whatever is required for the markets and economy. The fact is that RBI itself is such a professional institution, and such a long-standing institution that you know, the business will continue," Kumar said in New Delhi on Tuesday. Patel, who had a run-in with the government over autonomy of the central bank, resigned as RBI governor on Monday, citing personal reasons. The Niti Aayog vice chairman also assured that the government will do whatever is required to continue its business as usual. "Patel has done an amazing work in the last two years...But RBI is not dependent on any one particular individual," Kumar said. Commenting of weakening of the rupee after Patel's resignation, Kumar said: "The government also, I am sure, is seized of the matter and will take care whichever way it's possible." The rupee on Tuesday plunged by a significant 110 paise in early trade as domestic equities saw heavy sell-off amid crucial state election results and the unexpected resignation of Reserve Bank Governor Urjit Patel.

RBI's institutional capabilities very strong: Niti Aayog's Rajiv Kumar on Urjit Patel's exit

Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar Thursday accepted the challenge of former <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/aircel-maxis-case-cbi-says-it-has-centres-permission-to-prosecute-p-chidambaram-179541">finance minister P Chidambaram</a> for a debate on the revised GDP data which showed economic growth during the current NDA regime was better than that in the UPA rule.

"Hon. @PChidambaram_IN Ji, challenge accepted. Let's discuss &amp; dissect back series data. I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday &amp; it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data," Kumar said in a tweet.

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Hon. <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PChidambaram_IN</a> Ji,challenge accepted.Let’s discuss &amp; dissect back series data.I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday &amp; it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data <a href="https://t.co/RxF38JZutx">https://t.co/RxF38JZutx</a>
— Rajiv Kumar 🇮🇳 (@RajivKumar1) <a href="https://twitter.com/RajivKumar1/status/1068022584095105024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He was responding to Chidambaram who sought had a debate with Kumar over the new set of data.

"I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate the data than telling journalists that their questions are "undeserving of an answer," Chidambaram had tweeted.

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I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate the data than telling journalists that their questions are "undeserving of an answer".
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1067818769060290560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Through more tweets, Kumar also stressed that Niti Aayog uses data extensively for making logical policy recommendations and the data is always based on assessment and quality check by eminent statisticians.

"Therefore, it was logical for @NITIAayog to provide the platform for its release. Pronab Sen would know that MOSPI &amp; Yojana Bhavan worked closely together," he said.

Chidambaram had termed the revision of GDP data as a "hatchet job" by Niti Aayog and said it was time to windup the "utterly worthless body".

"Former Chief Statistician Pronab Sen is absolutely correct. Niti Aayog has nothing to do with tabulation of data," the former finance minister added. 
Kumar, later, told PTI that at one point of time the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) was a department of the erstwhile Planning Commission.

He said Niti Aayog had provided platform to experts and statisticians to examine the GDP back-series) data.

"GDP back-series data is a technical thing, it has a huge macroeconomic impact, so we have done it in a more macroeconomic manner," the vice-chairman said and added he was deeply pained at people who politicised it for no reason at all.

On comments made by the former finance minister, Kumar said: "Chidambaram has done great disfavour to officers of CSO. CSO officials have done amzaningly technically detailed exercise".

In January 2015, the government moved to a new base year of 2011-12 from the earlier 2004-05 for national accounts. The base year of national accounts had been revised earlier in January 2010.

The CSO Wednesday released back-series data with 2011-12 as base year.

The new numbers show India's economic growth rate averaged 6.7 per cent during the Congress-led UPA regime as compared to 7.3 per cent under the present government. Previous numbers had put the average growth rate during the 10-year UPA rule at 7.75 per cent.

Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar Thursday accepted the challenge of former finance minister P Chidambaram for a debate on the revised GDP data which showed economic growth during the current NDA regime was better than that in the UPA rule.

Niti Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar Thursday accepted the challenge of former finance minister P Chidambaram for a debate on the revised GDP data which showed economic growth during the current NDA regime was better than that in the UPA rule. "Hon. @PChidambaram_IN Ji, challenge accepted. Let's discuss & dissect back series data. I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday & it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data," Kumar said in a tweet. Hon. @PChidambaram_IN Ji,challenge accepted.Let’s discuss & dissect back series data.I gave 3 hrs of detailed interview yesterday & it is somewhat disingenuous of you to say that I asked the media to not ask questions. Do give more coherent reasons for ur difficulty with new data https://t.co/RxF38JZutx — Rajiv Kumar 🇮🇳 (@RajivKumar1) November 29, 2018 × He was responding to Chidambaram who sought had a debate with Kumar over the new set of data. "I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate the data than telling journalists that their questions are "undeserving of an answer," Chidambaram had tweeted. I wonder if Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar will agree to a debate the data than telling journalists that their questions are "undeserving of an answer". — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 28, 2018 × Through more tweets, Kumar also stressed that Niti Aayog uses data extensively for making logical policy recommendations and the data is always based on assessment and quality check by eminent statisticians. "Therefore, it was logical for @NITIAayog to provide the platform for its release. Pronab Sen would know that MOSPI & Yojana Bhavan worked closely together," he said. Chidambaram had termed the revision of GDP data as a "hatchet job" by Niti Aayog and said it was time to windup the "utterly worthless body". "Former Chief Statistician Pronab Sen is absolutely correct. Niti Aayog has nothing to do with tabulation of data," the former finance minister added. Kumar, later, told PTI that at one point of time the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) was a department of the erstwhile Planning Commission. He said Niti Aayog had provided platform to experts and statisticians to examine the GDP back-series) data. "GDP back-series data is a technical thing, it has a huge macroeconomic impact, so we have done it in a more macroeconomic manner," the vice-chairman said and added he was deeply pained at people who politicised it for no reason at all. On comments made by the former finance minister, Kumar said: "Chidambaram has done great disfavour to officers of CSO. CSO officials have done amzaningly technically detailed exercise". In January 2015, the government moved to a new base year of 2011-12 from the earlier 2004-05 for national accounts. The base year of national accounts had been revised earlier in January 2010. The CSO Wednesday released back-series data with 2011-12 as base year. The new numbers show India's economic growth rate averaged 6.7 per cent during the Congress-led UPA regime as compared to 7.3 per cent under the present government. Previous numbers had put the average growth rate during the 10-year UPA rule at 7.75 per cent.

Niti Aayog vice-chairman accepts Chidambaram's 'challenge' on revised GDP data

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad Sunday said school education in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh was worse than that in his native Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that NITI Aayog had ranked school education in MP as the poorest among all states.

"School education in Madhya Pradesh is worse than Kashmir which has been plagued by terrorism for the last 30 years. Education in MP is the poorest according to the NITI Aayog," Azad said at a press conference here.

Elaborating on his claim, Azad said, "In MP, 72,000 schools do not have electricity connections, 18,000 schools have only a teacher each and 58,000 school buildings have collapsed."

Hitting out at MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Azad questioned, "What education department is being run? This is jungle raj. Is there any law and order? Is there anything called education (in MP)?"

He added that the maximum number of rapes took place in MP.

Commenting on malnourishment among children in MP, Azad claimed that 80 such children die in the state daily.

Referring to the press conference by four Supreme Court judges (in January this year) as well as recent developments in the CBI and Reserve Bank of India, Azad claimed that democracy was in "danger" in the country.

He alleged that the Narendra Modi government at the Centre had failed on all fronts and claimed that 56,000 IT professionals had lost their jobs in the last one year.

He said the Centre's implementation of GST and demonetisation had fuelled unemployment.

MP goes to polls on November 28 and counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad Sunday said school education in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh was worse than that in his native Jammu and Kashmir. He said that NITI Aayog had ranked school education in MP as the poorest among all states.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad Sunday said school education in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh was worse than that in his native Jammu and Kashmir. He said that NITI Aayog had ranked school education in MP as the poorest among all states. "School education in Madhya Pradesh is worse than Kashmir which has been plagued by terrorism for the last 30 years. Education in MP is the poorest according to the NITI Aayog," Azad said at a press conference here. Elaborating on his claim, Azad said, "In MP, 72,000 schools do not have electricity connections, 18,000 schools have only a teacher each and 58,000 school buildings have collapsed." Hitting out at MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Azad questioned, "What education department is being run? This is jungle raj. Is there any law and order? Is there anything called education (in MP)?" He added that the maximum number of rapes took place in MP. Commenting on malnourishment among children in MP, Azad claimed that 80 such children die in the state daily. Referring to the press conference by four Supreme Court judges (in January this year) as well as recent developments in the CBI and Reserve Bank of India, Azad claimed that democracy was in "danger" in the country. He alleged that the Narendra Modi government at the Centre had failed on all fronts and claimed that 56,000 IT professionals had lost their jobs in the last one year. He said the Centre's implementation of GST and demonetisation had fuelled unemployment. MP goes to polls on November 28 and counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.

Assembly elections: Madhya Pradesh school education worse than that in J&K, says Ghulam Nabi Azad

In the wake of Ramzan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N&nbsp;Chandrababu Naidu suggested NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar to postpone the governing council meeting.

In a letter, Naidu recommended Kumar to push the meeting by two days, so that he would be available on Ramzan to meet the Muslim population of the state.

The meeting was scheduled to be held on June 16. However, on account of the Muslim festival, Naidu suggested that the meeting be postponed to June 18 or June 17 at noon.

This will be the fourth meeting of the think tank's governing council, which will see deliberations on the development agenda 'New India 2022.'

The council comprises of chief ministers of all states, including Naidu, and members of the NITI Aayog.&nbsp;

The council comprises of chief ministers of all states, including Naidu, and members of the NITI Aayog

In the wake of Ramzan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu suggested NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar to postpone the governing council meeting. In a letter, Naidu recommended Kumar to push the meeting by two days, so that he would be available on Ramzan to meet the Muslim population of the state. The meeting was scheduled to be held on June 16. However, on account of the Muslim festival, Naidu suggested that the meeting be postponed to June 18 or June 17 at noon. This will be the fourth meeting of the think tank's governing council, which will see deliberations on the development agenda 'New India 2022.' The council comprises of chief ministers of all states, including Naidu, and members of the NITI Aayog.

Andhra Pradesh CM suggests NITI Aayog to reschedule meeting

Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday slammed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/states-like-up-bihar-holding-india-back-niti-aayog-ceo-amitabh-kant-132435">NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant</a>’s statement blaming the state for India’s backwardness, saying the remark has exposed the mindset of “babus” in the Modi-led government.

"Bihar and Bihari`s pay equal taxes, contribute equally or more to governance and nation-building. Bihar gave 33 MPs to NDA, seven Union Ministers from Bihar, both State and Centre governments are of same party and alliance. But still, these Babus say Bihar is backward..." the former Deputy Chief Minister tweeted.

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Bihar & Bihari’s pay equal taxes, contribute equally or more in governance & Nation building. Bihar gave 33 MPs to NDA, 7 Union Ministers r frm Bihar, both State & Centre govts are of same party nd alliance But still these Babu’s says Bihar is backward.BJP ruling state for 10yrs <a href="https://t.co/Ii9pxjt4Xt">https://t.co/Ii9pxjt4Xt</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/988632682597900288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Modi has failed to grant special category status or special packages promised by him. Four years have passed, but nothing has happened so far, except 'jumlas' (hollow words)," he said.

While speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amitabh Kant said, "India was backward because of the eastern states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, especially on social indicators."

Kant said that the states in India's southern and western region were growing rapidly, but those like Bihar, UP and Chattisgarh were keeping the country backwards.

"Modi has failed to grant special category status or special packages promised by him," he said.

Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday slammed NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant’s statement blaming the state for India’s backwardness, saying the remark has exposed the mindset of “babus” in the Modi-led government. "Bihar and Bihari`s pay equal taxes, contribute equally or more to governance and nation-building. Bihar gave 33 MPs to NDA, seven Union Ministers from Bihar, both State and Centre governments are of same party and alliance. But still, these Babus say Bihar is backward..." the former Deputy Chief Minister tweeted. Bihar & Bihari’s pay equal taxes, contribute equally or more in governance & Nation building. Bihar gave 33 MPs to NDA, 7 Union Ministers r frm Bihar, both State & Centre govts are of same party nd alliance But still these Babu’s says Bihar is backward.BJP ruling state for 10yrs https://t.co/Ii9pxjt4Xt — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) April 24, 2018 × "Modi has failed to grant special category status or special packages promised by him. Four years have passed, but nothing has happened so far, except 'jumlas' (hollow words)," he said. While speaking at the first Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan Memorial Lecture at Jamia Millia Islamia University, NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amitabh Kant said, "India was backward because of the eastern states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, especially on social indicators." Kant said that the states in India's southern and western region were growing rapidly, but those like Bihar, UP and Chattisgarh were keeping the country backwards.

Tejashwi replies to NITI Aayog CEO for blaming Bihar for India's backwardness

NITI Aayog has come up with a mechanism under which 101 most underdeveloped districts of the country termed as 'aspirational' would be competing with each other in terms of performance and they will be ranked on 49 indicators based on various data points.

The 49 indicators on 81 data points will cover five development areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development and basic infrastructure.

From the beginning of next fiscal year from April 1, this real-time data collection and monitoring will be open for public viewing.

India cannot grow at a high rate on a long run until these districts catch up, whatever high are the GDP number, it has no meaning until the benefit of growth percolates down to very basic level, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said while announcing the launch of ranking for the "Aspirational Districts'.

The ranking of districts follows the launch of 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January with an aim to quickly and effectively transform some of the most underdeveloped districts in the country.

This will converge the central and state schemes, collaborate central, state and district collectors to strengthen these districts by identifying the low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement, measure progress and then rank the district by getting the data on a real-time basis.

All the states — except West Bengal and Kerala -- are on board in this ranking initiative however, these states are expected to join soon, Kant said.

As per the baseline ranking, Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh is ranked highest with score of 48.13 per cent while Mewat in Haryana tails at the end with 26.02 per cent.

Among others, Asifabad (Telengana), Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh), Kiphire (Nagaland), Shrawasti, Siddarthnagar and Balrampur (Uttar Pradesh), Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh), Sukma (Chattisgarh) are ranked at bottom of the list.

While on top of the list among others include Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Osmanabad (Maharashtra), Cuddapah (Andhra Pradesh), Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu), Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand), Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh), Khammam (Telangana), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).

NITI Aayog and the Andhra Pradesh government have created a dashboard for monitoring the real-time progress of the districts.

From April 1, these 101 districts will start entering data and from May onwards, they will be ranked based on progress made (delta ranking) on a real-time basis.

From the beginning of next fiscal year from April 1, this real-time data collection and monitoring will be open for public viewing

NITI Aayog has come up with a mechanism under which 101 most underdeveloped districts of the country termed as 'aspirational' would be competing with each other in terms of performance and they will be ranked on 49 indicators based on various data points. The 49 indicators on 81 data points will cover five development areas of health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water resources, financial inclusion and skill development and basic infrastructure. From the beginning of next fiscal year from April 1, this real-time data collection and monitoring will be open for public viewing. India cannot grow at a high rate on a long run until these districts catch up, whatever high are the GDP number, it has no meaning until the benefit of growth percolates down to very basic level, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said while announcing the launch of ranking for the "Aspirational Districts'. The ranking of districts follows the launch of 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January with an aim to quickly and effectively transform some of the most underdeveloped districts in the country. This will converge the central and state schemes, collaborate central, state and district collectors to strengthen these districts by identifying the low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement, measure progress and then rank the district by getting the data on a real-time basis. All the states — except West Bengal and Kerala -- are on board in this ranking initiative however, these states are expected to join soon, Kant said. As per the baseline ranking, Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh is ranked highest with score of 48.13 per cent while Mewat in Haryana tails at the end with 26.02 per cent. Among others, Asifabad (Telengana), Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh), Kiphire (Nagaland), Shrawasti, Siddarthnagar and Balrampur (Uttar Pradesh), Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh), Sukma (Chattisgarh) are ranked at bottom of the list. While on top of the list among others include Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Osmanabad (Maharashtra), Cuddapah (Andhra Pradesh), Ramanathapuram (Tamil Nadu), Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand), Mahasamund (Chhattisgarh), Khammam (Telangana), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). NITI Aayog and the Andhra Pradesh government have created a dashboard for monitoring the real-time progress of the districts. From April 1, these 101 districts will start entering data and from May onwards, they will be ranked based on progress made (delta ranking) on a real-time basis.

Haryana’s Mewat, Telangana’s Asifabad are country's most backward districts: Niti Ayog

A task force constituted by Niti Aayog on clean transportation has suggested removal of all permit requirements for electric vehicles (EVs) as they are environment-friendly and the government needs to promote them.

The report of the task force prepared jointly by Niti Aayog and CII also made a case for preparing a long-term vision for intra-city electric buses.

&quot;Task force proposes eliminating all permit requirements for electric vehicles in order to encourage electric mobility as getting and renewing permits every year is costly and time-consuming.

&quot;It would require a change in existing permit regime, at national and state level. Safety issues will need deliberation such that they do not impede the success of such intervention,&quot; the report said.

It further said that a long-term vision for intra-city electric buses is required.

&quot;Retrofitting CNG engines with electric drive trains and pantographs for opportunity charging enroute can be a way forward for electric mobility in Delhi,&quot; the report noted.

Pointing out that two-wheelers and three-wheelers market has a huge potential for adopting EV technologies, the report said,&quot;hence, they should be targeted for large-scale adoption of EV technologies&quot;.

It also pitched for limiting high-mileage polluting vehicles, strengthening Pollution-Under-Control (PUC) regime, allowing retailing of biofuels and promoting electric-mobility.

The report also noted that public transportation options should be accessible within 500 metres and 1,000 metres for a household in urban areas and for peri-urban areas, respectively.

According to the report, parking management is an important tool to limit the number of vehicles on the road.

&quot;Introduce on-road parking fees based on the area and time to decongest prime streets and incentivise public transport in areas with adequate supply for public transport services, for instance, the metro stations,&quot; the report suggested.

It also pitched for imposing parking fee incommensurate with the land value or land opportunity cost.

The report also said that vehicles older than 20 years should be banned and traffic police should have powers to lift and scrape non-compliant vehicles.

Another task force constituted by Niti Aayog in a report titled &#39;Action Plan for Clean Fuel&#39; said that taxation and pricing strategy is needed to provide impetus to cleaner fuels and discouraging the use of polluting ones.

&quot;Lower taxes on the cleaner fuels are sought and for the purpose, GST can create a level playing field in the country,&quot; it said. Noting that Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the cleanest and economical transportation fuel is widely used in countries like China and the US, the report said, &quot;Long haul road transportation, inland waterways and railways are the important areas where LNG can be used as a transportation fuel&quot;.

It further said that a long-term vision for intra-city electric buses is required

A task force constituted by Niti Aayog on clean transportation has suggested removal of all permit requirements for electric vehicles (EVs) as they are environment-friendly and the government needs to promote them. The report of the task force prepared jointly by Niti Aayog and CII also made a case for preparing a long-term vision for intra-city electric buses. "Task force proposes eliminating all permit requirements for electric vehicles in order to encourage electric mobility as getting and renewing permits every year is costly and time-consuming. "It would require a change in existing permit regime, at national and state level. Safety issues will need deliberation such that they do not impede the success of such intervention," the report said. It further said that a long-term vision for intra-city electric buses is required. "Retrofitting CNG engines with electric drive trains and pantographs for opportunity charging enroute can be a way forward for electric mobility in Delhi," the report noted. Pointing out that two-wheelers and three-wheelers market has a huge potential for adopting EV technologies, the report said,"hence, they should be targeted for large-scale adoption of EV technologies". It also pitched for limiting high-mileage polluting vehicles, strengthening Pollution-Under-Control (PUC) regime, allowing retailing of biofuels and promoting electric-mobility. The report also noted that public transportation options should be accessible within 500 metres and 1,000 metres for a household in urban areas and for peri-urban areas, respectively. According to the report, parking management is an important tool to limit the number of vehicles on the road. "Introduce on-road parking fees based on the area and time to decongest prime streets and incentivise public transport in areas with adequate supply for public transport services, for instance, the metro stations," the report suggested. It also pitched for imposing parking fee incommensurate with the land value or land opportunity cost. The report also said that vehicles older than 20 years should be banned and traffic police should have powers to lift and scrape non-compliant vehicles. Another task force constituted by Niti Aayog in a report titled 'Action Plan for Clean Fuel' said that taxation and pricing strategy is needed to provide impetus to cleaner fuels and discouraging the use of polluting ones. "Lower taxes on the cleaner fuels are sought and for the purpose, GST can create a level playing field in the country," it said. Noting that Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is the cleanest and economical transportation fuel is widely used in countries like China and the US, the report said, "Long haul road transportation, inland waterways and railways are the important areas where LNG can be used as a transportation fuel".

Remove all permits for electric vehicles: NITI Aayog Report

NITI Aayog&#39;s latest release states a drop in sex ratio&nbsp;at birth (SRB) in 17 Indian states.&nbsp;

According to the report, Gujarat recorded the most alarming dip of 53 points, the sex ratio at birth here fell to 854 females from 907 females per 1,000 males born from 2012-14 (base year) to 2013-15.

Gujarat is followed by Haryana, which registered a drop of 35 points. Rajasthan at 32 points followed with Uttarakhand (27 points), Maharashtra (18 points), Himachal Pradesh (14 points), Chhattisgarh (12 points), and Karnataka (11 points) following closely.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6wQaJjkKAoU" width="560"></iframe>

NITI Aayog&#39;s &lsquo;Healthy States, Progressive India&rsquo; report called out for the need to check sex-selective abortion rate.&nbsp;

&ldquo;There is a clear need for states to effectively implement the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 and take appropriate measures to promote the value of the girl child,&rdquo; the report stated.

The report was released last week and noted states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to have shown improvement in the SRB.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Sex ratio at birth is an important indicator and reflects the extent to which there is a reduction in the number of girl children born by sex-selective abortions,&rdquo; the report noted.

(With inputs from PTI)

According to the report, Gujarat recorded the most alarming dip of 53 points

NITI Aayog's latest release states a drop in sex ratio at birth (SRB) in 17 Indian states. According to the report, Gujarat recorded the most alarming dip of 53 points, the sex ratio at birth here fell to 854 females from 907 females per 1,000 males born from 2012-14 (base year) to 2013-15. Gujarat is followed by Haryana, which registered a drop of 35 points. Rajasthan at 32 points followed with Uttarakhand (27 points), Maharashtra (18 points), Himachal Pradesh (14 points), Chhattisgarh (12 points), and Karnataka (11 points) following closely. NITI Aayog's ‘Healthy States, Progressive India’ report called out for the need to check sex-selective abortion rate. “There is a clear need for states to effectively implement the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 and take appropriate measures to promote the value of the girl child,” the report stated. The report was released last week and noted states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to have shown improvement in the SRB. “Sex ratio at birth is an important indicator and reflects the extent to which there is a reduction in the number of girl children born by sex-selective abortions,” the report noted. (With inputs from PTI)

'Sex ratio at birth' drop in 17 Indian states: NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog&#39;s Health Index report has Kerala placed on top followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh figures at the bottom of the list as the worst performer.&nbsp;

Among larger states, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha joined Uttar Pradesh as states that performed poorly in the health index.

Mizoram ranked first among small states&nbsp;followed by Manipur and Goa.

In terms of annual incremental performance measured in larger states, Jharkhand, Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh appeared as the top three states.

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant released the report stating that the Health Index will act as a tool to leverage cooperative and competitive federalism. He also hoped that the Index will help in accelerating the pace of achieving health outcomes.

NITI Aayog member Vinod Paul said that the Health Index measures the absolute and incremental changes in health outcomes and will facilitate&nbsp;cross-learning between states.

NITI Aayog&#39;s initiative -- in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare -- aims at enabling better assessment of health outcomes across the country.

The report explicitly focuses on the outcomes of health systems.

The index consists of 24 indicators including&nbsp;health outcomes, governance and information, and key inputs or processes.&nbsp;

All Indian states and union territories were categorised into larger states, smaller states, and union territories. &nbsp;

Among union territories, Lakshwadeep islands emerged on top of the health index. The UT was also listed as the highest annual incremental performer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Among larger states, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha joined Uttar Pradesh as states that performed poorly in the health index

NITI Aayog's Health Index report has Kerala placed on top followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh figures at the bottom of the list as the worst performer. Among larger states, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha joined Uttar Pradesh as states that performed poorly in the health index. Mizoram ranked first among small states followed by Manipur and Goa. In terms of annual incremental performance measured in larger states, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh appeared as the top three states. NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant released the report stating that the Health Index will act as a tool to leverage cooperative and competitive federalism. He also hoped that the Index will help in accelerating the pace of achieving health outcomes. NITI Aayog member Vinod Paul said that the Health Index measures the absolute and incremental changes in health outcomes and will facilitate cross-learning between states. NITI Aayog's initiative -- in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare -- aims at enabling better assessment of health outcomes across the country. The report explicitly focuses on the outcomes of health systems. The index consists of 24 indicators including health outcomes, governance and information, and key inputs or processes. All Indian states and union territories were categorised into larger states, smaller states, and union territories. Among union territories, Lakshwadeep islands emerged on top of the health index. The UT was also listed as the highest annual incremental performer. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala tops NITI Aayog's Health Index, Uttar Pradesh worst performer

Jharkhand ranks number one in health reforms according to NITI Aayog&#39;s Health Index.

According to the report, the state authorities got 6.87 per cent more work done in the field in 2015-15 as compared to 2014-15.&nbsp;

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das expressed his delight on the finding and noted that the state is committed toward providing better health services to the people of Jharkhand.

He also added that the authorities are working towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s dream of &quot;Swastha Bharat, Swastha Jharkhand&quot;.

NITI Aayog&#39;s Health Index report has Kerala placed on top followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh figures at the bottom of the list as the worst performer.&nbsp;

Among larger states, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha joined Uttar Pradesh as states that performed poorly in the health index.

Mizoram ranked first among small states followed by Manipur and Goa.

The report was released by the NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, Priti Sudan, Union Health Secretary and World Bank&#39;s India Country Head Junaid Ahmed.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

NITI Aayog Health Index report has Kerala placed on top

Jharkhand ranks number one in health reforms according to NITI Aayog's Health Index. According to the report, the state authorities got 6.87 per cent more work done in the field in 2015-15 as compared to 2014-15. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das expressed his delight on the finding and noted that the state is committed toward providing better health services to the people of Jharkhand. He also added that the authorities are working towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of "Swastha Bharat, Swastha Jharkhand". NITI Aayog's Health Index report has Kerala placed on top followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Uttar Pradesh figures at the bottom of the list as the worst performer. Among larger states, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha joined Uttar Pradesh as states that performed poorly in the health index. Mizoram ranked first among small states followed by Manipur and Goa. The report was released by the NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, Priti Sudan, Union Health Secretary and World Bank's India Country Head Junaid Ahmed. (With inputs from agencies)

NITI Aayog Health Index: Jharkhand number one in health reforms

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant was today given an extension till June 30 next year, according to an official order.

He was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the government think tank on February 17, 2016 for a two-year term.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved an extension of Kant&#39;s tenure till June 30, 2019, the order issued by the personnel ministry said.

Kant is a 1980 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre.

Before taking over as the CEO of National Institution for Transforming India (Niti Aayog), he was Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.&nbsp;

He was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the government think tank on February 17, 2016 for a two-year term

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant was today given an extension till June 30 next year, according to an official order. He was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the government think tank on February 17, 2016 for a two-year term. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved an extension of Kant's tenure till June 30, 2019, the order issued by the personnel ministry said. Kant is a 1980 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre. Before taking over as the CEO of National Institution for Transforming India (Niti Aayog), he was Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant gets extension till June 30, 2019

Making the country malnutrition-free would be the bedrock of any achievement towards a New India by the year 2022, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar said here today.

&quot;As many as 38.4 per cent of our children are born stunted or suffering from malnutrition. It&#39;s a blemish, a stain on our national record that we cannot afford to live with,&quot; he said while delivering a presentation on New India @2022, at the inauguration of the two-day conference of district Collectors.

He said that removing malnutrition is a pre-requisite for building a knowledge economy.

&quot;How can we talk about a knowledge economy with that sort of a statistics? If we want to build a knowledge economy, the first thing we have to do is to remove malnutrition and achieve kuposhan-mukt Bharat by 2022.

&quot;If we do nothing else by 2022 and achieve only this...We would have done our country proud and a great service,&quot; Kumar said.

He said NITI Aayog has already launched a nutrition strategy and would closely monitor the implementation of the nutrition mission in the country.

&quot;The Prime Minister made me Chairman of National Nutrition Mission. We will be watching like a hawk, every state and every district, on how the mission is coming about,&quot; Kumar said, adding that they are using the latest technology to achieve this.

He said a real-time data dashboard will be installed for the purpose.

&quot;Hope Andhra Pradesh will lead the effort because this effort will be the bedrock of any achievement...Every achievement we actually want to make,&quot; the NITI Aayog vice-chief said.

Speaking on the economy, Kumar said the note ban move had resulted in a 19 per cent jump indirect tax collection.

&quot;People very often criticise demonetisation saying &#39;Oh the black income had actually not been caught red-handed&#39;. Believe me...Black wealth has at least become grey because now it is all sitting in the bank accounts, which is being monitored closely by the banking division and the CBDT,&quot; the noted economist said.

Without demonetisation, the country&#39;s security itself would have been jeopardised, he said, recalling the first warning note he sounded way back in 2007.

Hailing GST as a &quot;historic step unifying our economy&quot;, Kumar said it was forcing &quot;formalisation&quot; of all businesses in the country.

&quot;It is a very, very big step. About 40-50 per cent of our economy was un-formalised. GST will see at least 20 per cent hike in revenues as we go forward in the years to come,&quot; he said.

Kumar further said India would become &quot;unstoppable&quot; if efficient delivery of public goods and services was achieved by rooting out corruption and ushering in e-governance.

&quot;Once we achieve efficient delivery of public goods and services, basic education, basic health, law and order, street lighting, infrastructure and all that...If we do that, private sector in our country is as capable as us...This country will become unstoppable,&quot; he said.

He said the old story of India being a &quot;soft state, soft government, a corrupt government, and the endemically nonperforming government is now history&quot;.

&quot;This is the beginning of a new India in terms of e-governance where accountability and transparency will be right at the forefront,&quot; he observed.

Stressing that India should embrace the fourth industrial revolution, Kumar said it was vital to ensure it did not cause a &quot;trade-off&quot; with employment generation.

&quot;The fourth industrial revolution is our tomorrow. Our eyes on 2022 should be with this focus in mind. We are seeing most disruptive technologies coming up in the world. We need to see that there is no trade-off between all of this and our biggest need today--- employment generation. That&#39;s our biggest priority,&quot; he said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Ministers K E Krishna Murthy, N China Rajappa, Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar, Chief Commissioner of Land Administration Anil Chandra Punetha, ministers and bureaucrats attended the programme.

Later, Real-Time Governance CEO Babu Ahamed showed the NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman the functioning of RTG Centre at the state Secretariat.Kumar praised the facility saying it is unparalleled in the country.

&quot;Visit to RTG is just startling. It&#39;s an eye-opener. Will do my best to showcase this to all the other states and to the Central government, if I can. I don&#39;t think such a facility exists anywhere in the country.

This is the best idea of an accountable, transparent and digitally-driven governance. I think this is the future. This is the future for the rest of the country,&quot; he said.

Rajiv Kumar said a real-time data dashboard will be installed for the purpose

Making the country malnutrition-free would be the bedrock of any achievement towards a New India by the year 2022, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar said here today. "As many as 38.4 per cent of our children are born stunted or suffering from malnutrition. It's a blemish, a stain on our national record that we cannot afford to live with," he said while delivering a presentation on New India @2022, at the inauguration of the two-day conference of district Collectors. He said that removing malnutrition is a pre-requisite for building a knowledge economy. "How can we talk about a knowledge economy with that sort of a statistics? If we want to build a knowledge economy, the first thing we have to do is to remove malnutrition and achieve kuposhan-mukt Bharat by 2022. "If we do nothing else by 2022 and achieve only this...We would have done our country proud and a great service," Kumar said. He said NITI Aayog has already launched a nutrition strategy and would closely monitor the implementation of the nutrition mission in the country. "The Prime Minister made me Chairman of National Nutrition Mission. We will be watching like a hawk, every state and every district, on how the mission is coming about," Kumar said, adding that they are using the latest technology to achieve this. He said a real-time data dashboard will be installed for the purpose. "Hope Andhra Pradesh will lead the effort because this effort will be the bedrock of any achievement...Every achievement we actually want to make," the NITI Aayog vice-chief said. Speaking on the economy, Kumar said the note ban move had resulted in a 19 per cent jump indirect tax collection. "People very often criticise demonetisation saying 'Oh the black income had actually not been caught red-handed'. Believe me...Black wealth has at least become grey because now it is all sitting in the bank accounts, which is being monitored closely by the banking division and the CBDT," the noted economist said. Without demonetisation, the country's security itself would have been jeopardised, he said, recalling the first warning note he sounded way back in 2007. Hailing GST as a "historic step unifying our economy", Kumar said it was forcing "formalisation" of all businesses in the country. "It is a very, very big step. About 40-50 per cent of our economy was un-formalised. GST will see at least 20 per cent hike in revenues as we go forward in the years to come," he said. Kumar further said India would become "unstoppable" if efficient delivery of public goods and services was achieved by rooting out corruption and ushering in e-governance. "Once we achieve efficient delivery of public goods and services, basic education, basic health, law and order, street lighting, infrastructure and all that...If we do that, private sector in our country is as capable as us...This country will become unstoppable," he said. He said the old story of India being a "soft state, soft government, a corrupt government, and the endemically nonperforming government is now history". "This is the beginning of a new India in terms of e-governance where accountability and transparency will be right at the forefront," he observed. Stressing that India should embrace the fourth industrial revolution, Kumar said it was vital to ensure it did not cause a "trade-off" with employment generation. "The fourth industrial revolution is our tomorrow. Our eyes on 2022 should be with this focus in mind. We are seeing most disruptive technologies coming up in the world. We need to see that there is no trade-off between all of this and our biggest need today--- employment generation. That's our biggest priority," he said. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Ministers K E Krishna Murthy, N China Rajappa, Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar, Chief Commissioner of Land Administration Anil Chandra Punetha, ministers and bureaucrats attended the programme. Later, Real-Time Governance CEO Babu Ahamed showed the NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman the functioning of RTG Centre at the state Secretariat.Kumar praised the facility saying it is unparalleled in the country. "Visit to RTG is just startling. It's an eye-opener. Will do my best to showcase this to all the other states and to the Central government, if I can. I don't think such a facility exists anywhere in the country. This is the best idea of an accountable, transparent and digitally-driven governance. I think this is the future. This is the future for the rest of the country," he said.

Getting rid of malnutrition crucial to build New India by 2022: NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday raised the issue of educated unemployment and the need to&nbsp;generate jobs in the country.&nbsp;

In a meeting held at Delhi, economists and experts pointed out to the rising educated unemployment in the country.&nbsp;

While addressing a press conference after the meeting NITI Aayog VC said&nbsp;&nbsp;&quot;some people pointed that the educated unemployment may be as high as 20 per cent and that is creating a problem. As you educate more people, raise aspirations and you have to provide them jobs.&quot;

He also said that he was hopeful in monitoring the high-frequency data on educated unemployment&nbsp;and will try to improve it by collaborating with the Minister of Labour.

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I am hoping NITI Aayog will monitor high frequency data on employment on a regular basis &amp; actually create new data set which is not available as of now. I am trying to create capability in the Aayog hopefully in collaboration with the Min of Labour to trap this data: Rajiv Kumar <a href="https://t.co/Ih8z4rS7CB">pic.twitter.com/Ih8z4rS7CB</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/951106915077009408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The experts also called for shifting the focus on agricultural production to raising farmers income by improving productivity, lowering costs, greater efficiency, greater market access, making producers of products rather than commodities.&nbsp;

The meeting which was themed as &quot;Economic Policy- The Road Ahead&quot; was organised&nbsp;in Delhi on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Prime minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley along with 40 economists and sector experts at NITI Aayog&nbsp;held a discussion on subjects relating to macroeconomy, urban development and connectivity.

The experts also held discussion on agriculture, rural development, employment, health, education, manufacturing, exports, and, infrastructure&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He also said that he was hopeful in monitoring the high-frequency data on educated unemployment and will try to improve it by collaborating with the Minister of Labour

NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday raised the issue of educated unemployment and the need to generate jobs in the country. In a meeting held at Delhi, economists and experts pointed out to the rising educated unemployment in the country. While addressing a press conference after the meeting NITI Aayog VC said "some people pointed that the educated unemployment may be as high as 20 per cent and that is creating a problem. As you educate more people, raise aspirations and you have to provide them jobs." He also said that he was hopeful in monitoring the high-frequency data on educated unemployment and will try to improve it by collaborating with the Minister of Labour. I am hoping NITI Aayog will monitor high frequency data on employment on a regular basis & actually create new data set which is not available as of now. I am trying to create capability in the Aayog hopefully in collaboration with the Min of Labour to trap this data: Rajiv Kumar pic.twitter.com/Ih8z4rS7CB — ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2018 × The experts also called for shifting the focus on agricultural production to raising farmers income by improving productivity, lowering costs, greater efficiency, greater market access, making producers of products rather than commodities. The meeting which was themed as "Economic Policy- The Road Ahead" was organised in Delhi on Wednesday. Prime minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley along with 40 economists and sector experts at NITI Aayog held a discussion on subjects relating to macroeconomy, urban development and connectivity. The experts also held discussion on agriculture, rural development, employment, health, education, manufacturing, exports, and, infrastructure

Educated unemployment may be as high as 20%: NITI Aayog vice-chairman

Niti Aayog member Bibek Debroy on Thursday took potshots at senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha for attacking finance minister Arun Jaitley for the&nbsp;mess he had made of the economy.

Mr Debroy, who is also Chairman of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council, said what the former finance minister called a &quot;serious emergency&quot; was actually a &quot;minor cold&quot;.

Bibek Debroy, who was suffering from cold, said the Indian economy was also going through something similar. He was speaking at the launch of the book &quot;India @70, Modi @3.5&quot;, edited by him and President&#39;s Press Secretary Ashok Malik.

In a direct reference to Yashwant Sinha, the Niti Aayog member said that when he went to Yashwant Palace for consulting a doctor, he was told he had a serious medical emergency, probably chikungunya, and could possibly die. The economist was referring to Mr Sinha&#39;s charges that the economy was unlikely to recover in the short to medium term.

Bibek Debroy said he then visited a &quot;more sensible doctor&quot; who told him to relax since he just had a minor cold which would pass within a few days.

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In a direct reference to Yashwant Sinha, the Niti Aayog member said that when he went to Yashwant Palace for consulting a doctor, he was told he had a serious medical emergency, probably chikungunya, and could possibly die

Niti Aayog member Bibek Debroy on Thursday took potshots at senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha for attacking finance minister Arun Jaitley for the mess he had made of the economy. Mr Debroy, who is also Chairman of the Prime Ministers Economic Advisory Council, said what the former finance minister called a "serious emergency" was actually a "minor cold". Bibek Debroy, who was suffering from cold, said the Indian economy was also going through something similar. He was speaking at the launch of the book "India @70, Modi @3.5", edited by him and President's Press Secretary Ashok Malik. In a direct reference to Yashwant Sinha, the Niti Aayog member said that when he went to Yashwant Palace for consulting a doctor, he was told he had a serious medical emergency, probably chikungunya, and could possibly die. The economist was referring to Mr Sinha's charges that the economy was unlikely to recover in the short to medium term. Bibek Debroy said he then visited a "more sensible doctor" who told him to relax since he just had a minor cold which would pass within a few days.

What Yashwant Sinha calls serious emergency actually minor cold: Bibek Debroy

Resolution of bad loans in the banking system is on &#39;right track&#39; and will &#39;open the door&#39; to rapid credit expansion and growth, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya has said.

Terming the non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans problem as a &#39;legacy issue&#39;, he said that even after three years of the NDA government taking charge, it has not gone away.

&quot;Now we are on absolutely right track. Once we solve the NPAs issue, it will open up also the door to faster credit expansion. If this is done, this problem of twin balance sheet issue (over-leveraged companies and bad-loan-encumbered banks) will get addressed as a the result of this.

&quot;So banks will be better equipped to lend and on the sides of borrowers there will be greater appetite,&quot; Panagariya told PTI.

The banking sector is saddled with NPAs of over Rs 8 trillion (Rs 8 lakh crore), of which Rs 6 trillion is with public sector banks (PSBs).

As part of its strategy to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-cabinet-clears-ordinance-to-help-banks-recover-bad-loans-from-defaulters-15215" target="_blank">rein in the unacceptable level of NPAs</a>, Reserve Bank of India recently identified 12 accounts for Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) proceedings with each of them having over Rs 5,000 crore of outstanding loans, accounting for 25 per cent of total NPAs of banks.

The 12 identified cases account for 25 per cent or about Rs 2 lakh crore of NPAs.

When asked about his view on merger of a weak bank with a strong bank, the outgoing Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog said that consolidation of public sector banks (PSBs) is necessary, also because the pool of talented people who have the specialisation of running the banking business is limited one.

&quot;So if you have 25 PSBs, then you spread it over too many banks and everybody who is an expert says, we do not have good management, and so consolidation will also bring good management to the banks.

&quot;Then need for number of competent people...Would be smaller if number of banks is smaller,&quot; he noted.

The finance ministry has sought help of NITI Aayog and global consultancy firms to examine the possibility of next round of consolidation of PSU banks with an aim to create a few lenders of global size and scale.

NITI Aayog&#39;s report is expected to set the tone for consolidation roadmap.

Five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) became part of SBI on April 1, 2017, catapulting the country&#39;s largest lender to among the top 50 banks in the world.

Panagariya termed the bad loans problem as a 'legacy issue'

Resolution of bad loans in the banking system is on 'right track' and will 'open the door' to rapid credit expansion and growth, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya has said. Terming the non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans problem as a 'legacy issue', he said that even after three years of the NDA government taking charge, it has not gone away. "Now we are on absolutely right track. Once we solve the NPAs issue, it will open up also the door to faster credit expansion. If this is done, this problem of twin balance sheet issue (over-leveraged companies and bad-loan-encumbered banks) will get addressed as a the result of this. "So banks will be better equipped to lend and on the sides of borrowers there will be greater appetite," Panagariya told PTI. The banking sector is saddled with NPAs of over Rs 8 trillion (Rs 8 lakh crore), of which Rs 6 trillion is with public sector banks (PSBs). As part of its strategy to rein in the unacceptable level of NPAs, Reserve Bank of India recently identified 12 accounts for Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) proceedings with each of them having over Rs 5,000 crore of outstanding loans, accounting for 25 per cent of total NPAs of banks. The 12 identified cases account for 25 per cent or about Rs 2 lakh crore of NPAs. When asked about his view on merger of a weak bank with a strong bank, the outgoing Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog said that consolidation of public sector banks (PSBs) is necessary, also because the pool of talented people who have the specialisation of running the banking business is limited one. "So if you have 25 PSBs, then you spread it over too many banks and everybody who is an expert says, we do not have good management, and so consolidation will also bring good management to the banks. "Then need for number of competent people...Would be smaller if number of banks is smaller," he noted. The finance ministry has sought help of NITI Aayog and global consultancy firms to examine the possibility of next round of consolidation of PSU banks with an aim to create a few lenders of global size and scale. NITI Aayog's report is expected to set the tone for consolidation roadmap. Five associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) became part of SBI on April 1, 2017, catapulting the country's largest lender to among the top 50 banks in the world.

Resolution of bad loans in banking system on 'right track': Arvind Panagariya

The Indian government announced the appointment of economist Rajiv Kumar as the new vice chairman of NITI Aayog late Saturday.

He will take over from Arvind Panagariya, who is returning to Columbia University at the end of the month.

Kumar, who holds a DPhil in economics from Oxford and a PhD from Lucknow University, is a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR).&nbsp;

Vinod Paul, a professor of paediatrics at AIIMS, has also been appointed member of NITI Aayog, PTI reported.

The appointment for the post of NITI Aayog vice chairman was necessitated as the incumbent Panagariya on August 1 had announced that he will leave the government think tank on August 31 and return to Columbia University.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Kumar, who holds a DPhil in economics from Oxford and a PhD from Lucknow University, is a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR)

The Indian government announced the appointment of economist Rajiv Kumar as the new vice chairman of NITI Aayog late Saturday. He will take over from Arvind Panagariya, who is returning to Columbia University at the end of the month. Kumar, who holds a DPhil in economics from Oxford and a PhD from Lucknow University, is a senior fellow at the Centre for Policy Research (CPR). Vinod Paul, a professor of paediatrics at AIIMS, has also been appointed member of NITI Aayog, PTI reported. The appointment for the post of NITI Aayog vice chairman was necessitated as the incumbent Panagariya on August 1 had announced that he will leave the government think tank on August 31 and return to Columbia University. (With inputs from PTI)

Economist Rajiv Kumar is new NITI Aayog vice chairman

Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya resigned today.&nbsp;

Panagariya who was a professor of economics at Columbia University&nbsp;said he will&nbsp;return to academia after August 31, which will be his last day in office.

A PhD in economics from Princeton, Panagariya has served in several international institutions namely the World Bank, IMF, WTO and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Talking to reporters later, Panagariya said the university was not giving him further extension and he would be leaving Niti Aayog on August 31.

He said that about two months ago he had expressed his desire to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be relieved by August 31. Reports said PM Modi had accepted his resignation.

&quot;If I were at 40, then I would have got job anywhere... the kind of job I have at Columbia is almost impossible to get at this age,&quot; he said.

Among other achievements, he said, the Niti Aayog has been able to push privatisation, especially of sick units and Air India, prepare the ground for reforms in several sectors including medical and higher education, and develop a good working relationship with the states.

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Arvind Panagariya was instrumental in the smooth rollout of the GST last month

Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya resigned today. Panagariya who was a professor of economics at Columbia University said he will return to academia after August 31, which will be his last day in office. A PhD in economics from Princeton, Panagariya has served in several international institutions namely the World Bank, IMF, WTO and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Talking to reporters later, Panagariya said the university was not giving him further extension and he would be leaving Niti Aayog on August 31. He said that about two months ago he had expressed his desire to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be relieved by August 31. Reports said PM Modi had accepted his resignation. "If I were at 40, then I would have got job anywhere... the kind of job I have at Columbia is almost impossible to get at this age," he said. Among other achievements, he said, the Niti Aayog has been able to push privatisation, especially of sick units and Air India, prepare the ground for reforms in several sectors including medical and higher education, and develop a good working relationship with the states.

Niti Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya quits

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