PM pushes states to boost GST collection at NITI Aayog Governing Council Meet

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said on Sunday 7 August  that states should develop a clear time-bound road map for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and focus on promoting trade, tourism and technology.

He also asked for collective action to increase Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections.

During the 7th meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council, states, on the other hand, sought central assistance to help crop diversification. This was the first in-person NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting since 2019 and the PM interacted with chief ministers of states and lieutenant governors of Union Territories.

“The PM said the NEP has been formulated after considerable deliberations. He said we should involve all stakeholders in its implementation and develop a clear, time-bound roadmap for the same,” said an official statement.

Speaking at a media briefing after the meeting, NITI Aayog member V K Paul said there was a strong consensus among states on the implementation of the NEP.

“The prime minister said that NEP needs to be monitored every month by the relevant departments in the Centre and states,” Paul said.

The PM underlined the need for collective action to increase the GST mop-up, saying though the realisation has improved, “the potential is much more… and it is crucial for strengthening our economic position and becoming a $5-trillion economy”.

The meeting was attended by 23 CMs, 3 LGs, and 2 administrators, besides Union ministers.

The key agenda included crop diversification and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses, oilseeds, and other agri-commodities, the implementation of the NEP, and urban governance.