PM Modi Calls on States to Create Supportive Environment for Start-ups and Tackle Obesity Challenges

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged states to create a supportive environment for start-ups and simplify regulations to prevent citizen harassment. He emphasised tackling obesity as a significant health challenge. During the fourth national conference of chief secretaries, Modi highlighted the need for governance reforms that encourage public participation, according to an official statement.

Modi stressed the importance of reforming, performing, and transforming governance while keeping citizens informed about government initiatives. He stated that addressing obesity is crucial for a healthy India, which is essential for achieving a developed nation. The prime minister also mentioned that India could eliminate tuberculosis by 2025 with the help of ASHA and Anganwadi workers.

Promoting Entrepreneurship and Skilling

The conference focused on promoting entrepreneurship, employment, and skilling to leverage India's demographic dividend. Modi praised the rise of start-ups in tier-2 and tier-3 cities and encouraged states to support such innovations. He suggested identifying suitable locations for entrepreneurs in smaller cities and connecting them with banking systems and logistics support.

Modi proposed exploring Viability Gap Funding for e-waste recycling due to increasing digital waste. He acknowledged PM GatiShakti's role in good governance but recommended regular updates and inclusion of environmental impact indicators. The Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme was discussed as a means to drive socio-economic benefits through competent officers.

Urban Development and Infrastructure

The prime minister highlighted the need for human resource development to transform cities into economic growth centres. He emphasised creating institutions specialising in urban governance, water, and environment management. With rising urban mobility, he stressed providing adequate urban accommodation to boost productivity in new industrial hubs.

On Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's death anniversary, Modi praised him as an inspiration for civil servants. He urged everyone to work towards achieving Patel's vision of India. The conference concluded with themes on manufacturing, services, rural non-farm sector, urban development, renewable energy, and circular economy.

Collaborative Action for Economic Growth

The conference sessions focused on collaborative actions to promote entrepreneurship, enhance skilling initiatives, and create sustainable employment opportunities. These efforts aim to transition India from a middle-income to a high-income country with women-led development as a foundation.

The discussions highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach to harness the potential of India's service sector, especially in smaller cities. This involves policy interventions, infrastructure development, skill enhancement, and fostering a business-friendly environment.

Focus on Rural Entrepreneurship

In the rural non-farm sector, promoting rural entrepreneurship through specific skilling courses was discussed. Encouraging participation from women and marginalised groups in non-farm employment through special incentives was also considered important.

A special session on frontier technologies explored their potential in addressing global challenges. It highlighted India's opportunity to lead in this area while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth. The conference was attended by chief secretaries, senior officials from states and Union territories, domain experts, and senior central officers.