KCR Supports Replacement Of Planning Commission

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiative to replace the Planning Commission.

"I fully appreciate and thank the Prime Minister for this bold, new and dynamic initiative. The Planning Commission has outlived its relevance," the Chief Minister said while participating in the Chief Ministers' conclave held at New Delhi on Sunday.

KCR also welcomed the proposed council of Chief Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, and said that it would be the appropriate structure to replace to Planning Commission.

"There should be a permanent Secretariat with representation from all States to support the proposed council," he said.

Currently, funds are released to States for various schemes. Grants and financial releases to the States should be untied and should be decided upon only by the Finance Commission, he said.

The Chief Minister proposed that there be only sector-wise allocations, with broad outcomes as target.

"Instead of 5-year plans, there should be a strategic perspective plan with a vision of 10-15 years, and there should be annual plans for implementation, which will be prepared and implemented by the States," he said. (INN)