What Key Insights Emerged from PM Modi's 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries?

The fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is currently taking place in New Delhi, focusing on the theme 'Human Capital for Viksit Bharat'. This conference aims to enhance the Centre-State partnership through structured dialogue on national development priorities, with discussions centred around education, skilling, and inclusive growth.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The conference began on 28 October 2023 and is set to continue for three days, concluding on 30 October 2023. Prime Minister Modi is leading discussions aimed at reinforcing cooperative federalism and aligning the developmental priorities of the Centre with those of the states. The agenda includes six special sessions that address critical themes such as technology in governance, agriculture, tourism development, and strategies for addressing extremism.

Key takeaways

The conference emphasises cooperation between the Centre and States to enhance human capital.
Key areas of focus include Early Childhood Education, Skilling, and Higher Education.
Six special sessions will address diverse topics crucial for national development.

Timeline: how we got here

The National Conference of Chief Secretaries is a regular platform initiated to enhance collaboration between the Centre and State Governments. Here are some key milestones leading up to this year's conference:

28 October 2023: Conference begins in New Delhi focusing on human capital.
2020: First National Conference of Chief Secretaries held to address COVID-19 challenges.
2021: Second conference focused on economic recovery post-pandemic.
2022: Third conference discussed digital governance and public service delivery.
2023: Fourth conference aimed at addressing climate change impacts on development.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

During this conference, the Prime Minister has reiterated the importance of human capital in achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat). The focus on specific sectors such as Early Childhood Education and Skilling marks a shift towards a more integrated approach to human resource development.

What was already established

Previous conferences have highlighted the necessity of Centre-State collaboration, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. The ongoing discussions have consistently emphasised the role of technology in enhancing governance and public service delivery.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the content of this conference is primarily focused on India, UK consumers may be interested in how these discussions could influence global economic dynamics, especially in sectors like education and technology where cross-border collaborations are growing.

Businesses and jobs

For UK businesses, especially those involved in technology and education, insights from this conference could provide valuable perspectives on potential partnerships or market opportunities in India, particularly if India continues to enhance its human capital development.

Policy and regulation

The outcomes of this conference may inform UK policymakers about India's evolving governance strategies, particularly in areas like digital governance and sustainable development practices, which could enhance bilateral relations.

Numbers that matter

5: Key areas being discussed: Early Childhood Education, Schooling, Skilling, Higher Education, and Sports.
3: Days of the conference, aiming to maximise collaborative efforts.
6: Special sessions focusing on diverse topics relevant to national development.

Definitions and jargon buster

Viksit Bharat: A vision for a developed India.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: A self-reliant India initiative aimed at boosting local manufacturing and reducing dependency on imports.
Skilling: The process of equipping individuals with the skills necessary for employment and personal development.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, stakeholders will likely analyse the outcomes of the conference, particularly focusing on the proposed strategies in education and skill development.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As initiatives from the conference begin to be implemented, observers should watch for changes in state policies regarding education and employment training programmes.

Signals to watch

New policies or frameworks announced by states in response to the conference.
Collaborations between the Centre and states, particularly in areas like education and technology.
Public responses to new initiatives launched as a result of this conference.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the outcomes of the conference and how they may affect bilateral relations with India.
Explore potential partnerships with Indian organisations focusing on education and technology.
Monitor changes in policy that may arise from the discussions at the conference.

Don’t

Ignore the potential implications of Indian policy changes on global markets.
Assume that outcomes will not affect sectors outside of India.
Overlook opportunities for collaboration in skill development and education.

Checklist

Review your organisation’s strategies for international partnerships.
Evaluate areas where skills development is needed within your organisation.
Stay updated on technological advancements coming out of India.
Consider the implications of India's development strategies on your sector.
Network with industry experts to discuss potential collaborations.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the conference aims to address crucial developmental issues, there are uncertainties regarding the actual implementation of proposed strategies. The effectiveness of policy changes and the commitment of state governments to follow through on conference outcomes remain to be seen. Additionally, geopolitical factors could influence the Centre-State dynamics in India, which may affect the outcomes of this conference.

Bottom line

The ongoing National Conference of Chief Secretaries highlights the importance of collaborative governance in achieving India's developmental goals. As discussions unfold, the insights gained could shape future policies and initiatives that enhance human capital across the country, with potential implications for international partners, including those in the UK.

FAQs

What is the primary focus of the National Conference of Chief Secretaries?

The conference focuses on enhancing human capital for Viksit Bharat, addressing areas like education, skilling, and collaborative governance between the Centre and States.

How long is the conference taking place?

The conference began on 28 October 2023 and will run for three days, concluding on 30 October 2023.

Who is participating in the conference?

Participants include Chief Secretaries, senior officials from all States and Union Territories, and domain experts involved in national development.