Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to hold a monthly video conference with the Chief Secretaries of every state.
As a part of the PRAGATI (Pro-active Governance and Timely Implementation) scheme, the PM wants to directly monitor the progress and pitfalls of centrally sponsored schemes and big-ticket industrial projects.
According to a report in The Telegraph, the move has already sparked controversy in Odisha, with sections of the ruling Biju Janta Dal (BJD) and the Congress crying foul.
Progress can be achieved only when the Centre and the state work in a cordial atmosphere. An elected Prime Minister bypassing an elected chief minister is not an auspicious development, and keeping with the constitutional procedures, it will lead to conflicts in the administration.
BJD Leader Damodar Rout
Is the Prime Minister over-stepping by speaking directly to Chief Secretaries? Will this damage the credibility of the IAS, making it seem like an extension of the PMO?
The issue is not a straight-forward one. Speaking to The Quint, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha Yogendra Narain said, “The PM is well within his rights to speak to IAS officers and seek their viewpoint on administrative pitfalls in implementing Central schemes.”
While technically on safe ground, the move can be seen as an attempt to circumvent Chief Minister’s and state governments. There is no precedent of a PM to engage directly with Officers reporting to the state government.
What then, can be done to prevent conflicts and misunderstandings between the Centre and the states?
The Chief Secretary should keep the CM informed on all his conversations with the PM. Moreover, it is important that he or she should give his state’s viewpoint on all policy matters.
Yogendra Narain
So, on an issue like whether or not MNREGA should be continued, the officer should echo the sentiments of the state government.
The real potential for centre-state conflict is in contentious government policies, like Land Acquisition. The centre may seek the advice of civil servants on the situation on the ground. What if the viewpoint of the Secretary differs from the Chief Minister’s? Where do his loyalties lie?
It is important that central government schemes and industrial projects, necessary for public welfare and economic growth are not stalled. The PM taking a pro-active role may be a welcome step, but he has to tread a fine line to avoid the appearance of pushing the Centre’s agenda at the expense of the state’s.
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