After announcing the disbanding of the 64-year-old Planning Commission in his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invited suggestions on the new institution that would replace the body through a special “open forum’’ created by the government.
“Inviting you to share your ideas on what shape the new institution to replace the Planning Commission can take. A special Open Forum has been created on my government website for suggestions on the new Institution. Let the ideas flow,’’ Mr. Modi said in a tweet and also posted the link through which people can put forward their suggestion.
“We envision the proposed Institution as one that caters to the aspirations of 21st century India and strengthens participation of the States,’’ he added.
Among the first to express his views was former MP and economist N.K. Singh who said “making Planning Commission a Reforms Commission, casts a new obligation for initiating innovative ideas on economic and social reforms. No other government had the zest to restructure Planning Commission which has outlived its utility and fallen out of sync with economic realities.’’
Another response said, “Why close it down? Just restructure and re-organise it. In any case the PM chairs it.’’
Some other response said, “The new avtar of Planning Commission does not need retired babus’’ and, “50 years of Nehruvian socialism brought this country to its knees. Only ruling politicians prospered. Junk the relic.’’
“By the way, has this government built any institutions so far?’’ asked Friends of Congress.
