Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today chaired his 22nd interaction through PRAGATI with Union Secretaries of various Ministries and Chief Secretaries of the States. Chief Secretary, J&K, B B Vyas also participated in the video conference.The Prime Minister reviewed the progress towards handling and resolution of grievances related to the banking sector and progress of nine infrastructure projects in the railway, road, power, coal and gas pipeline sectors, spread over several states.The Prime Minister also reviewed the progress of the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), and the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) for the differently-abled. Prime Minister urged all Chief Secretaries to remain sensitive to the needs of the differently-abled and ensure that Airports, Railway Stations, Bus terminals, Government buildings and other establishments and means oftransport are made 'fully accessible' to them.
The Prime Minister said that while many Union Government departments are now using the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), only ten States have so far shown keenness in using it. He said that GeM increases the pace of procurement, and boosts transparency, besides supporting enterprise at the local level. He urged all Chief Secretaries to explore its use to the extent possible, to minimize leakages and delays.On GST, the Prime Minister said that while traders across the country are positive and are accepting this new taxation arrangement, they need handholding so that their problems can be resolved. He urged the Chief Secretaries to use the district administration in this regard, so that small traders are facilitated to access and adopt the new system. He reiterated that small businesses must register with the GST network, to take advantage of business opportunities. He said that the common man and the trader must benefit from this path breaking decision.The Prime Minister also called for sustained efforts to boost digital payments and work towards a less cash society.