Prime Minister Narendra Modi  to chair the fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries.

About the Conference

• Organized by: The conference is organized by NITI Aayog.
  Theme: The theme for the conference is “Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment & Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend.”
  • Key Agendas: Under this overarching theme, special emphasis will be on six areas: Manufacturing, Services, Rural Non-farm, Urban, Renewable Energy, and Circular Economy have been identified for detailed discussions.
• Participants: The event sees participation from Union Ministries and Departments, NITI Aayog, States and Union Territories, and domain experts.

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• Special Sessions:
  • A session on frontier technology for Viksit Bharat is planned.
  • Other sessions will address economic reforms for investments and capacity building through Mission Karmayogi.
• Other Focus Areas:
  • The conference will deliberate on achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat in agriculture, specifically focusing on edible oils and pulses.
  • Discussions will include the care economy for the aging population.
  • The implementation of schemes like PM Surya Ghar and Muft Bijli Yojana will also be reviewed.

About the Chief Secretary of a State Government in India

• Role and Hierarchy: The Chief Secretary is the senior-most official in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) within the state government.
  • This role is ranked 23rd in the Indian order of precedence.
• Constitutional Provision: The role is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution of India, but it is indirectly recognized under Article 166, which addresses the conduct of the business of state governments.
• Appointment Process: The Chief Secretary is appointed by the Chief Minister of the state in the name of the Governor.
  • Although the Chief Minister may consult with the Union government, ministerial colleagues, or the cabinet, such consultation is not mandatory.
• Basis of Selection: The selection is based on seniority, the service record of the official, and the Chief Minister’s evaluation.
• Roles and Responsibilities:
• • The Chief Secretary serves as the ex-officio head of the State Civil Services Board, the state cadre of IAS officers, and all civil services governed under the state’s rules of business.
  • The Chief Secretary is the principal advisor to the Chief Minister, offering guidance on all matters related to state administration.
  • The Chief Secretary is responsible for the implementation of government policies and programs at the state level.
  • They serve as the central point of coordination for various state departments.
• Tenure: There is no fixed tenure for the Chief Secretary.