NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL TRANSFORMATION - GOVERNANCE
News: In 100-day plan, Agri Ministry
plans new Centre-state body for farm policy
What's in the news?
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The Centre is contemplating the establishment of
the National Council for Agriculture and Rural Transformation (NCART), envisioned
as a federal body to formulate policies and programs for the agricultural
sector.
NCART:
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The NCART is a proposed
federal body aimed at coordinating and driving actions in the agriculture
sector in India.
Representation:
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It would have representation
of both the Centre and States.
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It draws inspiration from the Goods and Services
Tax (GST) Council.
Proposed by:
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The idea for NCART has been proposed by the
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare as part of its 100-day action plan for the new government.
Terms of Reference of
NCART:
1. Policy Formulation:
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NCART is envisioned as an overarching federal body
responsible for devising policies and programs to promote agricultural and
rural development.
2. Coordination:
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One of the key objectives of NCART is to ensure
coordinated actions across various stakeholders involved in the agriculture
sector, including the central government, state governments, and other relevant
entities.
3. Consultative Body:
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NCART is expected to include representation from
both the central and state governments, similar to the Goods and Services Tax
(GST) Council, to ensure a consultative approach in decision-making.
4. Legal Status:
●
While the GST Council is a constitutional body, the
exact status of NCART is yet to be finalized.
Go back to basics:
India’s Agriculture
Expenses:
●
Despite agriculture being a state subject, the
Centre has significantly increased budgetary allocations for the Agriculture
Ministry.
● Budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare surged from Rs. 27,662.67 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,25,035.79 crore in 2023-24 BE.