Modi seeks to replace central planning with \\\'Team India\\\'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a brainstorming session Sunday on replacing Soviet-style central planning with a 'Team India' concept that would give federal states a greater role in developing Asia's third-largest economy.
Although he won a huge election mandate in May, the writ of Modi's government is weak as the majority of India's 29 states are controlled by his opponents. That has led him to seek their help in implementing his growth and jobs agenda.
"It is impossible for the nation to develop unless states develop," Modi told a meeting with chief ministers in New Delhi. "The process of policy planning also has to change from 'top to bottom' to 'bottom to top'."
As chief minister of Gujarat, Modi objected to meddling by the Planning Commission in his state's affairs. One ally has described the body as a "parking lot" for political cronies and unwanted bureaucrats.
Yet, three months after Modi vowed to replace the Planning Commission "in a short span of time", deliberations on its successor are still in their early stages and there is little sign of a consensus, according to a news agency.