PM's Principal Secretary to oversee preparations for G20 summit

New Delhi, Aug 8 (IANS) With the G20 summit just a month away, top functionaries of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for the mega international conference.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P.K. Mishra chaired the seventh meeting of the Coordination Committee on India’s G20 Presidency at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, where the event is going to be hosted.

The meeting covered summit preparedness in substantive as well as logistical aspects, official sources said.

Progress and outcomes on both Sherpa and Finance track were also reviewed. Presentations were made in this regard by the Sherpa (G20) Amitabh Kant, the Economic Affairs Secretary, and the Information and Broadcasting Secretary.

Discussion was held on Indian Presidency’s priorities including Green Development, accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strong sustainable balanced and inclusive growth, digital public infrastructure, gender equality and reform of multilateral institutions.

Kant informed that so far, a total of 185 meetings, including 13 at the Ministerial level, have been concluded covering almost all states and Union Territories in the country. Besides the 12 outcome documents, 12 other deliverables with consensus have been adopted, it was added.

The Economic Affairs Secretary informed that considerable progress has been made in the finance track including on crypto assets agenda, financial inclusion, mobilising climate finance and enabling finance for SDGs. The I&B Secretary briefed about the arrangements for media, like setting up of a media centre and media accreditation.

So far, more than 3,200 media personnel have registered for the summit, including 1,800 foreign and more than from 1,200 domestic media. Adequate arrangements are being made to facilitate both foreign as well as domestic media, it was informed.

Mishra also reviewed the implementation of past decisions pertaining to logistical and security aspects. Delhi government and security officials, including the Delhi Police Commissioner, briefed on steps being taken for hosting the visiting dignitaries, plans for traffic management, airport and security arrangements, and beautification drive being undertaken in Delhi NCR in the run up to the Leader’ Summit.

Noting the positive progress achieved in hosting the G-20 Leader’s Summit next month, the Principal Secretary instructed all concerned to complete all arrangements in the next few days so that rehearsals could begin. Mishra emphasised on the continued importance of the whole of government’s approach and action in ensuring timely and adequate preparations, official sources said.

He pointed out that with one month remaining for the summit, it was time for last mile delivery with precision.

Mishra said that detailed SOPs should be developed and specific duties be assigned to officers for smooth execution.

The Delhi Lt Governor, the Cabinet Secretary and Delhi government officers were also present during the meeting.