Prime Minister Narendra Modi, presiding over the eighth Governing Council meeting of Niti Aayog, emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between the Centre, states, and union territories, urging them to function as a unified “Team India.” The objective is to realize the dreams and aspirations of the people and work towards a developed India by 2047, under the banner of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’.
The meeting, held at the New Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, saw the attendance of Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors representing 19 states and 6 Union Territories, who congregated to discuss key developmental strategies.
In his address, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of Niti Aayog in assisting states to devise long-term strategies that align with the ‘National Development Agenda’ for the next 25 years. He urged the Council to leverage the expertise and resources of Niti Aayog to support the states in their developmental endeavors.
The government released a statement highlighting the Prime Minister’s emphasis on collaboration and collective action. He called upon the Centre, states, and union territories to function as a unified team to fulfill the aspirations of the people and pave the way for a prosperous future for India.
Prime Minister Modi specifically urged states and union territories to work closely with Niti Aayog to facilitate a transformative leap towards the realization of the Amrit Kaal vision. The Amrit Kaal initiative aims to unlock India’s full potential through comprehensive and inclusive development.
During his address, the Prime Minister lauded the efforts of Niti Aayog in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism. Notably, he commended the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) as exemplary initiatives that showcase the power of collaboration between the Centre, states, and districts. These data-driven governance programs have made a tangible impact on improving the lives of citizens at the grassroots level.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of focusing on various sectors and programs that contribute to the nation’s progress. He emphasized the need to promote the cultivation of millets, known as Shree Anna, during the International Year of Millets. Additionally, he discussed the urgency of water conservation through the Amrit Sarovar program, recognizing the vital role it plays in ensuring sustainable development.
Fiscal discipline at the state level was also a topic of discussion during the meeting. The Prime Minister urged states to maintain fiscal responsibility and use the Gati Shakti Portal effectively. The portal, designed to streamline infrastructure and logistics, can also be utilized for local area development and the creation of social infrastructure.
Highlighting the international significance of India hosting the G20 meetings, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the opportunities for global exposure that this platform offers to states. He stressed the importance of skill development initiatives to meet global requirements and the need to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to drive economic growth. Additionally, he called for leveraging the country’s tourism potential and reducing compliance burdens at the state level, including the decriminalization of minor offenses. The creation of Ekta Malls, aimed at fostering unity and promoting local products, was also discussed.
Gender equality and women’s empowerment featured prominently in the Prime Minister’s address. He underscored the significance of women-led development and emphasized the collective responsibility to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025.
During the meeting, Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors presented various policy-level suggestions, highlighting specific issues that require collaborative efforts between the Centre and states. These suggestions covered a wide range of areas, including green strategies, zone-wise planning, tourism, urban planning, agriculture, quality of workmanship, and logistics.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors for their valuable contributions, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to the country’s progress. He assured them that Niti Aayog would meticulously analyze the suggestions, challenges, and best practices shared by the states, and devise a comprehensive plan to chart the way forward.
The eighth Governing Council meeting of Niti Aayog served as a platform for constructive and fruitful discussions, fostering the spirit of cooperative federalism. The meeting highlighted the shared vision of the Centre, states, and union territories to achieve India’s developmental aspirations, paving the way for a brighter future for the nation. (Edited)
