New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, held at the New Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, said the NITI Aayog in a statement on Saturday. The meeting witnessed the participation of Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors from 19 states and six Union Territories, with discussions focused on fostering cooperation between the Center, states, and Union Territories to achieve a developed India by 2047, it added.
During the meeting, PM emphasised the need for a united effort, referring to the collaboration as "Team India." He urged NITI Aayog to play a pivotal role in helping states formulate long-term strategies aligned with the National Development Agenda for the next 25 years. The Prime Minister encouraged states and Union Territories to work closely with NITI Aayog to accelerate the country's progress towards the vision of a prosperous India.
Modi highlighted the initiatives undertaken by NITI Aayog to strengthen cooperative and competitive federalism, including the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), said the statement. These initiatives showcased the power of collective action between the Center, states, and districts, while emphasizing the positive impact of data-driven governance in improving the lives of citizens at the grassroots level.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of promoting the cultivation of millets, especially during the International Year of Millets. He also stressed the need for concerted efforts in water conservation through the Amrit Sarovar programme.
Fiscal discipline at the state level was another crucial aspect highlighted by the Prime Minister, said the statement. He urged states to proactively utilise the Gati Shakti Portal, not only for infrastructure and logistics planning but also for local area development and the creation of social infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the significance of India hosting the G20 meetings, which provided states with global exposure and contributed to India's enhanced reputation on the world stage.
Prime Minister Modi further discussed the importance of skill development to meet global requirements, support for MSMEs, harnessing the country's tourism potential, simplifying compliances at the state level, empowering women through development initiatives, and the goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025.
During the meeting, Chief Ministers and Lt Governors put forth various policy-level suggestions and highlighted specific challenges and areas requiring centre-state cooperation. These suggestions encompassed green strategies, zone-wise planning, tourism promotion, urban planning, agriculture, workmanship quality, logistics, and more.
Expressing gratitude to the Chief Ministers and Lt Governors for their active participation and valuable inputs, Prime Minister Modi affirmed that NITI Aayog would thoroughly study the concerns, challenges, and best practices shared by the states and subsequently devise a comprehensive roadmap for the future.
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