Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday presided over the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, where Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, and senior officials gathered to discuss key national priorities, including India’s long-term development strategy, Vision India @2047.
The meeting was convened with the objective of strengthening Centre-State coordination and accelerating efforts towards making India a developed nation by its centenary year of independence. A broad range of topics including economic growth, climate goals, and public service reforms were addressed.
Focus on Vision India @2047
The central theme of the meeting was Vision India @2047, which outlines a strategic roadmap for India’s development over the next two decades. Prime Minister Modi, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of aligning state policies with national development goals. He urged all participants to work together in the spirit of cooperative federalism to build a stronger and more inclusive nation.
“We are working not just for the present, but laying the foundation for a future where India stands among the world’s leading nations,” the Prime Minister said.
The council discussed actionable plans under the Viksit Bharat framework, focusing on inclusive growth, digital infrastructure, and public service efficiency.
Key Agenda Items
Several priority areas were discussed during the session:
- Infrastructure and Innovation: Strategies to expand digital connectivity and transportation networks.
- Employment and Skill Development: Initiatives aimed at empowering India’s youth through education and training.
- Sustainability and Climate Action: State-level efforts to contribute to India’s Net Zero by 2070 target.
- Agricultural Modernization: Enhancing productivity and farmer incomes through technology integration and market reforms.
Senior officials emphasized that collaborative implementation of these strategies will be critical to achieving long-term national goals.
Absence of Some Chief Ministers
The meeting was marked by the absence of Chief Ministers from some opposition-ruled states, including West Bengal, Punjab, and Delhi. Their decision to skip the session drew criticism from central officials, who reiterated that the Governing Council is a platform for development-oriented dialogue and not partisan politics.
“The NITI Aayog meeting is a collective policy forum. Participation ensures every state’s voice is heard,” said a senior official present at the meeting.
Economic and Strategic Importance
The discussions took place against the backdrop of global economic headwinds and rising domestic expectations for job creation and infrastructure expansion. The Finance Ministry stressed that enhanced state cooperation is essential for driving GDP growth, attracting foreign investment, and implementing welfare schemes effectively.
The Centre urged state governments to improve fiscal responsibility, embrace innovation, and contribute actively to national targets.
Conclusion
The 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog concluded with a renewed call for collaboration between the Union and state governments. As India aims to become a global economic leader by 2047, the role of each state will be pivotal in translating this vision into reality. Prime Minister Modi reiterated that only through joint effort can the goals of sustainable development, social justice, and economic strength be achieved.
