Work with NITI Aayog to take country ahead: PM to states, UTs

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that the Centre, States, and UTs should work as Team India and fulfil the dreams and aspirations of people for a Viksit Bharat in 2047. He said this while chairing the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog earlier today at the New Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

It was attended by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors representing 19 states and 6 UTs.

He said that NITI Aayog can play a critical role in helping states develop their strategies for the next 25 years and align them with the National Development Agenda. He urged the states and UTs to work with NITI Aayog so that the country can take a quantum leap towards achieving its vision for the Amrit Kaal.

The Prime Minister mentioned that NITI Aayog is taking multiple initiatives for strengthening cooperative and competitive federalism, like the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). Both of these programmes showcase the power of working together as centres, states, and districts and the impact of data-driven governance on improving the lives of common citizens at the grassroots level.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for states and the Centre to promote Shree Anna in the International Year of Millets. He also deliberated on the need to work towards water conservation through the Amrit Sarovar programme.

The Prime Minister spoke about the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline at the state level. He urged the states to proactively use the Gati Shakti Portal not only for infrastructure and logistics but also for local area development and the creation of social infrastructure.

Speaking about G20 meetings being held in the country, he said that while G20 has brought glory to India on the world stage, it has also provided states with the opportunity for global exposure.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of skilling people with a view to meeting global requirements, supporting MSMEs, developing the tourism potential of the country, reducing compliance at the state level, including decriminalisation of minor offences, and creating Ekta Malls. Talking about Nari Shakti, he highlighted the significance of women-led development. He also spoke about ending the menace of TB by 2025.

Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors gave various policy-level suggestions. They mentioned specific issues pertaining to the states that require centre-state cooperation. Some of the key suggestions and best practises highlighted by them included areas like opting for green strategies, the need for zone-wise planning, tourism, urban planning, agriculture, quality of workmanship, and logistics, among others.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the CMs and LGs for participating in the meeting and sharing their views and experiences. He said NITI Aayog will study the states’ concerns, challenges, and best practises and subsequently plan the way forward. (PIB)

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