NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 9th Governing Council meeting of Niti Aayog on Saturday, with the aim of fostering participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and state governments.
However, the meeting was marked by a boycott by several opposition-ruled states and a walkout by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
NDA ally and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, meanwhile, skipped the meeting — a development that has raised eyebrows among political circles. The state was represented by deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.
As per Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, 10 states and UTs, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Puducherry, did not participate in the meeting.
Mamata Banerjee, the only opposition CM to attend, walked out alleging that her microphone was muted and she was allowed to speak for only 5 minutes, while others spoke for 10-20 minutes. The Centre refuted her claims, stating that the clock only showed her speaking time was over.
Opposition chief ministers boycotted the meeting to protest the “discriminatory” Union Budget 2024-25 towards non-NDA-ruled state governments. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin initiated the boycott, followed by Congress-ruled states and the AAP-led Punjab government.Focus on Viksit Bharat
However, the meeting was marked by a boycott by several opposition-ruled states and a walkout by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
NDA ally and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, meanwhile, skipped the meeting — a development that has raised eyebrows among political circles. The state was represented by deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha.
As per Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, 10 states and UTs, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Puducherry, did not participate in the meeting.
Mamata Banerjee, the only opposition CM to attend, walked out alleging that her microphone was muted and she was allowed to speak for only 5 minutes, while others spoke for 10-20 minutes. The Centre refuted her claims, stating that the clock only showed her speaking time was over.
Opposition chief ministers boycotted the meeting to protest the “discriminatory” Union Budget 2024-25 towards non-NDA-ruled state governments. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin initiated the boycott, followed by Congress-ruled states and the AAP-led Punjab government.
Focus on Viksit Bharat
At the meeting, PM Modi emphasised the need for states to compete for FDI so that investments could reach all states, especially those less successful. He also appreciated the idea of ‘zero poverty’ and said it should be targeted at the village level.
The meeting focused on making India a developed nation by 2047, with a vision document being prepared to help India become a $30 trillion economy by then.
- Vision for 2047: The meeting focused on achieving the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047,” emphasizing cooperation between the Centre and states to develop India into a fully developed nation by its 100th year of independence.
- Economic Growth: PM Modi highlighted India’s economic progress, noting that it has risen from the 10th largest economy in 2014 to the 5th largest by 2024, with a collective goal to become the third largest globally.
- Social and Economic Infrastructure: The Prime Minister acknowledged significant advancements in social and economic infrastructure, transitioning India from an import-driven economy to a notable exporter in various sectors, including defense and space.
- Opportunities for Development: PM Modi referred to the current decade as one of change and opportunity, urging states to adopt innovative policies and governance programs that foster development.
- Grassroots Vision: He stressed that the vision for a developed India must permeate down to every district, block, and village, encouraging localized planning for 2047.
- Aspirational Districts Programme: The success of this program was attributed to continuous monitoring and healthy competition among districts, enhancing their performance in government schemes.
- Youth Employment: Emphasizing the importance of skilling and training, Modi urged states to prepare the youth for employment, as India is seen favorably for its skilled workforce.
- Investment-Friendly Environment: He directed NITI Aayog to create an ‘Investment-friendly Charter’ to attract investments, stressing the need for good governance, law and order, and infrastructure over mere incentives.
- Poverty Alleviation: Modi proposed targeting zero poverty as a priority, advocating for individualized approaches to poverty reduction to create transformative effects.
- Agricultural Development: He encouraged states to enhance agricultural productivity and promote natural farming practices, linking farmers to markets effectively.
- Demographic Management: The Prime Minister called for plans to manage demographic changes, particularly addressing population aging.
- Capacity Building: He urged states to invest in the capacity building of government officials, collaborating with the Capacity Building Commission.
- Suggestions from States: Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors shared various suggestions for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat, focusing on sectors like agriculture, education, governance, and digitalization.
- Next Steps: Modi directed NITI Aayog to analyze the suggestions made during the meeting, reinforcing the importance of cooperative federalism in India’s progress towards its 2047 vision.
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