NATIONAL

Eighth meeting of NITI Aayog Governing Council concludes at Pragati Maidan

• 27 May 2023

The Eighth meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council concluded at the new Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. It was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Chairman of NITI Aayog.

Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors from several States and Union Territories, Union Ministers, Vice Chairman and Members of NITI Aayog participated in the meeting.

Addressing the Governing Council meeting Mr Modi said, when states grow, India grows. He also emphasised the importance of evolving a common vision to achieve a Vikasit Bharat @ 2047. The Prime Minister also stressed on the need for the Centre, States and UTs to work together as Team India to ensure an Adarsh Amrit Kaal. He highlighted that NITI Aayog provides a platform for equal partnership between the Centre and States, thus strengthening cooperative and competitive federalism in the country.

Mr Modi stated that NITI Aayog is taking multiple initiatives for strengthening cooperative federalism, such as the Aspirational Districts Programme. He also complimented the States for participating proactively and wholeheartedly in the programme. The Prime Minister reiterated that the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme inspired NITI Aayog to launch the Aspirational Blocks Programme. He said, Aspirational Blocks Programme aims to uplift living standards of citizens in 500 backward blocks across States and bring them at par with State averages. In the International Year of Millets, Mr Modi highlighted the need for States to work together on the millet programme. He said, Shree Anna is a superfood that is an eco-friendly crop and farmer-friendly. The Prime Minister deliberated on the need to decrease import dependency and become Atmanirbhar in edible oil production to fulfil the needs of India. He appreciated the construction of more than 50 thousand Amrit Sarovars by the States. Mr Modi laid emphasis on the need to continue with this mission as it creates valuable assets for Water Conservation and provides employment to the local people. The Prime Minister said, Gati Shakti with nearly 1,600 layers of data ensures evidence-based policy-making in the infrastructure sector. He said, it also ensures effective socio-economic planning and adoption of an area-development approach.

Briefing media in New Delhi after the conclusion after the Governing Council meeting, CEO of NITI Aayog B V R Subrahmanyam said, Mr Modi asked states to follow fiscal prudence and good governance practices. He said, Mr Modi urged states and districts to develop vision for Viksit Bharat.