Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi, emphasising the collective efforts required by both the Centre and States to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors representing 20 States and 6 Union Territories (UTs).
Highlighting India's economic growth, PM Modi noted, "India has achieved steady growth over the past decade. From being the 10th largest economy in 2014, we have now become the 5th largest economy by 2024. Our collective aim is to become the third largest economy in the world", a statement by the NITI Aayog informed.
Emphasising the need for visionary planning, the Prime Minister urged each State and District to create a vision for 2047. "The vision of Viksit Bharat can be realised through Viksit States. Each State and District should have a clear vision for 2047 to ensure development reaches every block and village," he stated.
In his remarks, PM Modi appreciated the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, managed by NITI Aayog, which fostered healthy competition among districts through continuous and online monitoring of measurable parameters.
NITI Aayog Meet: PM Modi On Youth Skilling, Investment-Friendly Environment
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of skilling and training the youth to make them employment-ready, stating, "The world looks favourably towards India for skilled human resources."
PM Modi encouraged States to foster an investor-friendly environment and directed NITI Aayog to prepare an 'Investment-friendly Charter' to attract investments. "Good governance, law and order, and infrastructure are crucial for attracting investments, not just incentives," he noted.
Addressing water resource management, the Prime Minister advocated for the creation of River Grids at the State level. He also highlighted the need for States to initiate Demographic Management Plans to address future issues related to population aging.
‘We Must Target Zero Poverty At Grassroots Level’: PM Modi At NITI Aayog Meet
He emphasised the goal of zero poverty as a priority for Viksit Bharat, asserting, "We must target zero poverty at the grassroots level for a transformational impact on our country."
In agriculture, PM Modi urged States to enhance productivity and diversification, provide market linkages to farmers, and promote Natural Farming practices for better soil fertility and low-cost, high-return farming.
Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors shared various suggestions and best practices in fields such as agriculture, education, skill development, entrepreneurship, drinking water, governance, and digitalisation. Several States also discussed their efforts to create a State Vision for 2047.
In concluding the meeting, PM Modi directed NITI Aayog to study the suggestions from the States and UTs and expressed his gratitude to all participants for their contributions. He conveyed confidence that India is on the path to fulfilling the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 through cooperative federalism.