New Delhi May 27 (FN Bureau) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, and stressed that the Centre, States and UTs should work as “Team India” and fulfill the dreams and aspirations of people. The Meeting was held at the New Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, with a theme of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Role of Team India’. The Meeting was attended by Chief Ministers/Lt.Governors representing 19 States and 6 UTs. Modi 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. Mentioning that the NITI Aayog can play a critical role in helping States to develop their strategies for the next 25 years and align the same with the National Development Agenda. Modi said that “NITI Aayog is taking multiple initiatives for strengthening cooperative and competitive federalism like the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)”.
“Both these programmes showcase the power of working together as Centre, States and Districts, and the impact of data-driven governance in improving the lives of common citizens at the grassroots level” he said Prime Minister also stressed on the need for States and Centre to promote Shree Anna in the International Year of Millets. He also deliberated on the need for working towards water conservation through the Amrit Sarovar programme. 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 provided States the opportunity for global exposure. The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of skilling people with a view to meet global requirements, supporting MSMEs, and developing the tourism potential of the country.
Talking about Nari Shakti, he highlighted the significance of women-led development. He also spoke about ending the menace of TB by 2025. Expressing his gratitude to the CMs and LGs for participating in the meeting and sharing their views and experiences, Prime Minister said NITI Aayog will study the states’ concerns, challenges, and best practices and subsequently plan the way forward. Meanwhile the opposition leaders, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Telangana CM Chandrashekar Rao, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, skipped the meeting.