PM Chairs 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Pragati Maidan Convention Centre

· Finding to States Tightened, Kerala CM Objects

· PM said that Centre, States and UTs should work as Team India and fulfil the dreams and aspirations of people for a Viksit Bharat @ 2047

· PM spoke about diverse development issues, fiscal discipline, infrastructure development, water conservation, among others

· CMs and LGs gave various policy level suggestions and mentioned specific issues pertaining to the States which require Centre-State cooperation

· Meeting was attended by 19 states and 6 UTs, Opposition States Boycott

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog earlier on 27 May, 2023. The Meeting was held at the New Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It was attended by Chief Ministers/ Lt.Governors representing 19 States and 6 UTs.

Prime Minister stressed that the Centre, States and UTs should work as Team India and fulfil the dreams and aspirations of people for a Viksit Bharat @ 2047. He said that 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. 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.

Prime Minister mentioned 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.

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

Chief Minister/Lt. Governors gave various policy level suggestions. They mentioned specific issues pertaining to the States which require Centre-State cooperation. Some of the key suggestions and best practices highlighted by them included in areas like opting for green strategies, need for zone wise planning, tourism, urban planning, agriculture, quality of workmanship, logistics, among others.

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 practices and subsequently plan the way forward.