Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 8th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog recently. The Meeting was held at the New Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It was attended by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors representing 19 States and 6 Union Territories.
At #NITIAayog’s #8thGCM, PM @narendramodi stated that when states grow, India grows.
He also emphasised the importance of evolving a common vision to achieve a #VikasitBharat @ 2047.
— NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) May 27, 2023
The 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.
The Prime Minister mentioned that NITI Aayog is implementing various initiatives to enhance cooperative and competitive federalism, such as the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP). These programs demonstrate the collaborative efforts of the Central Government, State Governments, and Districts, and the positive impact of data-driven governance in improving the lives of ordinary citizens at the grassroots level.
He stressed on the need for States and Centre to promote Shree Anna in the International Year of Millets. He also discussed the Amrit Sarovar program as a means to conserve water.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of maintaining fiscal discipline at the State level. He encouraged States to actively utilize the Gati Shakti Portal not only for infrastructure and logistics but also for local area development and the creation of social infrastructure.
Additionally, the Prime Minister addressed the importance of skill development to meet global demands, supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), harnessing the tourism potential of the country, reducing administrative burdens at the State level (including the decriminalization of minor offenses), and establishing Ekta Malls. He emphasized women-led development as a crucial aspect of Nari Shakti (women empowerment) and discussed the goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025.
What is NITI Aayog’s Governing Council?
It is the premier body trusted with developing a shared vision of national priorities and strategies with the active involvement of States and Union Territories. It is a platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues.
Its composition includes the Prime Minister of India, Chief Ministers of all states and union territories with legislative bodies, Lieutenant Governors of other Union Territories, Ex-Officio Members, Vice Chairman (NITI Aayog), Full-Time Members (NITI Aayog), and Special Invitees.
What is NITI Aayog?
On January 1st, 2015, the Planning Commission was substituted by a new organization called NITI Aayog. The establishment of NITI Aayog aimed to promote a ‘Bottom-Up’ approach and achieve the goal of Maximum Governance, Minimum Government, aligning with the principles of Cooperative Federalism.
NITI Aayog consists of two main components: the Team India Hub, which serves as a communication link between the States and the Central Government, and the Knowledge and Innovation Hub, which enhances the think-tank capabilities of NITI Aayog.
Initiatives taken by NITI Aayog:
SDG India Index
Composite Water Management Index
Atal Innovation Mission
SATH Project
Aspirational District Programme
School Education Quality Index
District Hospital Index
Health Index
Agriculture Marketing And Farmer Friendly reform Index
India Innovation Index
Women Transforming India Awards
Good Governance Index