PM Chairs NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting, Calls for Focus on Skilling, MSMEs

New Delhi, Jun 12 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi under the theme “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047”.

The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers, Lt. Governors and Administrators representing 28 States and 5 Union Territories. According to the government, it was the first Governing Council meeting attended by Chief Ministers of all 28 States.

Referring to India's recent trade agreements, Modi encouraged States to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs and equip stakeholders to leverage benefits arising from these agreements. He also urged States to actively attract investments from partner countries.

Highlighting the importance of cooperative federalism, the Prime Minister said, “The vision of Viksit Bharat should become the collective resolve of every State, district, block and village.” He emphasized that the Centre and States must work together to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Prime Minister also urged States to strengthen One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives and develop export-oriented strategies around them.

He identified defence manufacturing as an emerging sector and encouraged States to formulate policies to leverage opportunities arising from its growth.

Highlighting India's demographic profile, Modi noted that nearly 70 crore Indians are below the age of 25 and called for greater focus on education, skilling and capacity building.

He urged States to transform the country's demographic dividend into a development dividend through investments in human capital.

Addressing emerging technologies, the Prime Minister emphasized that artificial intelligence should be viewed as an opportunity and called for efforts to equip people with future-ready skills.

He also highlighted the importance of good governance, transparency, infrastructure development and ease of doing business in attracting investment.

He also drew attention to concerns arising from El Niño conditions and urged States to promote water conservation and natural farming practices.

The Prime Minister suggested adopting an aspirational approach in agriculture by identifying districts for focused development and emphasized the need for monitoring frameworks with measurable short-term and long-term goals aligned with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

Chief Ministers, Lt. Governors and Administrators expressed support for cooperation between the Centre and States on economic growth, energy security and resilience amid global geopolitical developments.

The meeting concluded with discussions on governance reforms, investment promotion, human development and state-level development priorities, with participants sharing experiences, challenges and best practices from their respective States and Union Territories.

(KNN Bureau)