Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to convene the 10th meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council today, bringing together Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and Administrators from across the nation at Bharat Mandapam.
This high-profile assembly is poised to be a pivotal moment in shaping the ‘Viksit Rajya, Viksit Bharat @2047’ initiative, outlining a comprehensive vision for a developed India by the centenary of its independence. The deliberations will underscore the critical role of state governments in translating national aspirations into tangible progress, focusing on building resilient, eco-friendly, and equitable cities and regions. The meeting’s central theme, ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat,’ highlights the indispensable contributions of state-level advancements towards the overarching national development goal. The Prime Minister is expected to emphasise the imperative of leveraging each state’s unique strengths and driving transformative changes at the grassroots. A significant portion of the discussions will revolve around ‘Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend,’ acknowledging India’s burgeoning youth population as a formidable asset for future economic growth. The aim is to create pathways for sustainable livelihoods and foster an inclusive economic landscape across all demographics.
Key thematic areas for deliberation include strengthening the Manufacturing and Services Ecosystem, with particular attention paid to cultivating environments conducive to robust economic growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The strategic intent is to transform these emerging urban centres into new economic powerhouses, thereby decentralising growth and fostering regional balance. Discussions will encompass critical elements such as advancing infrastructure, enhancing skill sets to meet evolving industrial demands, and ensuring policy adaptability to attract vital investments. Furthermore, the pivotal role of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector and informal employment will be thoroughly examined, with states sharing best practices to bolster MSME support and generate sustainable job opportunities, thereby strengthening the foundational pillars of India’s economy. In steadfast alignment with India’s profound commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, a substantial segment of the discussions will explore the myriad opportunities presented by renewable energy and the burgeoning circular economy. State leaders are expected to present their strategic plans and innovative approaches aimed at accelerating green technology transitions. This focus extends beyond environmental benefits, actively seeking to foster employment generation within these novel and expanding sectors. The interactive format of the Governing Council meeting is designed to facilitate robust exchanges of ideas and foster collaborative problem-solving among state leaders, creating a unified approach to national development while respecting regional specificities.
The ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ initiative transcends mere economic targets; it represents a holistic national endeavour to uplift every segment of society. By empowering states to craft bold, long-term, and inclusive vision documents tailored to their unique local realities yet harmonised with national priorities, the NITI Aayog seeks to ensure that development is equitable and universally accessible. This collaborative federalism approach is deemed crucial for transforming the aspirations of 140 crore citizens into measurable outcomes. The overarching goal is to build a nation that is not only economically prosperous but also socially just, environmentally conscious, and technologically advanced.
The discussions today are anticipated to lay down a granular framework for achieving this ambitious vision, moving beyond broad strokes to outline actionable strategies. The emphasis on strengthening ecosystems in Tier 2 and 3 cities, along with a keen focus on the MSME sector, indicates a strategic push towards inclusive growth that reaches beyond metropolitan hubs. Furthermore, the prominence given to the green economy and circular economy initiatives underscores India’s dedication to sustainable growth pathways, aspiring to be a global leader in environmental innovation. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to provide a clear blueprint for collective action, driving India towards a future characterised by prosperity, sustainability, and equity for all its citizens.
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