Key Highlights of the 11th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 11th governing council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi on Thursday, where he underscored the critical role of states in driving national progress. The meeting, attended by all 28 states and five Union Territories for the first time, focused on cooperative federalism and the vision of a developed India by 2047.
PM Modi's Address: AI, Water Conservation, and Self-Reliance
Modi urged states to harness artificial intelligence as an opportunity while implementing safeguards against emerging social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He also warned of risks from El Nino conditions and called for stronger water conservation measures. Emphasizing self-reliance, the PM highlighted the importance of adopting global best practices, particularly in renewable energy, and leveraging recently concluded trade agreements to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs.
“States play a vital role in furthering national progress,” Modi said on X, reiterating his government’s commitment to cooperative federalism. He stressed that the vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India) should become the collective resolve of every state, district, block, and village.
State-Specific Demands and Presentations
Tamil Nadu's Opposition to NEET
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay renewed the state’s opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that it disadvantages students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. He urged the Centre to allow admissions to state quota medical seats based solely on Class XII scores, a demand Tamil Nadu has maintained since NEET was first conducted in 2013.
Madhya Pradesh: Maoism Eliminated
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announced that his government had succeeded in eliminating Maoism from the state ahead of the central deadline.
Uttar Pradesh: Focus on Inclusive Development
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said the meeting held detailed deliberations on advancing the goal of a developed India through inclusive human development, good governance, and public participation.
Andhra Pradesh: Swarna Andhra 2047 Vision
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu presented the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision, outlining a roadmap to transform the state into a prosperous, inclusive, and globally competitive economy by 2047.
Telangana: M-6 Task Force Proposal
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy reiterated his proposal for an “M-6 Task Force” to develop six major economic growth engines—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. He sought a dedicated fund of ₹6 lakh crore, with ₹1 lakh crore for each city to strengthen urban infrastructure.
West Bengal: Challenges from Past Governance
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari argued that the state continues to grapple with challenges from decades of Left Front and Trinamool Congress rule, citing 34 years of Left Front and 15 years of Trinamool Congress governance.
Discussions on Human Development and Energy Security
NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Ashok Lahiri said discussions centered on inclusive human development as part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, focusing on education, healthcare, employment, and welfare across life stages. The meeting lasted over eight hours. On the West Asia crisis, Lahiri noted it was “at the back of the mind” but no state specifically requested assistance. “Just because the West Asia crisis is there, we can’t be paralysed. We have to keep doing our work,” he said.
NITI Aayog CEO Rajiv Gauba said requests for central funds did not dominate the meeting, though some states raised specific demands. He added that 20 states have already prepared their Viksit Bharat blueprints, with another 10 working on them.
What Readers Should Know
- All 28 states and 5 UTs attended the meeting for the first time.
- PM Modi emphasized AI as an opportunity but called for safeguards against cyber fraud and drug abuse.
- Water conservation and self-reliance were key themes, with a focus on renewable energy and trade agreements.
- Tamil Nadu reiterated its demand for NEET exemption for state quota medical seats.
- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana presented ambitious development visions.
- West Bengal highlighted historical governance challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi emphasize at the NITI Aayog meeting?
PM Modi stressed the vital role of states in national progress, urged balancing AI opportunities with safeguards against cyber fraud and drug abuse, and called for stronger water conservation measures.
Which states raised specific issues at the meeting?
Tamil Nadu opposed NEET, Madhya Pradesh claimed elimination of Maoism, Andhra Pradesh presented Swarna Andhra 2047 vision, Telangana proposed an M-6 Task Force for six cities, and West Bengal highlighted challenges from past governance.
What is the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision?
It is the government's goal to make India a developed nation by 2047, with states preparing blueprints focusing on inclusive human development, good governance, and public participation.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com