Key Highlights of the 11th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 11th governing council meeting of NITI Aayog on June 12, 2026, in New Delhi, with all 28 states and five Union Territories in attendance for the first time. The day-long deliberations centered on cooperative federalism, self-reliance, and the roadmap for a developed India by 2047 (Viksit Bharat).
PM Modi’s Address: AI, Water Conservation, and Demographic Dividend
Modi urged states to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) as an opportunity while safeguarding against emerging social challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse. He warned of risks posed by El Nino conditions and called for stronger water conservation measures. Emphasizing India’s 700 million young population as a demographic dividend, he urged states to transform it into a development dividend through skilling and employment opportunities.
“Talked about a wide range of issues, including emphasising on self-reliance, adopting global best practices and strengthening the journey of reforms. Reiterated our commitment towards cooperative federalism, in line with our Government’s belief that the states play a vital role in furthering national progress,” Modi posted on X.
State-Specific Demands and Presentations
Tamil Nadu’s NEET Opposition
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 requested permission to fill all state quota seats in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses based solely on Class XII marks. Tamil Nadu has been demanding NEET exemption since 2013.
Madhya Pradesh: Maoism Eliminated
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announced that his government had successfully eliminated Maoism from the state ahead of the central deadline.
Uttar Pradesh: Inclusive Development
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted deliberations on inclusive human development, good governance, and public participation to achieve Viksit Bharat.
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—seeking a dedicated fund of ₹6 lakh crore (₹1 lakh crore per city) for urban infrastructure.
Focus on Reforms and Global Best Practices
Modi emphasized adopting global best practices, especially in renewable energy, and leveraging recently concluded trade agreements to create opportunities for youth and MSMEs. He advised states to attract investments from partner countries and focus on branding, ease of doing business, and emerging sectors like data centers and AI.
West Asia Crisis and Energy Security
When asked about the West Asia crisis, NITI Aayog CEO Rajiv Gauba said the issue was “at the back of the mind” but no state specifically requested assistance. Vice-chairman Ashok Lahiri remarked, “Just because the West Asia crisis is there, we can’t be paralysed. We have to keep doing our work.” Discussions included energy security and accelerating the GOBARdhan scheme for domestic energy resilience.
West Bengal’s Challenges
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari highlighted the state’s struggles due to 34 years of Left Front rule and 15 years under Trinamool Congress, arguing that these past regimes left deep-rooted challenges.
Viksit Bharat Blueprints
NITI Aayog member KV Raju noted that 20 states have prepared their Viksit Bharat blueprints, with 10 more in progress. Three newly elected CMs actively participated, raising issues like elderly care, professional education, and PPP for ring roads.
FAQ
What was the main focus of the 11th NITI Aayog governing council meeting?
The meeting focused on cooperative federalism, self-reliance, AI opportunities, water conservation, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, with all 28 states and 5 UTs attending.
What did Tamil Nadu CM demand at the NITI Aayog meet?
CM C Joseph Vijay reiterated opposition to NEET, seeking permission to fill state quota medical seats based on Class XII marks instead of NEET scores.
How did PM Modi address the West Asia crisis?
PM Modi and officials acknowledged the crisis but emphasized that India cannot be paralyzed; work must continue, with focus on energy security and domestic resilience.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com