In a significant move towards shaping the future of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the ninth Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on July 27.
Held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, this meeting marks a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, an ambition encapsulated in the theme ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’.
A Collective Vision for Development
Central to the discussions was the Approach Paper for the Vision Document on Viksit Bharat @2047. This document lays down the roadmap for India’s transformation into a developed country.
The meeting underscored the critical role of states in realizing this vision, emphasizing participative governance and collaboration between the Centre and State governments.
India’s aspiration to expand its economy to a staggering $30 trillion by 2047 necessitates a cohesive effort from all quarters of governance.
The conferment focused on enhancing the overall quality of life for its citizens, dwelling in both rural and urban areas. It beckoned a united front, referred to as ‘Team India’, consisting of the Centre paired with the States, to turn this dream into reality.
Focusing on Key Developmental Areas
The discussions took cue from the 3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries which highlighted five prime areas:
- Drinking Water: Ensuring access to quality water.
- Electricity: Improving efficiency and reliability.
- Health: Making healthcare accessible, affordable, and of top quality.
- Schooling: Enhancing access and the quality of education.
- Land and Property: Streamlining accessibility, digitisation, and procedures like registration and mutation.
These areas are fundamental to establishing a robust framework for a developed India, ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth across all sectors.
A Gathering of Leaders
The meeting saw participation from chief ministers, lieutenant governors of states and union territories, union ministers, along with the Vice Chairman and Members of NITI Aayog.
Notable attendees included Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, amongst others.
However, several chief ministers from Congress-ruled states, including Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah and Telangana’s Revanth Reddy, chose to boycott the meeting, citing a perceived bias against their states in the Union Budget.
A similar sentiment was echoed by leaders from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Aam Aadmi Party-led governments in Delhi and Punjab.
Path Forward Amidst Political Divergence
The boycott by several state leaders underscores the political challenges that lie ahead in fostering a seamless Centre-State collaboration.
However, the NITI Aayog meeting serves as a critical platform for dialogue and consensus-building among India’s diverse political landscapes, pushing towards a common goal of development.
As India strides towards its centennial of independence, the significance of such meetings can’t be overstated. They not only offer a blueprint for future growth but also ensure that the growth is balanced, sustainable, and inclusive.
With a clear focus on improving the living standards of its citizens, the government’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 charts a promising path for the nation’s progress.
As the government embarks on this ambitious journey, the participation and support of all states are paramount. Despite differing political ideologies, the collective aspiration for a developed India unites the nation.
The road ahead is long and filled with challenges, but with concerted efforts and collaborative governance, achieving the dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047 is within sight.
Conclusion
The ninth Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog may well be remembered as a landmark event in India’s development narrative. It not only set the tone for a forward-looking strategy but also encapsulated the spirit of cooperative federalism.
As India moves towards realizing its vision of becoming a developed nation, the role of such meetings in engaging and mobilizing diverse stakeholders becomes increasingly significant.
Despite political boycotts and ideological differences, the path to a Viksit Bharat by 2047 demands collective action, shared vision, and unwavering commitment.
