New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Indian states to work collaboratively with the central government to accelerate the nation's progress towards becoming a developed economy by 2047. Speaking at the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, Modi highlighted India's nearly 70 crore young people as its greatest asset, emphasizing the need to transform this demographic dividend into a tangible development dividend.
The meeting, themed "Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047," saw participation from Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and Administrators across all 28 states and five Union Territories. It marked the first time that all 28 Chief Ministers attended a Governing Council meeting.
Cooperative Federalism for 'Viksit Bharat'
Modi underscored the principle of cooperative federalism, stating that the Centre and states must unitedly pursue the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). He stressed that this national aspiration should become a collective resolve, permeating every state, district, block, and village.
Highlighting India's unique demographic profile, the Prime Minister called on states to prioritize initiatives in education, skilling, and capacity-building. These efforts are crucial to prepare young people for future opportunities and to tackle emerging challenges effectively. Modi also encouraged states to leverage recently concluded trade agreements to create opportunities for youth and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), attracting investments from partner nations.
Women-Led Development and Local Strengths
The Prime Minister advocated for women-led development, setting an ambitious target to increase the number of "Lakhpati Didis" (women earning over one lakh rupees annually) from three crore to six crore. He also stressed the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for women across the country.
Modi urged states to bolster the "One District One Product" (ODOP) initiative, developing export-oriented strategies based on local strengths. He identified defense manufacturing as a burgeoning sector where India is establishing a distinct global identity, encouraging states to formulate policies that capitalize on its growth.
Addressing Governance and Sustainable Practices
On governance challenges, the Prime Minister called for coordinated efforts to combat drug abuse and cyber fraud through comprehensive awareness campaigns, preventive measures, and robust administration. He also addressed concerns related to El Niño conditions, appealing to states to promote water conservation and encourage natural and organic farming practices. Modi noted the growing confidence in sustainable agriculture, evidenced by farmers purchasing 11 lakh tonnes of organic manure during the current Kharif season.
To drive targeted improvements, Modi suggested identifying 100 districts in the agriculture sector, mirroring the successful Aspirational Districts Programme. He emphasized establishing clear monitoring mechanisms and defining both 100-day and five-year goals to achieve the Viksit Bharat vision.
Concluding the meeting, Modi expressed confidence that the discussions, reflecting the aspirations, experiences, and challenges of the states, would accelerate India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 through cooperation, innovation, and a shared commitment to development.