In a historic first, chief ministers of all 28 Indian states participated in the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting held in New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized the importance of cooperative federalism and collective efforts to drive India's development agenda.
Unprecedented Participation
The governing council meeting witnessed the presence of all state chief ministers, marking a significant milestone in the forum's history. This inclusive participation highlighted the government's commitment to engaging with states in policy formulation and implementation.
Key Discussions
The agenda included discussions on the national development strategy, health, education, and infrastructure. PM Modi urged states to work together to achieve the goal of a developed India by 2047. He also stressed the need for states to adopt best practices and share successful models for replication.
Several chief ministers raised concerns about financial devolution and resource allocation. The Prime Minister assured them of the central government's support in addressing state-specific challenges while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Focus on Cooperative Federalism
NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission in 2015, has been promoting a bottom-up approach to planning. The governing council serves as a platform for dialogue between the centre and states. This meeting reinforced the spirit of cooperative federalism, with leaders from diverse political backgrounds engaging constructively.
Chief ministers from opposition-ruled states also participated, indicating a willingness to collaborate on national issues. The meeting concluded with a consensus on accelerating reforms in agriculture, water management, and digital governance.
Outcome and Way Forward
The council adopted a resolution to strengthen the role of states in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also decided to set up a sub-committee of chief ministers to suggest measures for improving the ease of doing business. The next meeting is scheduled for later this year, with a focus on monitoring progress on key initiatives.
