Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday articulated the Narendra Modi government's clear and ambitious vision: to achieve regional strength alongside national progress and establish India's global leadership across all sectors. He made these remarks while presiding over the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council in Faridabad.
A Clear Vision for a Great India
Addressing the gathering of chief ministers and lieutenant governors from northern states, Shah stated, "Our goal is clear — regional strength along with national progress and India’s global leadership in every field, which will lead us towards the creation of a great India." He emphasized that this dual focus on empowering regions while driving the nation forward is central to the government's agenda.
Cooperation as a Tool for Prosperity and Employment
The Home Minister highlighted specific sectors with significant potential for poverty eradication and job creation. He pointed to cooperation, agriculture, and fisheries as vital areas. Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of 'Sahkar Se Samriddhi' (prosperity through cooperation), Shah underscored the immense employment potential within the cooperative sector.
He asserted that the dream of a developed India can only be realized through a parallel growth in employment, particularly self-employment, and the GDP. To strengthen the cooperative movement, the Ministry of Cooperation has initiated 57 measures nationwide. These include the computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), the establishment of three new national-level cooperative societies, and the creation of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University.
Resolving Inter-State Issues and Security Commitment
Shah also addressed the critical issue of water disputes, urging all states to work in mutual coordination to resolve water-related problems. He praised the evolving role of the zonal councils, noting that while their original purpose was advisory, they have transformed into action-oriented platforms over the last decade.
"With follow-up, we have not only accepted issues between states, between regions and states, and between the Centre and state governments, but also created concrete pathways for their resolution," the Home Minister explained.
On the topic of national security, Shah addressed the recent Red Fort blast incident with a firm stance. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, eliminating terrorism is our collective commitment," he declared. He assured the nation that the culprits behind the Delhi blast would be traced, brought before the judicial system, and given the strictest possible punishment.
The high-profile meeting was attended by Chief Ministers Nayab Singh Saini (Haryana), Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh), Bhagwant Mann (Punjab), Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan), and Rekha Gupta (Delhi). Former Chief Minister of J&K Omar Abdullah, along with Lieutenant-Governors and the Punjab Governor also participated in the deliberations.
