PM Modi Tells State Governments To Follow Fiscal Prudence

New Delhi: At the eighth governing council meeting of NITI Aayog on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the states and districts to develop a long-term vision to make India a developed country by 2047, when the country completes 100 years of Independence. The PM said that the Centre, states and Union territories need to work as a team and develop a long-term common vision to fulfil the aspirations of people.

Chairing the NITI Aayog governing council meeting in the national capital, Mr Modi said that NITI Aayog can play a critical role in helping states develop their strategies for the next 25 years and align the same with the national development agenda. The meeting was held at the new convention centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, and was attended by chief ministers and lieutenant-governors representing 19 states and UTs.

The Prime Minister stressed that the Centre, states and UTs should work as Team India. He also urged the states and UTs to work with NITI Aayog so that the country can take a quantum leap towards achieving its vision for the Amrit Kaal.

The Prime Minister mentioned that NITI Aayog is taking multiple initiatives for strengthening cooperative and competitive federalism, like the Aspirational Districts Programme and the Aspirational Blocks Programme. He pointed out that both these programmes showcase the power of working together as Centres, states and districts and the impact of data-driven governance in improving the lives of common citizens at the grassroots level.

In his address, the Prime Minister spoke about the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline at the state levels and urged the states to proactively use the  Gati Shakti Portal not only for infrastructure and logistics but also for local area development and the creation of social infrastructure.

Mr Modi stressed on the need for states and the Centre to promote "Shree Anna" in the International Year of Millets. He also deliberated on the need to work towards water conservation through the Amrit Sarovar programme.

Speaking about G-20 meetings being held in the country, Mr Modi said that while G-20 has brought glory to India on the world stage, it has also provided states with the opportunity of global exposure.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the importance of skilling people with a view to meeting global requirements, supporting MSMEs, developing the tourism potential of the country, reducing compliance at the state level, including decriminalising minor offences and creating Ekta Malls.

Talking about Nari Shakti, Mr Modi highlighted the significance of women-led development. He also spoke about ending the menace of TB by 2025.

The chief minister and lieutenant-governors gave various policy-level suggestions. They mentioned specific issues pertaining to the states that require Centre-state cooperation. Some of the key suggestions and best practices highlighted by them include opting for green strategies, the need for zone-wise planning, tourism, urban planning, agriculture, quality of workmanship and logistics, among others.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the chief minister and L-Gs for participating in the meeting and sharing their views and experiences. He said that NITI Aayog will study the states’ concerns, challenges, and best practices and subsequently plan the way forward.