What Will PM Modi Discuss in the NITI Aayog Meeting Today After Op Sindoor?

New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over a crucial NITI Aayog meeting today at the Bharat Mandapam in the heart of the national capital.

This marks the first significant dialogue between the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers from all states following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor by the Indian Armed Forces, which resulted in the dismantlement of nine terrorist camps along with their training facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This operation served as a response to the recent abhorrent Pahalgam terror attack.

The NITI Aayog has stated that this meeting emphasizes the Prime Minister's dedication to collaboration with all states as part of 'Team India' aimed at achieving a developed Bharat.

As India aims for development, it is crucial for states to harness their unique capabilities to drive transformative changes at grassroots levels, making sure the aspirations of 1.4 billion citizens are fulfilled through tangible outcomes.

The gathering, themed 'Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047', aims to enhance cooperative federalism and synchronize state-level objectives with the national ambition of transforming India into a developed nation by its centennial Independence anniversary.

Discussions will focus on empowering states to craft bold, long-term, and inclusive vision documents that align with national priorities while being grounded in local realities.

States are encouraged to prioritize human development, economic progress, sustainability, technology, and governance reforms, emphasizing data-driven and outcome-oriented strategies. Institutional frameworks like Project Monitoring Units, ICT-enabled infrastructure, and Monitoring and Evaluation Cells are expected to promote accountability and correct course as needed.

The Governing Council meeting acts as a forum for the Centre and States/Union Territories (UTs) to discuss development challenges and explore how states can serve as the foundation of a Viksit Bharat.

Topics including entrepreneurship promotion, enhanced skill development, and sustainable employment creation are also set to be discussed.

The meeting aims to establish consensus on themes for the upcoming fourth National Conference of Chief Secretaries, scheduled for December 13 to 15, 2024.

During this conference, which involved participation from Union Government Secretaries and state and UT Chief Secretaries, various recommendations emerged under the umbrella of 'Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling—Leveraging the Demographic Dividend'.

Six key thematic focus areas were identified:

1. Fostering a conducive environment for manufacturing in Tier 2 and 3 cities;
2. Creating a supportive ecosystem for services in Tier 2 and 3 cities;
3. Supporting MSME and informal employment in rural non-farm sectors;
4. Encouraging MSME and informal employment in urban settings;
5. Identifying opportunities in the green economy through renewable energy;
6. Exploring opportunities in the green economy via circular economy initiatives.

A senior government official indicated that discussions may also touch on initiatives from the 2025-26 Budget and the current economic challenges.

Despite obstacles such as reciprocal tariffs from the US and global economic slowdowns, the Indian economy is projected to grow between 6.2 and 6.7 percent in the ongoing fiscal year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have revised India's growth forecasts for 2025-26 to 6.2 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively, due to global uncertainties and trade tensions.

The Governing Council, which serves as the top decision-making entity of NITI Aayog, includes all Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors of UTs, and several Union Ministers.

PM Modi, who has led the council since its establishment, will oversee today's meeting.

It is noteworthy that 10 states and UTs were absent from last year's meeting held on July 27.

NITI Aayog is currently working on a comprehensive vision document aimed at steering India's journey towards becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

This document, which integrates ten sectoral thematic visions, will focus on economic growth, social development, sustainability, and governance as core pillars.