Why in the News?

The 10th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was recently held in New Delhi.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About NITI Aayog (Objective, Functions, Governing Council, etc.)
• PM’s Speech (Key Highlights, Strategic Recommendations, State-level Inputs)

About NITI Aayog

• The NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission.
• Its primary mandate is to promote cooperative federalism, facilitate evidence-based policymaking, and guide India’s long-term developmental strategy toward achieving Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Functions of NITI Aayog
  • Formulating strategic and long-term policy frameworks.
  • Coordinating between the Centre and states.
  • Encouraging innovation, technology-driven governance, and sustainable development.
  • Monitoring implementation of key national programmes.

Governing Council of NITI Aayog

• The Governing Council is the apex decision-making body of NITI Aayog. It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and comprises:
  • Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories with legislatures.
  • Lieutenant Governors of other UTs.
  • Union Ministers for key portfolios.
  • Vice-Chairperson and senior officials of NITI Aayog.
• This council meets annually to discuss key policy issues, align Centre-state priorities, and foster a collaborative approach to India's growth and development.
• It plays a crucial role in strengthening “Team India” spirit across different levels of government. 

Highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s Address

• Focus on Viksit Bharat @2047
  • PM Modi began by emphasizing the shared goal of making India a “Viksit Bharat” (developed nation) by 2047.
  • He encouraged each state to align its developmental agenda accordingly, ensuring that every state, city, municipal body, and village transforms into a 'Viksit' unit.
• Team India Approach
  • The Prime Minister underscored the importance of Centre-state collaboration. “If the Centre and states work together like Team India, no goal is impossible,” he stated.
  • He advocated for coordinated planning across sectors such as infrastructure, services, governance, and innovation.
• Modernising Civil Preparedness
  • Reflecting on Operation Sindoor and national security concerns, PM Modi emphasized that such efforts should not be one-time responses.
  • He urged states to institutionalize civil defence mechanisms and enhance disaster resilience capabilities.

Strategic Recommendations by the PM

• Leverage Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
  • PM Modi advised states to strategically use India’s new FTAs to boost local manufacturing and exports. He called for an investor-friendly regulatory environment and proposed removing outdated laws to attract global investments.
• Tourism Development
  • PM Modi proposed the “One State, One Global Destination”
  • Each state should develop at least one world-class tourist hub with comprehensive infrastructure.
  • This would catalyse both direct tourism revenue and the development of nearby cities.
• Urban and Workforce Reforms
  • In response to rapid urbanisation, the Prime Minister stressed the need for future-ready cities built on principles of sustainability, innovation, and resilience.
  • He also called for reforms to integrate more women into the workforce, urging states to craft gender-sensitive laws and policies.

Key State-Level Inputs and Demands

• Tamil Nadu’s Tax Revenue Demand
  • Chief Minister M.K. Stalin demanded that states receive a 50% share in central taxes, up from the current 33.16%.
  • He also urged for:
    • A dedicated urban transformation mission like AMRUT 2.0.
    • A Clean-Ganga-style river rejuvenation mission for Tamil Nadu rivers such as Cauvery and Vaigai.
• Andhra Pradesh’s Sub-Group Proposal
  • CM N. Chandrababu Naidu proposed forming three sub-groups of states to work with the Centre:
    • GDP Growth and Investments
    • Population Management
    • Technology-Driven Governance (using AI, drones, digital platforms)
• Chhattisgarh’s 3T Model
  • CM Vishnu Deo Sai proposed a 3T (Technology, Transparency, Transformation) development model under the “Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision Document”.
  • It targets:
    • Tenfold increase in per capita income.
    • Doubling GSDP in five years.
    • Naxal-free Chhattisgarh by March 2026.
• Punjab’s Concerns on Water and Borders
  • CM Bhagwant Mann raised Punjab’s claim over Yamuna river waters and demanded:
    • Inclusion of border villages in the Vibrant Villages Programme.
    • More funds for anti-drug initiatives and border security.
    • Reversal of perceived “step-motherly treatment” by the Centre.