Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon states and Union Territories to eliminate policy bottlenecks that are currently hindering investment and job creation. Speaking at the 10th Governing Council meeting of Niti Aayog in New Delhi on Saturday, May 24, 2025, Modi emphasized the importance of a collaborative "Team India" approach between the central government and the states, asserting that such cooperation would make any national goal achievable.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for states to prioritize agriculture, education, and healthcare, framing Niti Aayog's decade-long journey as a preparatory phase for achieving the ambitious "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) goal by 2047. The theme of the Governing Council meeting, "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047," reinforced this overarching vision.
Modi urged states to develop future-ready cities, emphasizing that growth, innovation, and sustainability should be the engines driving urban development. He also suggested that each state should develop at least one tourist destination that meets global standards, providing comprehensive facilities and infrastructure to attract international visitors and boost local economies. This initiative, dubbed "One State: One Global Destination," aims to spur development in neighboring cities as well.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of inclusivity, particularly concerning women in the workforce. He advocated for laws and policies that respectfully integrate women, ensuring their equal participation and contribution to the nation's economic growth.
The meeting also addressed national security, with unanimous support from all attendees for "Operation Sindoor," India's recent military action aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure. Modi emphasized that Operation Sindoor should not be treated as a one-off initiative but as part of a long-term approach to national security. He also mentioned the need to modernize our approach to civil preparedness, drawing attention to recent mock drills and urging states to institutionalize civil defense preparedness.
The Niti Aayog Governing Council includes all state chief ministers, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and several Union ministers, with Prime Minister Modi as its chairman. The meeting saw strong attendance, with 31 out of 36 states and Union Territories participating. States that were unable to attend due to prior commitments included Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar, and Puducherry.
Modi conveyed that global investors are keenly interested in India, and states should capitalize on this opportunity by removing policy impediments to attract investments. He reiterated that no goal is unattainable if the central and state governments work in unison. He encapsulated this sentiment by stating, "Viksit Bharat is the goal of every Indian. When every state is Viksit, then Bharat will be Viksit. This is the aspiration of its 140 crore citizens."
