Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is presiding over the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, with the theme ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’. The high-level meeting focuses on charting a roadmap for transforming India into a developed nation over the next 25 years through collaborative efforts between the Centre and the states.
Key CMs absent amid political tension
Notably, three chief ministers—West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah, and Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan—have chosen to skip the meeting. While no official reason has been provided, sources in the West Bengal Secretariat confirmed Mamata Banerjee’s decision to not participate.
Their absence is being viewed as a reflection of the ongoing strain in Centre-state relations. The timing of their withdrawal is particularly significant as the meeting was expected to emphasise cooperative federalism and unified governance.
Crucial discussions expected
The Governing Council of NITI Aayog is its apex decision-making body, comprising all state chief ministers, union territory lieutenant governors, key union ministers, and senior officials. Prime Minister Modi serves as its chairperson.
Today’s discussions are expected to focus on areas such as education, health, infrastructure, employment, innovation, and sustainable development. The Centre aims to align its efforts with state governments to formulate integrated policies.
Additionally, key developmental issues like equitable resource distribution, improved federal coordination, and stronger state participation in policy-making are on the agenda. The meeting is seen as a foundational step in advancing India’s goal to become a fully developed nation by 2047.
