By The Sampadak Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while chairing the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, called on the Centre and States to work as a cohesive “Team India” to fast-track the country’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. The meeting, themed ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047’, witnessed wide-ranging discussions with Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors, and Union Ministers in attendance.“
We must accelerate our pace of development,” PM Modi said, as per a statement released by NITI Aayog. “If the Centre and States collaborate effectively, no goal is out of reach.” He emphasized initiatives such as developing one international-level tourist destination per State and promoting greater inclusion of women in the workforce through supportive laws and policies.
States Voice Concerns and Share Roadmaps
Despite the call for unity, several States used the platform to air their concerns. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin demanded a fair 50% share of Central taxes for States, citing the current share of 33.16% as a shortfall from the promised 41%. He also pushed for an urban transformation mission akin to AMRUT 2.0 and a river rejuvenation initiative for Cauvery, Vaigai, and Thamirabarani, styled after the Clean Ganga mission.
Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu proposed the formation of three sub groups of States to drive progress in collaboration with the Centre and NITI Aayog. These would focus on GDP growth through investments and job creation, population management to balance demographic challenges, and technology-driven governance leveraging AI, drones, and digital platforms.
Vision Documents and Long-Term Goals
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai unveiled a “3T Model” Technology, Transparency, and Transformation aimed at scaling the State’s per capita income tenfold and doubling its GSDP within five years. He also introduced the Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision Document, a blueprint for sustainable growth across economic, social, and environmental sectors. Mr. Sai reiterated the government’s goal of making the State Naxal-free by March 2026.
Water Sharing Disputes and Border Development
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann spotlighted the State’s growing water crisis and accused the Centre of “step-motherly treatment.” He referred to the 1972 Irrigation Commission report, arguing that if Haryana claims Ravi and Beas waters, Punjab should have equal rights to Yamuna waters. He also sought enhanced central assistance for the development of border villages excluded from the Vibrant Villages programme, emphasizing the need to curb drug trafficking and bolster regional security.
A Shared National Vision
Despite differing priorities and grievances, the meeting underscored a shared vision of development. PM Modi’s appeal for cooperative federalism and strategic planning aimed at inclusive, sustainable growth set the tone for the country’s long term roadmap with 2047, the centenary of Indian independence, as the ambitious milestone.
