The NITI Aayog 9th Governing Council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took place in Delhi under the theme ‘Viksit Bharat at 2047.’ The meeting, which aimed to discuss strategies for a developed India by 2047, saw the participation of leaders from 26 states and Union Territories. However, the absence of representatives from 10 states, including key members of the INDIA bloc, marked the event, as they chose to boycott the meeting citing alleged discrimination in the Union Budget.
Key topics discussed during the meeting included the creation of an investment-friendly charter index for states, the establishment of zero poverty goals, demographic management strategies, and the potential linking of river grids. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the pivotal role of states as key drivers of growth, highlighting their energy, confidence, and competence as vital to achieving the vision of a developed India.
NITI Aayog CEO BV Subramanyam addressed the media, noting the absence of leaders from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Puducherry. The boycott was led by the INDIA bloc, who expressed dissatisfaction with their perceived treatment in the Union Budget.
Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, leader of the Janata Dal-United, also did not attend the meeting. According to Subramanyam, Kumar’s absence was due to the Bihar Legislative Assembly session running late into Friday night.
The discussions at the council meeting were crucial as India charts its course toward 2047, with the aim of transforming the nation into a developed economy. The absence of several state leaders underscored ongoing political tensions and disagreements over central policies, particularly in budget allocations and support for state-led initiatives. Despite the partial boycott, the meeting served as a platform for states to collaborate and contribute to the national vision of progress and development.