Viksit states will make Viksit Bharat: PM Modi
New Delhi, July 27
Underlining the importance of collective efforts by both the Centre and states, PM Narendra Modi on Saturday called for the need to set zero poverty target to achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Chairing the ninth Niti Aayog governing council meeting, Modi observed the vision of Viksit Bharat could be realised through “viksit states”, and that the aspiration of Viksit Bharat should reach the grassroots level i.e. to each district, block and village.
The meeting was attended by CMs of 20 states and six UTs, while eight Opposition-ruled states and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar gave it a miss.
The PM emphasised there was a need to tackle poverty on an individual basis rather than just at a programme level. He observed removing poverty from the grassroots would bring about a transformational effect in the country.
He encouraged states to provide an investor-friendly environment and directed the Niti Aayog to prepare an “investment-friendly charter” which would include policies, programmes and processes to be put in place for attracting investments.
The PM also underscored the importance of law and order, good governance and infrastructure as vital for attracting investments, rather than just incentives. He also encouraged the creation of river grids at state level for effective utilisation of water resources.
Emphasising on skilling and training of youth, which was also the focus of the Union Budget, PM Modi said this would make them employment-ready.
He appreciated the aspirational districts programme anchored by Niti Aayog and observed that the key to its success was continuous and online monitoring of measurable parameters, which led to healthy competition among districts to better their performance in different government schemes.
The PM encouraged all states to increase productivity and diversification in agriculture and provide market linkages to farmers. He further emphasised on spreading the adoption of natural farming practices to improve soil fertility, ensure better and quicker returns to farmers due to low costs and also provide a global market for the products.
Some of the CMs gave various suggestions for the vision of Viksit Bharat and discussed steps being taken in their states, which included measures undertaken in the fields of agriculture, education and skill development, entrepreneurship, drinking water, reducing compliances, governance, digitalisation, women empowerment and cyber security.
Later addressing a press conference, Niti Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam said in two weeks, the CMs would give their inputs on the roadmap for Viksit Bharat. He emphasised there would be a comprehensive five-year programme, which would have achievable targets, while the 25-year roadmap would be more advisory in nature.
On West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s charge that she was not allowed to speak, Subrahmanyam said there was no interruption and no mike was switched off. “All CMs were given equal time to air their views. We have her inputs also, but she decided that her time was up and she left the meeting. She had informed beforehand that she would be leaving early,” the CEO said.
