Page 39 - NIS English september 01-15, 2022

7th meeting of Governing Council of NITI Aayog Nation

provided an opportunity for India to emerge as a
global leader, to which developing countries could FEDERAL STRUCTURE: DIALOGUE AND
look. The PM attributed this to state governments, COORDINATION
which focused on providing public services to people
at the grassroots level through mutual cooperation. aking a historic step in dealing with
In an initiative to make India self-reliant, the Prime TCovid, the Prime Minister demonstrated
Minister stressed upon the states to promote 3T— the Sabka Saath mantra by establishing a
coordination bridge between the Center-State
trade, tourism, and technology—through every Indian and the most important state in the federal
mission across the world. He said that the states structure. At the time of Covid and on other
should focus on reducing imports, increasing exports, occasions, not only were all Chief Ministers'
and looking for opportunities in every state for this. opinions taken into account in meetings,
He said that "Vocal for Local" is not the agenda of any but the lockdown and other initiatives were
one political party but a common goal. Prime Minister implemented only after brainstorming on
Modi described the implications of this meeting as the notes and advice given by the states.
defining national priorities for eternity. He said that Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi announced
the seeds we sow today will define the fruits India will the Janata Curfew on March 19, 2020 in his
reap in 2047. first address to the nation on Covid, but did
This was the first direct Governing Council meeting not directly announce the lockdown.
The following day, after speaking with
after Covid. Months of intensive brainstorming and prominent members of the pharmaceutical
consultations between the Center and the states industry and working on a war footing with
were conducted in order to identify national priorities orders to stop black marketing, he extended
for the agenda of this meeting. For the first time in two projects worth Rs 14 thousand crore.
the country's 75-year history, all of India's Chief Then he interacted directly with medical
Secretaries met in one place for three days to discuss groups, AYUSH doctors, industry, electronic
issues of national importance. The agenda for this media, print media, social organisations, radio
meeting resulted from this collaborative process. RJs, leaders of all political parties, village
sarpanches, national athletes, and everyone
GOVERNING COUNCIL DISCUSSED FOUR KEY else who actively contributed to the nation in
this challenge. The Prime Minister's vision for
AGENDA ITEMS: all of these initiatives was to send a positive
1. Crop diversification and achieving message to the people and to eliminate
self-sufficiency in pulses, oilseeds and other pessimism and panic. The Prime Minister's
agri-commodities; response to all of this was to provide a secure
2. Implementation of the National Education working environment for those who work here.
Policy (NEP) in schools.
3. Implementation of the National Education
Policy in Higher Education Indians. PM Modi also mentioned India's G20
4. Urban governance. presidency in 2023 saying India is not just Delhi
– it includes every state and union territory in the
country.
All of the above issues were emphasised by the
Prime Minister. He emphasised the importance of The PM stated that a mass movement should be
modern agriculture, animal husbandry, and food organised around the G20 summit. This will assist
processing in order for India to become self-sufficient us in identifying the best talent in the country.
and a global leader in the agriculture sector. He said Each Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor in
that rapid urbanisation can be turned into an asset attendance addressed the meeting, highlighting
rather than a liability for India by leveraging technology their respective states' and union territories'
to ensure ease of living, transparent service delivery, priorities, accomplishments, and challenges, with
and an improvement in the quality of life for all urban a special emphasis on four major agendas.

New India Samachar September 1-15, 2022 37