PM Narendra Modi addressed the meeting of NITI Aayog (File)
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an important meeting of NITI Aayog today said that each state played an important role as per its strength and contributed in India’s fight against COVID-19. This was the first on-site meeting of the Governing Council of a government think-tank since the pandemic lockdown in March 2020. This meeting was conducted online last year.
At least 23 chief ministers, three lieutenant governors, two administrators and union ministers attended the event, conducted by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
“Every state played an important role as per its strength and contributed to India’s fight against COVID-19. This made India an example for developing countries to look up to as a global leader,” PM Modi he said. Policy Commission statement.
PM Modi said, “For the first time in 75 years of India’s independence, all Chief Secretaries of India met at one place and deliberated on issues of national importance for three days. The agenda of this meeting was developed through this collective process. Happened.” ,
The key topics discussed in the NITI Aayog meeting this year were crop diversification and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses, oilseeds and other agri-commodities; Implementation of the National Policy on Education or NEP in school and higher education, and urban governance.
On the Goods and Services Tax, or GST, PM Modi said collections have improved but the potential is huge. He said, “There is a need for collective action by the Center and the states to increase the GST collection. This is important to strengthen our economic position and become a $5 trillion economy.”
PM Modi said as India’s federal structure and cooperative federalism emerged as a model for the world during the pandemic, India sent a powerful message to the developing countries of the world – that despite the limitations of resources, they should overcome challenges with resilience. possible.
The credit for this, PM Modi said, goes to the state governments, which focused on grassroots delivery of public services by cooperating across political lines.
PM Modi also talked about India’s G20 Presidency in 2023 and called it a unique opportunity to show the world that India is not just Delhi – it is every state and union territory of the country.
The Prime Minister said, “We should develop a mass movement around the G20. This will help us identify the best talent available in the country.” He suggested that states should have a dedicated team for the G20 to get the maximum possible benefit from this initiative.
“The presidency of the G20 presents a great opportunity and a great responsibility. For the first time in the history of the G20, India will host G20 meetings not only in Delhi, but in every state and union territory,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said.
Each Chief Minister and Lt Governor also addressed the meeting highlighting the priorities, achievements and challenges of their states and union territories.