Future-Ready India: Urban Planning, Tourism, and Women’s Participation Dominate NITI Agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog today, May 24, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This pivotal gathering focused on the theme "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047," emphasizing the collaborative efforts required between the Centre and states to achieve a developed India by 2047. 1. theme: Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047 the central theme underscored the vision of transforming India into a developed nation by its 100th year of independence. PM Modi emphasized that the development of each state ("Viksit Rajya") is crucial for the overall progress of the nation ("Viksit Bharat"). He urged states to craft bold, long-term, and inclusive vision documents aligned with national priorities yet grounded in local realities. 2. Centre-State Collaboration: 'Team India' Approach. Reiterating the importance of cooperative federalism, PM Modi likened the Centre and states to "Team India," stating that no goal is impossible when both work together. He highlighted that aligning policies and leveraging collective strengths are essential to overcome challenges and fulfill citizens' aspirations. 3. Focus Areas Discussed. Urban Development: PM Modi stressed the need for "future-ready" cities, highlighting that growth, innovation, and sustainability should drive urban development. Tourism: He proposed the "One State, One Global Destination" initiative, urging each state to develop at least one tourist destination at par with global standards, which would also spur the development of neighboring cities. Women's Workforce Participation: the Prime Minister emphasized the inclusion of women in the workforce, advocating for laws and policies that enable respectful integration of women into various sectors. 4. Attendance and Notable Absences. the meeting saw participation from several key leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, Union Ministers, and members of NITI Aayog were also present. However, notable absentees included West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, highlighting ongoing political tensions and differing views on collaborative development planning. 5. State Presentations and Initiatives Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented the state's development roadmap toward a ₹75 lakh crore economy, emphasizing the transformation of the Bastar region from a conflict zone to a model of development and self-reliance. the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog served as a significant platform for reinforcing the spirit of cooperative federalism and aligning state and national objectives. By focusing on inclusive growth, sustainable urban development, tourism, and women's participation in the workforce, the meeting laid down a comprehensive roadmap for India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.