Calls for Cooperative Federalism, Youth Empowerment and Stronger Measures Against Cyber Fraud and Drug Abuse
NEW DELHI, June 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon states to effectively leverage emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) while simultaneously addressing growing challenges like cyber fraud and drug abuse through coordinated governance and public awareness initiatives.
Chairing the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasized that India’s growth story continues to inspire the world despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges affecting several major economies.
The day-long meeting witnessed participation from all 28 states and five Union Territories, marking the first occasion when every state was represented at the annual Governing Council meeting.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said that the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) can only be achieved if every state, district, block and village actively contributes towards national development.
He stressed the importance of cooperative federalism and urged states to work closely with the Centre in achieving shared development goals.
Highlighting Artificial Intelligence as a major opportunity for economic transformation, Modi said states should focus on equipping youth with future-ready skills and preparing them for emerging industries. At the same time, he cautioned against the misuse of technology and called for stronger safeguards against cybercrime and online fraud.
The Prime Minister also expressed concern over possible El Niño conditions and urged states to intensify water conservation efforts, improve water management systems and prepare for climate-related challenges.
Referring to India’s recent trade agreements with several countries, Modi encouraged states to create new opportunities for youth, entrepreneurs and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He advised state governments to proactively attract investments from partner nations and ensure that local industries benefit from emerging global opportunities.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to focus on ease of doing business, transparency, infrastructure development and effective branding to attract domestic and foreign investments. He identified sectors such as data centres, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and next-generation manufacturing as key drivers of future growth.
Calling India’s 70 crore youth its greatest asset, Modi urged states to convert the country’s demographic dividend into a development dividend through skilling, entrepreneurship and employment generation.
He also highlighted defence manufacturing as a rapidly emerging sector and encouraged states to formulate policies that can help attract investments and generate jobs in the industry.
The theme of this year’s Governing Council meeting was “Inclusive Human Development Framework”, focusing on four major pillars — human capital development, employment and entrepreneurship, health and nutrition, and social equity.
According to NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri, the Prime Minister stressed that India cannot become a developed nation unless all states achieve balanced and inclusive growth.
During the meeting, several chief ministers discussed employment generation, energy security, urbanisation and economic reforms. Many states also advocated competitive and reliable energy pricing to support industrial growth.
The Prime Minister noted that discussions during the meeting reflected the aspirations, challenges and innovative practices emerging from different parts of the country and would contribute significantly towards shaping India’s development roadmap for 2047.
Leaders attending the meeting also congratulated Prime Minister Modi on completing 12 years in office and reiterated their commitment to working with the Centre to strengthen India’s economy and resilience amid global challenges.
