PM Modi Sets Zero Poverty Goals; Mamata Banerjee Exits NITI Aayog Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged for zero poverty targets starting at the village level during the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting. The event saw West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walking out, alleging her microphone was turned off. Modi stressed the importance of addressing poverty individually rather than through broad programmes.

Representative image

Modi highlighted that aiming for zero poverty at the village level would significantly transform the country. He stated, "We must target zero poverty as a priority for a Viksit Bharat starting at village level." This approach, he believes, will bring about substantial changes across India.

States' Participation and Absentees

Ten states and Union Territories did not attend the NITI Aayog meeting. These included Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Puducherry. CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam remarked that their absence was their loss.

Subrahmanyam explained that Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar missed the meeting due to an assembly session in his state. The meeting took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

Investment-Friendly Environment

During the meeting, Modi encouraged states to create an investor-friendly environment. He directed NITI Aayog to develop an 'Investment-friendly Charter' outlining policies and processes to attract investments. Vice Chairman Suman Bery noted that Modi wanted states to compete for foreign direct investment (FDI), especially those less successful in attracting it.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of law and order, good governance, and infrastructure for attracting investments. He suggested that incentives alone are not sufficient to draw investors.

Vision for Viksit Bharat @2047

Modi called for cooperation between states and the Centre to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He encouraged states to create Demographic Management Plans to address future population ageing issues. Modi observed that achieving Viksit Bharat requires development at every district, block, and village level.

He pointed out that India's economy has grown steadily over the past decade. From being the 10th largest economy in 2014, India is now the 5th largest by 2024. Modi stressed that the collective goal is to become the third-largest economy globally.

Economic Growth and Opportunities

The Prime Minister noted India's progress in various sectors like defence, space, start-ups, and sports. He said this decade offers numerous opportunities across different fields. Modi urged states to utilise these opportunities by making policies conducive to development through innovative approaches.

He also emphasised skilling and training youth to make them employment-ready as global demand for skilled human resources rises. Modi encouraged increasing productivity and diversification in agriculture while promoting natural farming practices for better soil fertility and quicker returns for farmers.

Controversy Over Speaking Time

Mamata Banerjee claimed her microphone was switched off after only five minutes of speaking time. She said other chief ministers were allowed longer durations. "This is insulting. I will not attend any further meeting," Banerjee stated after leaving the meeting.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman refuted Banerjee's claims, saying she spoke her full allotted time without interruption. "She Mamata spoke her full time," Sitharaman posted on X (formerly Twitter). She added that other CMs also spoke beyond their allotted time without any issues.

Reactions from Opposition

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised NITI Aayog's treatment of Banerjee. He posted on X: "Since it was established ten years ago, NITI Aayog has been an attached office of the PMO and has functioned as a drumbeater for the non-biological PM." Ramesh found its treatment of Banerjee unacceptable.

The Prime Minister concluded by stressing India's progress over the past decade in strengthening social and economic infrastructure. He highlighted India's shift from being import-driven to becoming a significant exporter in various sectors worldwide.