Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 11th NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on June 11, 2026, with all 28 Chief Ministers in attendance, marking a significant break from the boycott trend seen in recent years. Leaders from both BJP-ruled and opposition-ruled states participated in discussions on development priorities, cooperative federalism, economic growth, MSMEs, youth empowerment, and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
The meeting, held at the NITI Aayog headquarters in New Delhi, witnessed a rare display of unity among state leaders. Chief Ministers from various political backgrounds shared their perspectives on national development goals. The agenda included:
- Cooperative Federalism: Strengthening center-state relations and fostering collaborative governance.
- Economic Growth: Strategies to boost GDP growth and attract investments.
- MSMEs: Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises to drive employment and innovation.
- Youth Empowerment: Skill development and entrepreneurship initiatives for the younger generation.
- Viksit Bharat: The government's vision for a developed India by 2047.
Breaking the Boycott Trend
In recent years, several opposition-ruled states had boycotted NITI Aayog meetings, citing differences over fiscal policies and resource allocation. However, this year, all Chief Ministers attended, signaling a renewed commitment to dialogue and cooperation. Political analysts view this as a positive step towards resolving center-state disputes through discussion rather than confrontation.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of collective efforts in achieving national goals. He urged states to work together on key sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and digital transformation. The meeting concluded with a consensus on forming working groups to address specific challenges like climate change, water management, and urban development.
The attendance of all Chief Ministers underscores a shift towards more inclusive governance, with NITI Aayog serving as a platform for constructive engagement between the center and states.
