Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 11th meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council on 11 June 2026. The meeting took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. Its theme was “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047.” Notably, Chief Ministers of all 28 states attended together for the first time. Leaders of five Union Territories also took part.
Youth as India’s Biggest Asset
The Prime Minister noted that nearly 70 crore Indians are below 25 years of age. Therefore, he asked states to turn this demographic dividend into a development dividend. He stressed education, skilling and capacity building. Also, he called artificial intelligence an opportunity, not a threat.
Women, MSMEs and Exports
The PM urged states to raise Lakhpati Didis from 3 crore to 6 crore. Moreover, he asked them to ensure a safe environment for women. He also pushed One District One Product (ODOP) with export plans. In addition, he named defence manufacturing as an emerging sector for states. He wanted states to use India’s new trade agreements for youth and MSMEs.
Farming, Water and Social Challenges
The PM flagged concern over El Niño conditions this year. So, he urged water conservation and natural farming. He noted that farmers bought 11 lakh tonnes of organic manure this Kharif season. Furthermore, he suggested picking 100 districts for focused farm reforms, like the Aspirational Districts model. He also asked states to tackle drug abuse and cyber fraud.
About the Governing Council
The Governing Council is NITI Aayog’s top body for Centre–state cooperation. The Prime Minister chairs it. Its members include Chief Ministers of all states and of UTs with legislatures. Lieutenant Governors of other UTs also sit on it. Notably, the Council came into effect on 16 February 2015.
NITI Aayog Governing Council: Key Facts for Revision
- Meeting: 11th, on 11 June 2026
- Venue: Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi
- Theme: Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047
- First: All 28 Chief Ministers present
- Targets mentioned: 6 crore Lakhpati Didis; 100 focus districts for agriculture
Why the NITI Aayog Governing Council Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, cooperative federalism and NITI Aayog are core GS Paper II topics. So, remember the theme, the venue and the “first-time” attendance. Also, link the meeting with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. For official updates, also visit NITI Aayog. Next, for a related story, read about Ashok Kumar Lahiri becoming NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson.
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