DW BUREAU / New Delhi

Punjab Governor and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, participated in the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the meeting was attended by Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors from 24 States and 7 Union Territories, under the theme "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat @ 2047." The session began with a solemn minute of silence to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, reflecting the nation's collective resolve against terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address reaffirmed the country's commitment to inclusive and cooperative federalism, emphasizing that the aspiration for a developed India transcends political affiliations and belongs to all 140 crore Indians. He urged all States and Union Territories to unite in making every city, village, and State a developed entity, accelerating India's journey to becoming a Viksit Bharat well before 2047. Highlighting India's progress as one of the world's top five economies and the upliftment of 25 crore citizens from poverty, the Prime Minister encouraged leveraging manufacturing strengths, skill development aligned with modern technologies like AI and semiconductor manufacturing, and expanding opportunities in green and hydrogen energy. He also stressed the importance of developing at least one global-standard tourist destination per State, urbanizing sustainably, empowering women, enhancing cyber security, and interlinking rivers to address water challenges.

In his address, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria highlighted Chandigarh's remarkable transformation from a city originally designed for a population of 5 lakh to now housing over 12.43 lakh residents. With the recent inclusion of 13 villages into the Municipal Corporation and development in line with the Master Plan 2031, Chandigarh is experiencing rapid social, physical, and economic development.

(editor@dailyworld.in)