Alina
Modi Targets Poverty, Mamata Walks Out
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called for ambitious zero poverty targets beginning at the village level during the ninth meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council. This gathering, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, was marked by high drama as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee walked out, alleging her microphone was switched off during her speech.
In his address, PM Modi stressed the importance of addressing poverty on an individual basis rather than relying solely on broad programmatic efforts. “We must target zero poverty as a priority for a Viksit Bharat starting at the village level,” Modi stated, underscoring the transformational impact such an initiative could have on the nation.
The meeting, however, saw a significant absence of representation from 10 states and Union Territories. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Delhi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Puducherry were notably missing. B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, commented on the absentees, saying, “It is their loss if they did not participate,” during a media briefing.
The tension in the meeting escalated when Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and West Bengal Chief Minister, claimed she was interrupted unfairly. “This is insulting. I will not attend any further meeting,” she declared before exiting the session. Banerjee maintained that she was stopped midway through her speech, despite being the sole representative of the opposition present. In contrast, the government refuted her allegations, asserting that her allocated speaking time had concluded.
PM Modi’s call for zero poverty targets highlighted his vision for a progressive India, starting with grassroots efforts in villages. His strategy involves tackling poverty through localized, individual-focused measures, aiming for a significant and lasting impact on the country’s socio-economic landscape.
The absence of several states and UTs from this crucial meeting raised questions about the collective commitment to national goals. Despite this, the government remained resolute in its agenda, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and active participation from all regions to achieve these ambitious targets.
Banerjee’s walkout added a layer of political drama to the proceedings, drawing attention to the ongoing tensions between the central government and various opposition-led states. Her departure from the meeting underscored the challenges of maintaining a unified approach in India’s federal structure, particularly when divergent political interests are at play.
The NITI Aayog Governing Council meetings are crucial platforms for discussing and strategizing national development goals. The incident with Banerjee, alongside the notable absences, highlighted the complexities and political dynamics involved in such high-level discussions.
Moving forward, the emphasis on zero poverty will require not only robust policies and programs but also cohesive efforts from all states and union territories. The goal is to uplift every village, ensuring no individual remains in poverty, thereby achieving a truly developed and prosperous India.
In conclusion, while the meeting aimed at setting a transformative agenda for poverty alleviation, the political undertones and disruptions pointed to the need for greater consensus and collaboration across India’s diverse political landscape. PM Modi’s vision for zero poverty remains a critical national objective, necessitating unified and concerted efforts from all stakeholders.
