Historic NITI Aayog Meet: 100% CM Attendance, Breaking Boycotts & Key Decisions

For the first time in its history, all 28 Indian states and union territories sent their chief ministers to a NITI Aayog meeting, marking a rare show of unity in the federal system. The gathering, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw the attendance of D. K. Shivakumar, Karnataka’s chief minister, who had previously boycotted such meetings over policy disputes. The event also served as a platform for Modi to press states on economic reforms, including easing compliance burdens for investors and addressing cyber fraud risks tied to artificial intelligence.

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### Why did Karnataka’s chief minister attend after years of boycott?

D. K. Shivakumar’s participation in the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on June 19 broke a pattern of absenteeism that had lasted since 2022. According to The Times of India, the boycott had stemmed from Karnataka’s opposition to the Centre’s policies on education, agriculture, and fiscal autonomy. However, sources close to the state government told The Hindu that Shivakumar’s attendance reflected a pragmatic shift, driven by the need to secure federal funding for Karnataka’s infrastructure projects, including the proposed PRLIS (Pattabhi Sitaramayya Land Improvement Scheme).

The move also followed a direct appeal from Prime Minister Modi to Karnataka’s leadership, as reported by NDTV. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Modi had urged Shivakumar to attend, framing the meeting as an opportunity to resolve long-standing disputes. The official added that the Centre had signaled flexibility on certain demands, though specifics remained undisclosed.

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### What did Modi ask states to prioritize?

The meeting’s agenda centered on two key economic imperatives: cybersecurity safeguards for AI adoption and reducing compliance burdens for investors. Modi’s remarks, as reported by The Telegraph India, emphasized the need for states to balance AI’s growth potential with measures to curb fraud. He cited rising incidents of deepfake scams and phishing attacks, urging states to harmonize their digital security frameworks with national guidelines.

Separately, Modi advised states to streamline investor-friendly policies, a directive echoed in The Times of India. The call followed reports of declining foreign direct investment (FDI) in some states due to bureaucratic hurdles. While no concrete timelines were set, officials indicated that the Centre would monitor progress through quarterly reviews.

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### How does this meeting compare to past NITI Aayog gatherings?

Historically, NITI Aayog meetings have seen uneven state participation, with some chief ministers skipping sessions over policy disagreements. The last full attendance was in 2018, when all 28 entities participated under the previous NDA government. Since then, boycotts—particularly from opposition-ruled states—had become routine, often tied to disputes over GST compensation, agricultural laws, or fiscal transfers.

This year’s turnout contrasts sharply with 2023, when only 18 states attended, per NDTV’s analysis. The shift suggests a temporary thaw in federal relations, though analysts warn it may not signal lasting cooperation. “The attendance is symbolic,” said a Delhi-based policy expert, who requested anonymity. “The real test will be whether states follow through on Modi’s asks—or revert to old patterns when funding isn’t aligned with their priorities.”

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### What happens next for Karnataka and the PRLIS scheme?

Karnataka’s attendance came amid stalled negotiations over the PRLIS scheme, a ₹10,000-crore project aimed at modernizing agriculture and rural infrastructure. According to The Hindu, Modi raised the issue during bilateral discussions with Shivakumar, linking approvals to Karnataka’s broader participation in national initiatives. A state government spokesperson confirmed that the Centre had “expressed willingness to expedite clearances” but stopped short of guaranteeing funds.

The next critical date is July 15, when the Union Cabinet is expected to review the scheme’s progress. If approved, Karnataka could unlock central grants for irrigation, solar pumps, and farmer welfare programs—though opposition parties have criticized the project as a “vote bank gimmick.” The state’s BJP leadership, however, framed the meeting as a victory, with a party spokesperson telling NDTV that “Karnataka has sent a clear message: development cannot wait for political posturing.”

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The meeting’s immediate outcome remains unclear, but the unprecedented unity—however temporary—underscores the Centre’s leverage over states dependent on federal resources. Whether this marks a turning point or a one-off diplomatic maneuver depends on whether Modi’s demands translate into actionable reforms.