The Eighth meeting of the NITI Aayog Governing Council concluded in New Delhi on Saturday evening. It was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Chairman of NITI Aayog.<br />''<br />''Addressing the Governing Council meeting the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of evolving a common vision to achieve a Vikasit Bharat@2047. The Prime Minister also stressed on the need for the Centre, States and UTs to work together as Team India to ensure an Adarsh Amrit Kaal. He highlighted that NITI Aayog provides a platform for equal partnership between the Centre and States, thus strengthening cooperative and competitive federalism in the country.<br />''<br />''Mr Modi said that NITI Aayog is taking multiple initiatives for strengthening cooperative federalism, such as the Aspirational Districts Programme. He also complimented the States for participating proactively and wholeheartedly in the programme. The Prime Minister reiterated that the success of the Aspirational Districts Programme, inspired NITI Aayog to launch the Aspirational Blocks Programme. He said, Aspirational Blocks Programme aims to uplift living standards of citizens in 500 backward blocks across country and bring them at par with State averages. The Prime Minister said, Gati Shakti with nearly one thousand six hundred layers of data ensures evidence-based policy-making in the infrastructure sector. He said, it also ensures effective socio-economic planning and adoption of an area-development approach.<br />''<br />''Briefing media in New Delhi after the conclusion after the Governing Council meeting, CEO of NITI Aayog B V R Subrahmanyam said, Mr Modi asked states to follow fiscal prudence and good governance practices. He said, Mr Modi urged states and districts to develop vision for Viksit Bharat.<br />''<br />''Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors from several States and Union Territories, Union Ministers, Vice Chairman and Members of NITI Aayog participated in the meeting.