Nation is witnessing next-generation reforms, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the Conference of Chief Secretaries, with this year’s deliberations centred on the theme ‘Human Capital for Viksit Bharat’.

Emphasising the need for collective action, the Prime Minister said empowering India’s people, especially the youth, was key to achieving the vision of a developed nation.

Noting that India is witnessing a phase of next-generation reforms, Mr. Modi said the country has “boarded the Reform Express”, with its primary engine being India’s demographic strength.

Empowering this demography, he said, remains central to the government’s efforts towards building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and uplifting the poor.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of quality across sectors, calling for quality in governance, service delivery and manufacturing. He stressed that the ‘Made in India’ label must become synonymous with global standards, while reaffirming the commitment to the principle of ‘Zero Defect, Zero Effect’.

Mr. Modi also highlighted steps taken to foster a new work culture in governance and public service delivery, pointing to the role of technology in bringing positive changes to citizens’ lives.

Discussions during the conference covered a wide range of issues, including skill development, higher education, youth empowerment and sports.

Calling upon States to play a proactive role, the Prime Minister urged them to encourage manufacturing, improve the ease of doing business and strengthen the services sector. He said India should aim to emerge as a global services hub.

On agriculture, Mr. Modi said India has the potential to become the world’s food basket. He advocated a shift towards high-value agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries, asserting that these sectors could help position India as a major food exporter.