Fifth National Conference Chief Secretaries 2025 chaired by PM Modi focused on Human Capital for Viksit Bharat, governance reforms, and Centre-State coordination for India’s development.
Prime Minister Chairs Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi from 26–28 December, 2025. The three-day high-level summit brought together Chief Secretaries from all States and Union Territories, senior central officials, and domain experts to discuss strategies for national development and governance reforms.
The primary theme of the conference was “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat”, emphasizing the need to move beyond demographic dividend and build an empowered and productive workforce. Discussions revolved around strengthening education, skilling, health, sports, and higher education systems to foster inclusive growth.
Emphasizing cooperative federalism, the Prime Minister highlighted that Centre-State coordination is essential for formulating and implementing policies that drive India’s growth trajectory towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Officials delved into ways to improve governance delivery mechanisms and enhance public service delivery outcomes in states
During the conference, the Prime Minister called for a shift toward high-value agriculture, aiming to make India the “food basket of the world.” He also stressed encouraging manufacturing and global tourism development while leveraging India’s demographic advantage.
Special policy sessions were held on key areas including deregulation, technology in governance, smart rural supply chains (AgriStack), and strengthening domestic manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat. These discussions were designed to address structural reforms and improve service delivery across sectors.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to intergovernmental cooperation, with an emphasis on technology-driven governance reforms, data-driven monitoring, and a strategic roadmap for the next decade that incorporates both national and state priorities.
Why This News Is Important for Government Exam Aspirants
Significance for Governance and Policy Exams
This news holds high relevance for aspirants preparing for Civil Services (UPSC/PSC), State Administrative Services, Teaching, Police & Defense, Banking, and Railways examinations. The conference highlights the core administrative priorities of the Government of India, including cooperative federalism, human capital development, and structural reforms — all crucial topics in Governance and Public Policy sections of exams.
Relevance to Syllabus and Current Affairs
The themes discussed — such as human capital, education reforms, agriculture transformation, ease of governance, and technology in public service delivery — are essential components of the General Studies papers and Essay writing across competitive exams. Moreover, this conference reflects India’s strategic priorities toward making India a Viksit Bharat by 2047, a recurring narrative in national development planning and policy frameworks
Insight into Federal Governance
Understanding the structure and outcomes of such high-level conferences equips aspirants with insights into Centre-State relations, policy coordination mechanisms, and administrative reforms — concepts regularly tested in Public Administration and Polity segments.
Historical Context
Background of National Conference of Chief Secretaries
The National Conference of Chief Secretaries (NCCS) was instituted to create a formal platform for dialogue between the Centre and State governments. The first edition was organized in June 2022 at Dharamshala, and since then, these conferences have been conducted annually to streamline policy coordination and governance reforms.
Evolving Priority Themes
Over the years, the conference has tackled various national priorities. Earlier editions focused on strengthening cooperative federalism, improving infrastructure delivery, and building institutional capacity. The current edition’s emphasis on Human Capital for Viksit Bharat signals a strategic shift toward long-term socio-economic development, highlighting people as drivers of growth.
Policy Continuity and Vision
This practice reflects the government’s broader developmental philosophy, aligned with Vision 2047, which aims to transform India into a developed economy by enhancing human capital, governance quality, and equitable service delivery. The consistent holding of these conferences indicates ongoing efforts to refine and implement national policy with active state participation
Key Takeaways from “Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries”
| Sr. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi. |
| 2. | The conference focused on the theme “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat”. |
| 3. | Discussions highlighted strengthening education, skilling, health, and sports systems. |
| 4. | Emphasis on cooperative federalism and strengthening Centre-State coordination. |
| 5. | Special sessions were held on governance reforms, technology, AgriStack, and Atmanirbhar Bharat. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the National Conference of Chief Secretaries?
The National Conference of Chief Secretaries (NCCS) is an annual high-level summit where Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories meet with central government officials to discuss governance reforms, policy coordination, and national development priorities.
2. When and where was the Fifth National Conference held?
The Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries was held in New Delhi from 26–28 December 2025.
3. Who chaired the Fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries?
The conference was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with participation from all State and UT Chief Secretaries, senior central officials, and experts.
4. What was the main theme of the conference?
The main theme was “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat”, focusing on building a productive workforce through education, skilling, health, and inclusive growth initiatives.
5. Why is this conference important for India’s development?
It strengthens Centre-State coordination, promotes cooperative federalism, highlights policy reforms, and outlines strategic actions for sectors like education, agriculture, technology, and public service delivery.
6. Which key policy areas were discussed?
Key areas included human capital development, high-value agriculture, governance reforms, smart rural supply chains (AgriStack), Atmanirbhar Bharat, technology in governance, and cooperative federalism.
7. How is this relevant for government exam aspirants?
It covers topics in Governance, Polity, Public Administration, and Current Affairs, which are important for UPSC, State PSC, Banking, Railways, Defense, and Teaching exams.
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