By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| The fifth National Conference of Chief Secretaries commenced in New Delhi today, marking another significant step in deepening Centre–State collaboration on India’s long-term development priorities. The three-day conference brings together Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, senior officials of the Union Government, and domain experts on a common platform for structured and sustained dialogue.

The 5th Chief Secretaries’ Conference featured a group photograph with the Cabinet Secretary at Duhai Depot Station following a high-speed journey on the Rapid Rail Transport System. The train covered 27 kilometres from New Ashok Vihar to Duhai in just 15 minutes, operating at a speed of 160 kmph, highlighting India’s advancing urban mobility infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the conference sessions scheduled for tomorrow and the 28th of this month, underscoring the central leadership’s direct engagement with States in shaping policy direction and implementation strategies. The Conference is firmly anchored in the Prime Minister’s vision of cooperative federalism, where shared responsibility and collaborative governance are viewed as essential for national progress.

The forum is designed to evolve a unified and actionable roadmap aimed at maximising India’s human capital potential while accelerating inclusive, resilient and future-ready growth. Rather than operating in silos, the Conference encourages convergence of efforts between the Centre and States, enabling policy coherence, innovation and outcome-oriented governance.

This year, the deliberations place special emphasis on five critical areas that form the foundation of a strong and competitive nation. These include Early Childhood Education, School Education, Skilling, Higher Education, and Sports along with extracurricular activities. The focus reflects a holistic approach to human development, recognising that education, skills and physical well-being together shape a productive and empowered workforce.

By bringing administrative leadership and subject experts together, the National Conference of Chief Secretaries continues to serve as a key institutional mechanism for aligning national priorities with state-level realities, reinforcing India’s journey towards balanced development and cooperative governance.