10 years of NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog celebrates 10 years of its Foundation

 

About NITI Aayog

·         NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, was established on January 1, 2015.

·         It is a premier policy think tank of the Government of India.

·         It is created through a resolution of the union cabinet (i.e. neither constitutional nor statutory body).

·         It is a replacement for the Planning Commission of India

 

Main Objectives

Institutional Reforms

1. Cooperative Federalism: Foster cooperative federalism, promoting the involvement of state governments in the national development process.

2. Decentralized Planning: Encourage decentralized planning, allowing states to formulate their development plans.

 

Development Agenda

1. Inclusive Growth: Promote inclusive growth, focusing on poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

2. Sustainable Development: Foster sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.

3. Regional Development: Promote regional development, addressing disparities and imbalances across regions.

 

Strategic Direction

1. Directional and Strategic Input: Provide directional and strategic input to the development process, identifying key areas for reform and growth.

2. Incubator of Ideas: Act as an incubator of ideas, fostering innovation and experimentation in development policy and practice.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation: NITI Aayog monitors and evaluates the implementation of policies and programs.

4. Providing Technical Advice: It provides technical advice to the central and state governments on key policy issues.

 

Key Focus Areas

1. Poverty Elimination: Eliminate poverty, focusing on the most vulnerable sections of society.

2. Education and Skill Development: Promote education and skill development, enhancing employability and productivity.

3. Health and Nutrition: Improve health and nutrition outcomes, focusing on maternal and child health.

4. Infrastructure Development: Promote infrastructure development, including energy, transportation, and communication.

5. Environmental Protection: Foster environmental protection, promoting sustainable development and climate resilience.

 

Key Achievements

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

·         Initiatives like the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in India.

·         Launched India Innovation Index

 

Cooperative Federalism:

·         Initiatives, such as the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Skill Development and the Task Force on Agricultural Development.

·         Assisted states in establishing State Institutions of Transformation (SITs) to improve governance and policy implementation.

·         Launched Good Governance Index

 

Agricultural Development:

·         Formulation of a Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act and the promotion of organic farming.

 

Digital Payments:

·         It has encouraged the adoption of digital payments through initiatives like the Lucky Grahak Yojana and the Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana.

 

Aspirational Districts Programme:

·         It has launched the Aspirational Districts Programme to improve the socio-economic status of 112 districts across India.

 

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

·         It launched data drive indices like the SDG India Index and Composite Water Management Index

 

Energy and Resource:

·         Launched e-AMIRT Portal (electrical vehicles) and Methanol Economy Programme

 

Composition of NITI Aayog

Governing Council

Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India

Members: Chief Ministers of all states and Lieutenant Governors of union territories

Special Invitees: Experts and specialists in various fields, invited by the Prime Minister

 

Vice-Chairperson

Appointment: Appointed by the Prime Minister

Role: Provides strategic direction and guidance to NITI Aayog

 

Members

Full-Time Members: Up to 2 full-time members, appointed by the Prime Minister

Part-Time Members: Up to 4 part-time members, appointed by the Prime Minister

Ex-Officio Members: Secretaries of various ministries and departments, as specified by the Prime Minister

 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Appointment: Appointed by the Prime Minister

Role: Head of the secretariat, responsible for implementing decisions and providing secretarial support

 

Secretariat

Composition: Comprises various departments and cells, including:

    1. Research and Policy Division: Provides research and policy support

    2. Economic Policy and Planning Division: Focuses on economic policy and planning

    3. Infrastructure, Industry and Logistics Division: Works on infrastructure, industry, and logistics-related issues

    4. Social Justice and Welfare Division: Focuses on social justice and welfare-related issues

    5. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Division: Works on achieving the SDGs in India

    6. International Cooperation Division: Handles international cooperation and diplomacy

 

Expert Groups and Task Forces

Constitution: Set up by the Prime Minister to provide expert advice on specific issues

Composition: Comprise experts and specialists from various fields

 

Specialized Wings

1. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship

2. Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL): Promotes tinkering and innovation among school students

3. NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): Supports women entrepreneurship and empowerment

 

Reason for replacement for Planning commission

1. Criticism of Centralized Planning: The Planning Commission was criticized for its centralized approach to planning, which often ignored the diverse needs and priorities of different states and regions.

2. Lack of Flexibility: It’s five-year plans were often rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to respond to changing economic and social circumstances.

3. Inadequate Representation: It’s was seen as being dominated by the central government, with inadequate representation from states and other stakeholders.

4. Overemphasis on Public Sector: It’s focus on public sector investment and planning was seen as outdated, given the increasing importance of the private sector in India's economy.

Key difference between NITI Aayog and Planning Commission