What is NITI Aayog?
NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India in full, is a key policy think tank for the Indian government. It is vital in designing and recommending policies and welfare programs that shape India’s development. Established in 2015, it replaced the Planning Commission to foster cooperative federalism and promote inclusive growth.
NITI Aayog works closely with:
- The Prime Minister of India acts as the Chairperson.
- The Chief Ministers of states and Union Territories with legislatures.
- Lt. Governors of Union Territories.
This organisation intends to strengthen cooperation between the central and state governments while fostering development to suit citizens of all classes.
Objectives of NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog operates along the following lines:
- Create a common platform for states to collaborate for national development, encouraging cooperative federalism.
- Focus on areas and communities that haven't fully benefited from economic growth.
- Design innovative strategies for national and regional policies.
- Create village-level development plans and communicate them to higher authorities.
- Act as a platform for resolving interdepartmental and inter-sectoral conflicts.
- Encourage collaboration with international and national think tanks and stakeholders.
- Track and evaluate the implementation of policies and programs.
- Focus on upgrading technology and improving efficiency in policy execution.
Key Achievements of NITI Aayog
- Food and Agriculture Policy Reforms:
- Partnered with the UN’s FAO for the Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies (MAFAP) program.
- Analysed and reported on national food security and agricultural pricing policies.
- Promotion of Natural Farming:
- Advocated Zero Budget Natural Farming through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) program.
- Village Storage Schemes:
- The Dhaanya Lakshmi Village Storage Scheme was proposed to empower rural areas, though implementation is pending.
Structure of NITI Aayog
The composition of NITI Aayog includes:
- Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India.
- Governing Council:
- Chief Ministers of all states.
- Lt. Governors of Union Territories.
- Regional Councils:
- Formed to address specific regional issues.
- Chaired by the NITI Aayog Chairperson or a nominated member.
- Domain Experts: Eminent specialists with expertise in relevant fields.
- Full-Time Members: Key policymakers driving the Aayog’s objectives.
- Vice-Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister.
- Ex Officio Members:
- Up to four ministers from the Union Cabinet are nominated by the Prime Minister.
- CEO: Holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, appointed by the Prime Minister.
Why NITI Aayog is Important?
- Policy Innovation: Develop cutting-edge strategies to address complex national challenges.
- Inclusive Growth: Ensures benefits of economic progress reach all sections of society.
- Collaboration Platform: Facilitates cooperation between states and the central government.
- Global Partnerships: Collaborates with international organisations for development solutions.
- Transparent Governance: Promotes accountability and accessibility in policy implementation.
Key Takeaways
- Pushing for innovative governance using technology, focusing on digital transformation.
- Increased advocacy for sustainable and natural farming practices.
- Promoting skill development programs across states.
- Leveraging data analytics for more thoughtful planning and policy making.
