Question

Discuss the formation and functions of NITI Aayog.

Hint:

Contrast Planning Commission (allocations) with NITI (ideas, data, coordination); highlight Governing Council and SDG/federal roles.

Answer 1

Established on 1 January 2015 by Government resolution, NITI Aayog is chaired by the Prime Minister with a Vice-Chairperson, full-time Members, Union Ministers as ex-officio Members, a CEO, and a Governing Council of Chief Ministers/Lt. Governors. Unlike plan allocation era bodies, NITI emphasises evidence-based policy, long-term strategies and state partnership. Its functions include preparing vision/strategy documents, monitoring SDGs, fostering cooperative federalism through sub-groups and regional councils, policy design and evaluation, and catalysing innovation/entrepreneurship (e.g., incubation, mission platforms). It undertakes programmatic support such as the Aspirational Districts/Blocks approach, outcome dashboards, and sectoral reforms. Resource devolution now flows via Finance Commissions; NITI’s influence rests on ideas, data and convening power rather than budgetary control (≈136 words).