Question

.......... is known as the Fifth wheel of the Indian Constitution.

• A. Cabinet ministry
• B. Judiciary
• C. Finance commission
• D. Niti Aayog

Hint:

Niti Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015, focusing on cooperative federalism and driving sustainable development.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The Niti Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is often referred to as the Fifth wheel of the Indian Constitution because of its role in the planning and economic transformation of India. It acts as a policy think tank and provides recommendations to the government.

Answer 2

The term "Fifth wheel of the Indian Constitution" is often used to describe institutions or bodies whose roles are considered non-essential or redundant in the constitutional scheme. In this context, NITI Aayog has sometimes been referred to as the "Fifth wheel" in political and academic discourse, especially in comparison to its predecessor, the Planning Commission.

Background:
The Planning Commission was established in 1950 to formulate India’s Five-Year Plans and oversee resource allocation. However, it was criticized over time for being too centralized and not aligning with the federal structure of governance.

In 2015, the Planning Commission was replaced by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), which was intended to be more of a think tank and policy advisory body rather than a centralized planning agency.

Criticism and the "Fifth Wheel" Reference:
Despite its intended role, critics have questioned the effectiveness and necessity of NITI Aayog, arguing that it lacks statutory or constitutional backing and has limited powers in comparison to its predecessor. This perception has led to it being referred to as the "Fifth wheel of the Indian Constitution", implying it does not have a clearly defined or essential function within the constitutional framework.

Conclusion:
While NITI Aayog was created to foster cooperative federalism and strategic long-term policy thinking, the phrase reflects ongoing debates about its relevance and authority in the Indian governance system.

Therefore, the correct answer is: NITI Aayog.