On the 13th of August, 2014, the Modi Government scrapped the 65- year-old Planning Commission and announced that it would be replaced by a new body. Accordingly, on January 1, 2015, the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established as the successor to the planning commission.
It was created through an executive resolution of the Union Cabinet and thus is neither a constitutional nor statutory body, but rather an extra-constitutional body. NITI Aayog provides policy inputs and technical advice to the central and state governments, guiding long-term strategic policies and programs.
Structure and Specialized Wings
➤ Research Wing:
- Houses experts and scholars in various fields to provide sectoral expertise and research.
➤ Consultancy Wing:
- Acts as a marketplace for whetted panels of expertise and funding for the central and state governments. It matches requirements with solution providers, allowing NITI Aayog to focus on priority areas.
➤ Team India Wing:
- Includes representatives from each state and ministry, serving as a permanent platform for national collaboration.
- Establishes direct communication channels between states and NITI Aayog.
Functions of NITI Aayog
➤ Design Policy and Program Framework:
- Develops strategic and long-term policies and programs for the central and state governments.
➤ Foster Cooperative Federalism:
- Engages with states and encourages collaboration and partnership across federal and state levels.
➤ Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Conducts monitoring and evaluation of government programs and initiatives.
➤ Think-tank and Knowledge and Innovation Hub:
- Serves as a think-tank for innovative ideas and policy solutions, drawing on a range of expertise.
➤The various manifestions of Cooperative Federalism in the working of the NITI Aayog:
1. Meetings of Governing Council
2. Sub-groups of Chief Ministers on different subjects
3. Task Forces on specific subjects
4. NITI Forum for North East
5. Sustainable Development in the Indian Himayalan Region
6. Development Support Services to States
7. Sustainable Action For Transforming Human Capital (SATH)
NITI Aayog : Composition
NITI Aayog : Attached Offices
Planning Commission
National Development Council (1)
