About NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog was established on 1st Jan 2015. The headquarters of NITI Aayog is in New Delhi and was established by the Indian government. Before NITI Aayog, there was a Planning Commission formed on 15 March 1950.

Composition of NITI Aayog

Chairperson: The Prime Minister
Governing Council: Chief Ministers of States and UTs with legislatures and Lt. Governor of other UTs.
Regional Councils: Chief Ministers of States and Lt. Governors of UTs in specific region.
Special invitees nominated by PM

Objectives of NITI Aayog

Shared vision of development projects among Centre and States
Cooperative federalism
Credible planning
Long-term strategies and policies
Focus on innovation and technology up-gradation
Offer a platform for resolution of inter departmental issues

What are the Functions of NITI Aayog?

Planning Commission – Seven Pillars of Effective Governance

NITI Aayog works on principles like Antyodaya (upliftment of poor), inclusion (to include all sections under one head), people participation, and so on.

NITI Aayog is a body that follows seven pillars of governance. They are:

To look after pro-people agenda so that the aspirations and desires of no one are compromised.
To respond and work on the needs of citizens.
Make citizens of the nation involve and participate in various streams.
To empower women in all fields, be it social, technical, economic, or other.
To include all sects and classes under one head. To give special attention to marginalised and minority groups.
To provide equal opportunity for the young generation.
To make the working of government more accountable and transparent. It will ensure less chance of corruption and malpractices.

What are the Key initiatives of NITI Aayog?

Aspirational Districts Programme: It focuses on transforming in 112 most under-developed district through convergence, collaboration and competition.
Atal Innovation Mission: It aims to create a culture of knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship
LiFE Campaign: Lifestyle for environment campaign focuses on bringing behavioral and attitudinal changes in the individual and communities. It believes in the idea that individual is at core of climate responsibility.
Shoonya: It is a Zero Pollution Mobility campaign promotes zero-emission vehiclesfor urban deliveries and ride hailing.
Women Entrepreneurship Platform: It is a portal that connects women across the country and provides a nurturing ecosystem to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations.
E-AMRIT: It is a unique portal hosting all information on electric vehicles. It is a part of UK-India Joint Roadmap 2030.
Methanol Economy Programme: It aims to boost methanol use by converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol. The goal is to reduce India’s import bill and greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the Concerns and Challenges associates with NITI Aayog?

NITI Aayog has no powers in granting discretionary funds to states, which renders it toothless to undertake a transformational intervention.
It acts as an advisory body only that advises the government on various issues without ensuring the enforceability of its ideas.
NITI Aayog has no role in influencing private or public investment.
Politicization of the organization has been in recent times.
NITI Aayog has been transformed into a glorified recommendatory body which lacks the requisite power to bring positive change in the government’s actions.

Read Also: Sarkaria Commission