NITI Aayog: Structure, Functions, and Role in Policy
TOPIC CLASSIFICATION
Subject: Indian Economy - Policy Institutions
Sub-topic: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)
Mains GS Paper-III: Indian economy - planning, resource mobilization, growth, development, and employment; government policies and interventions.
EXAMINER REASONING
NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission (1950-2014) - this transition is a perennial exam topic. Prelims tests: composition, governing council, CEO role, specific indices published (SDG Index, Health Index, Export Preparedness Index, School Education Quality Index). Mains demands: (a) comparison with Planning Commission - top-down vs. bottom-up approach, (b) critical evaluation of role in cooperative federalism, (c) specific policy contributions (Aspirational Districts Programme, Atal Innovation Mission). The cooperative federalism angle is the examiner's favorite framing.
Core Concept
Establishment: January 1, 2015 - replaced 64-year-old Planning Commission via an executive resolution (not a statute).
Structure:
| Position | Role |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Prime Minister |
| Governing Council | All Chief Ministers + LG of UTs + Lieutenant Governors |
| Regional Councils | Address specific regional issues |
| Vice-Chairperson | Appointed by PM - CEO of Aayog |
| Full-time members | Experts/economists (2-5) |
| Part-time members |
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