NITI AYOG (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The government recently reconstituted the NITI Aayog, boosting the number of special invitees to 11.

NITI Ayog

• About: It is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Union Government, providing both directional and policy inputs.
• Full form: National Institution for Transforming India
• Establishment: In 2015 via an executive resolution by replacing the Planning Commission of India
• Objective: To develop a common vision for both the Central and State governments, recognizing that robust states are the foundation of a robust nation.

o To encourage an ongoing environment of competitive and cooperative federalism among the states.

• Composition of NITI Aayog

o Chairperson: Prime Minister

o Vice-Chairperson: To be appointed by Prime-Minister

o Governing Council: Chief Ministers of all states and Lt. Governors of Union Territories.

o Regional Council: To address specific regional issues, Comprising Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors Chaired by Prime Minister or his nominee.

o Ex-Officio membership: Maximum four from Union council of ministers to be nominated by Prime minister.

oSpecial Invitees: Experts, Specialists with domain knowledge nominated by Prime-minister.

Function

• Develop a strategic policy vision for the government, outlining the direction and framework for national development.
• Design policies and programmes addressing key challenges and opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
• Foster research and innovation to address evolving policy needs and solutions effectively.
• Enhance inter-governmental coordination to foster cooperative federalism between the central and state governments.
• Act as a think tank providing critical inputs and strategic advice, while also fostering a collaborative knowledge-sharing community of national and international experts through the Team India Hub.