Introduction to NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog, established in 2015, replaced the Planning Commission of India to foster cooperative and competitive federalism. It acts as the apex policy think tank providing strategic and technical advice to the Centre and state governments. NITI Aayog plays a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) through active state involvement.

Success of NITI Aayog

Think-Tank for Knowledge and Innovation

NITI Aayog serves as a vibrant hub of knowledge and innovation. It engages with national and international experts to offer informed advice. Noteworthy reforms like Medical Education and Artificial Intelligence strategies have emerged from this hub.

Promoting Cooperative Federalism

Through platforms like the Governing Council and Team India Hub, NITI Aayog encourages inclusive policy-making by involving state governments. Initiatives such as Swachh Bharat and Skill Development have benefitted from this collaboration.

Strengthening Competitive Federalism

NITI Aayog has introduced various indices—on health, education, agriculture, SDGs, and innovation—to encourage healthy competition among states and districts. Rankings motivate states to perform better and ensure real-time development tracking.

Coordination and Monitoring

NITI Aayog facilitates resolution of inter-ministerial and inter-governmental issues. It monitors schemes through its Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), using real-time data to enhance efficiency.

Key Initiatives by NITI Aayog

Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)

Launched in 2018, this initiative aims to transform 112 underdeveloped districts by focusing on health, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and skill development. ADP uses the 3C approach—Convergence, Collaboration, and Competition—for measurable outcomes.

Aspirational Blocks Programme

Announced in Budget 2022-23, this targets 500 backward blocks. NITI Aayog collaborates with states for quarterly rankings based on development themes. It encourages private sector involvement like in ADP.

Atal Innovation Mission

NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission promotes innovation and entrepreneurship through Atal Tinkering Labs in schools and incubation centers for startups.

SDG India Index

To localize global goals, NITI Aayog introduced the SDG Index that ranks states and union territories, helping them track progress and identify focus areas.

National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence

To position India as a leader in AI, NITI Aayog focuses on AI applications in education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Education and Energy Initiatives

From implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) to promoting clean energy and environmental protection, NITI Aayog drives key sectoral reforms.

Challenges Faced by NITI Aayog

• Lack of Statutory Status: It has no constitutional backing, limiting accountability.
  
  
• Perceived Bias: Some states see NITI Aayog as a tool of the Central Government.
  
  
• Advisory Role Only: It creates indices but lacks power for enforcement.
  
  
• Resource Constraints: Financial and human resource limitations hamper performance.
  
  
• Skewed Focus: Overemphasis on competition may cause data misreporting.
  
  

Way Forward for NITI Aayog

• Ensure Political Neutrality to gain trust across states.
  
  
• Enhance State Participation by setting up regional offices.
  
  
• Improve Monitoring & Evaluation through dedicated units.
  
  
• Boost Research Capacity via partnerships with think tanks.
  
  
• Achieve Financial Autonomy by allocating independent budgets.
  
  
• Promote Public-Private Partnerships to leverage innovation.
  
  
• Strengthen Link with Inter-State Council for a cohesive federal approach.
  
  

Conclusion

NITI Aayog has successfully emerged as a strategic policy driver in India’s development journey. However, to remain effective and relevant, it must overcome institutional and structural challenges by fostering transparency, inclusivity, and robust evaluation frameworks.