NITI Aayog
- Context : NITI Aayog is a public policy think tank of the Central Government that promotes economic growth and cooperative federalism.
- The Central Government has restructured the NITI Aayog.
- Ashok Kumar Lahiri has been appointed as the new Vice Chairman.
- 5 full-time members have been appointed – K.V. Raju, M. Srinivas, Abhay Surantikar, Govardhan Das, Rajiv Gauba.
- NITI Aayog serves as a key platform for policy formulation, cooperative federalism, administrative reforms, innovation and long-term strategic thinking.
- The Prime Minister is the Chairman of NITI Aayog.
- Ashok Kumar Lahiri is a former Chief Economic Advisor and a member of the 15th Finance Commission.
About NITI Aayog
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- NITI Aayog is the premier public policy think tank of the Government of India. It promotes economic growth through cooperative federalism.
- It was established on January 1, 2015, through a Cabinet resolution as a replacement for the Planning Commission.
- It shifted policy-making from a centralized “top-down” model to a decentralized “bottom-up” approach in which states participate.
- Its key objectives include involving states in economic decision-making, supporting long-term strategic planning and innovation, and integrating national security with economic policy.
- It functions as a policy-designing body, a knowledge hub, a monitoring and evaluation agency, and a reform driving force to improve administration.
- The Prime Minister of India serves as its Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson is appointed by the Prime Minister with Cabinet rank.
- The Governing Council includes Chief Ministers of States, Chief Ministers of Union Territories with legislatures, and Lieutenant Governors of other Union Territories.
- It includes full-time professional members, up to four Union Ministers as ex-officio members, and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) appointed for a tenure determined by the Prime Minister.
NITI Aayog Initiatives
- Atal Innovation Mission (2016): Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation through Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, and Atal New India Challenges.
- Aspirational Districts Programme: Focuses on transforming 112 backward districts using real-time monitoring and central-state cooperation.
- Aspirational Blocks Programme: Extends development initiatives to remote blocks to improve administration and service delivery through the convergence of schemes.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan: Aims to improve the nutritional levels of children, women, and mothers using monitoring and inter-departmental convergence.
- e-AMRIT Portal: Encourages the use of electric vehicles as part of the India-UK collaboration roadmap.
- LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Encourages sustainable living and eco-friendly habits to build a global ‘pro-planet’ community.
- Poshan Gyan: A digital nutrition knowledge platform that supports awareness regarding maternal and child health.
Key Indices
- NITI Aayog has developed various indices to evaluate the performance of states across different sectors, including:
- SDG India Index (in collaboration with the United Nations).
- Composite Water Management Index.
- Health Index.
- Agricultural Marketing Reform Index.
- India Innovation Index.
