The recent meeting of the NITI Aayog convened by the Prime Minister of India encapsulated discussions on a range of topics centered around the vision of a Developed India by 2047. The 8th Governing Council Meeting, headed by the Prime Minister, was attended by various state representatives, including Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors.
Highlights of the 8th Governing Council Meeting
A crucial detail of the meeting was its theme, ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Role of Team India’. The Prime Minister emphasised the need for unity between the Centre and the States, advocating for them to operate as ‘Team India’ to achieve the vision of a developed nation by 2047. He further underscored the important role of NITI Aayog in assisting states to formulate strategies aligning with the national development agenda over the next 25 years.
During his address, the Prime Minister urged the states and Union Territories to collaborate with the Aayog for making significant strides towards realising the vision for ‘Amrit Kaal’. He further emphasised the necessity of promoting ‘Shree Anna’ in the International Year of Millets and stressed the imperative of water conservation through the ‘Amrit Sarovar’ programme.
NITI Aayog’s Governing Council: An Overview
The premier body involved in developing a shared vision of national priorities, the NITI Aayog’s Governing Council is deeply rooted in processes involving the active participation of States and Union Territories. It serves as a platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental, and federal issues and consists of a diverse body of members.
This includes the Prime Minister of India, Chief Ministers of all the states and union territories with legislature, Lt Governors of other Union Territories, Ex-Officio Members, Vice Chairman, full-time members of NITI Aayog, and Special Invitees.
NITI Aayog: The New Avatar of Planning Commission
On January 1st, 2015, the Planning Commission was replaced by a new institution – NITI Aayog. Echoing the spirit of ‘Cooperative Federalism’, the institution emphasises a ‘Bottom-Up’ approach to realise the vision of Maximum Governance, Minimum Government.
NITI Aayog operates through two Hubs: the Team India Hub that acts as an interface between States and Centre, and the Knowledge and Innovation Hub that enhances the think-tank acumen of NITI Aayog.
Key Initiatives Undertaken By NITI Aayog
Over the years, NITI Aayog has launched several important initiatives including, but not limited to, the SDG India Index, Composite Water Management Index, Atal Innovation Mission, SATH Project, Aspirational District Programme, School Education Quality Index, District Hospital Index, Health Index, Agriculture Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reform Index, India Innovation Index, Women Transforming India Awards, and Good Governance Index.
Legacy of NITI Aayog in Civil Services Examination
Notably, NITI Aayog has been a recurring topic in previous UPSC Civil Services Examination questions. In 2019, a question appearing in the Prelims asked about the body under which Atal Innovation Mission was set up, with the correct answer being NITI Aayog. Similarly, in 2015, another question revolved around the institution that NITI Aayog replaced, i.e., the Planning Commission. An examination of the principles followed by NITI Aayog compared to the erstwhile Planning Commission was part of the Mains question in 2018.