The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog is set to play a critical role in assisting each state to establish bodies akin to itself. This move aims at replacing the planning boards of each state to accelerate inclusive economic growth, aligning with the vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
Understanding NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog serves as the Government of India’s apex public policy think tank. It was established on 1st January, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission, with an objective to promote ‘Maximum Governance, Minimum Government’, reflecting ‘Cooperative Federalism.’ The Aayog comprises two key hubs – Team India and Knowledge and Innovation. While the former acts as an interface between the states and the centre, the latter enriches the institution’s think-tank acumen.
Importance of State-Level NITI Aayog-like Bodies
State governments play a fundamental role in driving the Indian economy’s growth. Except for certain sectors such as defence, railways, and highways, the national GDP growth predominantly constitutes states’ growth rates. The state governments hold primary responsibility for health, education and skilling, along with significant roles in enhancing ease of doing business, instigating land reforms, developing infrastructure, facilitating credit flows, and encouraging urbanisation. This necessitates the establishment of NITI Aayog-like bodies at the state level to rejuvenate planning departments/boards, which have so far been largely inactive.
Agenda for Implementation
The initial plan is to assist 8-10 states in setting up these bodies by March 2023. Four states, namely Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Assam, have already initiated work towards this direction, with Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat expected to follow suit soon. The NITI Aayog has devised a plan that includes creating teams to analyse the existing state planning board structures and conceptualising State Institution for Transformation (SIT) within the next 4-6 months. There is also an emphasis on the lateral entry of professionals into SITs to carry out high-calibre analytical work and policy recommendations.
Apart from reorienting the planning boards as SITs, a blueprint will also guide states in policy formulation, monitor and evaluate government policies and programmes, and suggest improved technology or models for scheme delivery.
Atal Innovation Mission
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a prime initiative undertaken by the NITI Aayog to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. The AIM functions as an umbrella organisation aligning innovation policies between Central, State and sector specific innovation schemes, promoting an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship at various levels, from higher secondary schools to corporate and NGO levels.
