Niti Aayog

The Planning Commission was an institution formed in March 15, 1950 by Government of India, which formulated India's Five-Year Plans, among other functions. It was established in accordance with article 39 of the constitution which is a part of directive principles of state policy.
On 1st January, 2015 Cabinet resolution replaced Planning Commission to NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India).
And on February 8, 2015 The first meeting of NITI Aayog was chaired by Narendra Modi.

1. NITI Aayog Overview, Meaning, Composition, Objectives And Difference

2. Overview The  Planning Commission  was an institution formed in March 15, 1950 by Government of India, which formulated India's Five-Year Plans, among other functions. It was established in accordance with article 39 of the constitution which is a part of directive principles of state policy. On 1st January, 2015 Cabinet resolution replaced Planning Commission to NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India ) . And on February 8, 2015 The first meeting of NITI Aayog was chaired by Narendra Modi.

3. Meaning This Aayog will serve as ‘Think-Tank’ that will provide governments at the central and state levels with the relevant strategic and technical advice on the key policy issues. NITI Aayog will develop a common minimum national agenda and then provide guidance to states in designing the state specific agenda in accordance with the national agenda. Instead of being in the controlling seat, is going to provide a direction. It is going to be an ‘enabler’ instead of a ‘provider of first and last resort ’.

4. Composition of NITI Aayog Chairperson :- Prime Minister Vice Chairperson :- Presently, Arvind Panagariya Governing Council :- Chief Ministers (States) And Lt. Governors (Uts) Regional Council :- Formed on Need Basis, Comprising of CMs and Lt. Governors of the region Full-Time Members :– Two (Presently – Shri Bibek Debroy and Dr. V.K. Saraswat)

5. Composition of NITI Aayog Part-Time Members :- Maximum two, from leading universities, research organizations or other relevant institutions on rotation basis. Ex-Officio Members :- Maximum of 4 members of Union Council of Ministers nominated by Prime Minister. Special Invitees :- Experts, Specialists, Practitioners with specific knowledge. Chief Executive Office :- For fixed tenure, person with rank of Secretary to the Government of India. Secretariat :- As deemed necessary.

6. Objectives Shared National Agenda :- To determine national development priorities and frame strategies for various economic sectors, with the active involvement of states. It will also design a ‘National Agenda’ for the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers. Cooperative and Competitive Federalism :- Recognizing that strong states make a strong nation, to engage the states in planning on a continuous basis and encourage cooperative federalism.

7. Objectives Decentralized Planning :- To develop mechanism to formulate plans at the village level and aggregate these plans progressively at higher levels of government. Collabration :- To monitor the implementation and evaluation of key projects of government like ‘Make In India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘ Swachh Bharat Programme’, etc in the collaboration with the state governments.

8. Objectives National Security :- To insure that the interest of national security is given due importance while making economic policy. Settlement of Disputes :- To resolve inter- sectoral and inter-departmental issues in order to accelerate the implementation of national and regional development programmes.

9. Objectives Benefit To All Section :- To pay special attention to the sections of society that are not adequately benefitted from the economic progress. Encourage Participation :- To encourage participation of main stakeholders, educational and research institutions, national and international experts and practitioners.

10. Objectives Long Tem Policies :- To design strategic and long term policies and programmes and to monitor their progress regularly. The lessons learnt through monitoring and feedback will used for making improvement and mid-term corrections. Technology Upgradation :- To focus on technology upgradation and capacity building for better implementation of development programmes.

11. Objectives Knowledge and Innovation :- To establish and maintain a revealing resource and research centre on ‘Good Governance and Best Practices’ and help in dissemination of its ideas/suggestions to various stakeholders. Other Activities :- To undertake other activities, as may be necessary for better implementation of national development programmes and to achieve their objectives.

12. Difference Between Planning Commission And NITI Aayog Basis of Difference NITI Aayog Planning Commission Nature of Work Will work as an advisory body or think-tank. It will provide governments at the Central and State government. But it will not have powers to allocate funds to centre or state government. This power will be vested in Finance Ministry. It enjoyed the power to allocate funds to center and state governments. It also worked as advisory body. So, the work of Planning Commission was more comprehensive. Full-Time Members The number of full time members will e less than planning commission. It is a smaller body. It was comparatively a large body. Last Planning Commission had eight full time members.

13. Difference Between Planning Commission And NITI Aayog Basis of Difference NITI Aayog Planning Commission Role of States States governments will have more power and freedom in framing state plans. It will promote cooperative federalism. State governments enjoyed less powers in designing state plans. They had to get approval from Planning Commission for finalizing their state plans Part-Time Members Maximum two, from leading universities, research organizations or other relevant institutions on rotation basis. Planning Commission had no provision for part time members. Appointment of Secretary Will be known as Chief Executive Officer and will be appointed by PM. Members and Member Secretary were appointed through usual process.