NITI Aayog: India's Policy Think Tank - Constitution, Structure and Functions
Understanding NITI Aayog's role as government's apex policy institution
Source: NITI Aayog ReportsNITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is India's premier policy think tank and planning commission replacement. Established in 2015, it advises the government on policy matters and development strategies. Unlike the old Planning Commission, NITI Aayog works as a collaborative body between central and state governments. It has a Governing Council headed by the Prime Minister, with Chief Ministers as members. The institution focuses on cooperative federalism, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. It conducts research, formulates strategies, and monitors implementation
- NITI Aayog established on January 1, 2015, replacing the 64-year-old Planning Commission
- PM Narendra Modi is the Chairperson; Chief Ministers serve as Governing Council members
- Headquarters located in New Delhi at the IndiaStack building
- Focus areas: Health, Education, Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Sustainable Development Goals
- Works on cooperative federalism model to bridge centre-state policy coordination
National Institution for Transforming India. Established January 1, 2015. Headquarters: New Delhi. Parent Body: Government of India. Replaces Planning Commission. Works as apex advisory body for policy formulation and cooperative federalism between Centre and States under PM's chairmanship.
A system where central and state governments work together as partners in policy-making and implementation. NITI Aayog promotes this through involving Chief Ministers and state representatives in its Governing Council.
India's apex policy planning body established in 1950. Functioned for 64 years until replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015. Drafted Five Year Plans and advised government on economic development strategies.
17 global goals adopted by UN in 2015 to end poverty, protect environment, and ensure peace. NITI Aayog monitors India's progress toward achieving these SDGs across all states and sectors.
UPSC exams frequently test NITI Aayog's establishment year (2015), its role as Planning Commission replacement, and its governing structure with PM as Chair and CMs as members.
NITI = National Institution for Transforming India (2015). Remember: PM-headed, CM-included, Plan-replaced. Think 'NITI = New India's Think Tank'.