Introduction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog on July 28, 2023, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. The meeting brought together Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors from 20 states and 6 Union Territories to chart a course for India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047.
The Prime Minister extensively emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the Centre and states in realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He highlighted India’s economic progress, noting the country’s ascent from the 10th largest economy in 2014 to the 5th largest in 2024. Modi emphasized the collective ambition to further elevate India to the position of the world’s third-largest economy.
Focus on Social and Economic Infrastructure
The meeting focused on leveraging India’s strengthened social and economic infrastructure to drive development. The Prime Minister acknowledged the nation’s strides in sectors such as defense, space, startups, and sports, attributing this progress to the confidence and enthusiasm of its citizens.
Emphasis on the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
Modi emphasized the critical role of states in achieving the ‘Viksit Bharat vision. He urged states to create conducive environments for development through innovative policymaking and implementation. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of translating the national aspiration into concrete plans at the state, district, and village levels.
Nurturing Healthy Competition among the districts
The Aspirational Districts Programme, anchored by NITI Aayog, was lauded for fostering healthy competition among districts. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for skill development to meet the growing global demand for Indian talent. He also highlighted the importance of eradicating poverty at the individual level and encouraged states to prioritize this goal.
Targeting the Vision of Zero Poverty
To enhance agricultural productivity and farmer incomes, Modi advocated for diversification, market linkages, and the adoption of natural farming practices. Addressing the demographic challenge, he encouraged states to develop comprehensive population management plans.
The Prime Minister called for capacity building of government officials and urged states to collaborate with the Capacity Building Commission. The meeting provided a platform for states to share best practices and suggestions for realizing the ‘Viksit Bharat vision.
Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister directed NITI Aayog to analyze the recommendations made by states and expressed confidence in India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation through cooperative federalism.
What is the NITI AAYOG?
NITI Aayog, which stands for National Institution for Transforming India, is a policy think tank of the Government of India. It was established on January 1, 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. The decision to replace the Planning Commission was driven by the need for a more flexible, cooperative, and federalist approach to policy-making.
The Planning Commission, established in 1950, had been the primary body responsible for formulating India’s five-year plans. However, over time, it faced criticism for its top-down approach, bureaucratic structure, and lack of flexibility. NITI Aayog was envisioned as a more dynamic and consultative body, aiming to foster a collaborative spirit between the Centre and states.
Structure and Composition
NITI Aayog is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
It consists of:
- Governing Council: Comprising Chief Ministers of all states and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories
- Regional Councils: To address specific regional issues.
- Ad-hoc Members: Experts from various fields.
- Ex-officio Members: Members from the Union Council of Ministers.
- Chief Executive Officer: Appointed by the Prime Minister.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
NITI Aayog has been instrumental in driving India’s development agenda through various initiatives and achievements. Some of the notable ones include-
- Aspirational Districts Programme: This flagship program aims to rapidly transform India’s most under-developed districts by focusing on key development parameters like health, nutrition, education, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, skill development, and infrastructure.
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): AIM promotes innovation and entrepreneurship across the country. It has established Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, supported startups, and fostered a culture of innovation.
- Digital India: NITI Aayog has played a crucial role in driving the Digital India initiative, which aims to transform India into a digital economy. This includes initiatives like Aadhaar, Digital Payments, and e-governance.
- Start-up India: NITI Aayog has been a key driver of the Startup India initiative, providing support and incentives to startups, and creating a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurship.
- Agriculture and Water Management: NITI Aayog has focused on improving agricultural productivity, water resource management, and farmer welfare through initiatives like the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).
- Health and Nutrition: NITI Aayog has been involved in initiatives to improve maternal and child health, nutrition, and access to healthcare services.
Major Achievements
- Improved Governance: NITI Aayog has contributed to enhancing governance practices through initiatives like the ’73 Districts’ program, which focuses on improving district-level governance.
- Economic Growth: NITI Aayog’s policies and programs have contributed to India’s economic growth trajectory by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and ease of doing business.
- Social Development: The institution has played a role in improving social indicators, including literacy rates, infant mortality rates, and access to basic amenities.
- Policy Formulation: NITI Aayog has been at the forefront of formulating several important national policies, such as the National Education Policy, National Health Policy, and National Water Policy.
- Capacity Building: NITI Aayog has undertaken capacity-building initiatives for government officials to enhance their skills and knowledge.
While NITI Aayog has made significant strides, challenges such as implementation gaps and coordination issues persist. However, its role in shaping India’s development trajectory is undeniable.
Conclusion
NITI Aayog, a cornerstone of India’s policy landscape, has evolved from a conceptual shift away from the centralized planning model of the Planning Commission to a dynamic institution focused on cooperative federalism, innovation, and evidence-based policymaking. Its journey, marked by the transition from a top-down approach to a collaborative one, has been instrumental in shaping India’s development trajectory.
Through initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme, Atal Innovation Mission, Digital India, and Startup India, NITI Aayog has catalyzed transformative change across sectors. Its emphasis on capacity building, policy formulation, and monitoring and evaluation has contributed to improved governance and social development outcomes.
However, challenges such as implementation gaps and coordination issues persist. As India continues its journey towards becoming a developed nation, NITI Aayog’s ability to adapt to emerging challenges, foster innovation, and strengthen its collaborative approach will be crucial in realizing its full potential.
By maintaining a focus on evidence-based policymaking, promoting good governance, and fostering a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, NITI Aayog can continue to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future.
-ANANYA GUPTA
MUST READ: NTA CONTROVERSY 2024: LATEST ANTI-PAPER LEAK LAW, CBI INVESTIGATION, RE-EXAMS AND CANCELLATIONS
