NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, established on January 1, 2015, is the policy think tank of the Government of India, replacing the Planning Commission. It focuses on inclusive growth, cooperative federalism, and sustainable development. The organization is headed by the Prime Minister and its members include state representatives and experts.

NITI Aayog works on key initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission and the Aspirational Districts Programme, promoting innovation and addressing socio-economic inequalities. Despite its advisory role and limitations on resource allocation, it plays a key role in shaping India's policies and governance.

Vision and Purpose

The primary goal of NITI Aayog is to develop a framework that contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth. It promotes the involvement of the states in the national policy-making process and assists in the adjustment of the plans to the local requirements. NITI Aayog is a forum where ideas are debated, progress is being monitored and best practices are being exchanged. It also tracks the performance of India in attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encourages evidence-based governance.

Structure

NITI Aayog is headed by the Prime Minister. It consists of a Vice-Chairperson(Shri Suman Bery), full-time and part-time members and ex-officio members, who are Union Ministers. All Chief Ministers of states and Lieutenant Governors of union territories make up the Governing Council. This non-discriminatory framework makes sure that central and state views are reflected in the national policy-making process.

Functions of NITI Aayog

The following are the detailed functions of Niti Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India):

1. Collaborate with the governments of the states on national development priorities, sectors, and strategies.

• Create a federal system in which national and state governments work in harmony and coordination.
• Implement rural development schemes and initiatives.
• Ensure that economic strategy and policy are in the best interests of national security.
• Encourage partnerships between key stakeholders and like-minded think tanks on a national and international scale, as well as educational and policy research institutions.
• With the assistance of national and international experts, practitioners, and other partners, develop a knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurial support system.
• Maintain a cutting-edge Resource Center and serve as a research hub for good governance and best practices in sustainable* and equitable* development.
• Actively monitor and evaluate program and initiative implementation, with a focus on technology upgradation and capacity building.

2. National Labor Economics Research and Development Institute (NILERD)

3. Another function of Niti Aayog is to serve as the Planning Commission’s successor.

Challenges

However, NITI Aayog has such limitations as the lack of financial strength, reliance on other ministries to implement it, and the resistance of states at times. But its advisory and research functions are still reinforcing governance in India.

Conclusion

NITI Aayog is the indicator of the change from the centralized planning in India to the joint policy-making. It will make the growth of India sustainable and people-oriented by placing emphasis on evidence, innovation, and inclusivity. It provides the upcoming administrators with the real-life example of how modern governance should be carried out: collaboratively, adaptably, and goal-oriented.