NITI Aayog

The Government has replaced Planning Commission with a new institution named NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). It is created by a cabinet Resolution issued on January 1, 2015. The institutional framework of government has developed and matured over the years. This has allowed the development of domain expertise which allows to increase the specificity of functions given to institutions. Specific to the planning process, there was a need to separate as well as energize the distinct ‘processes of governance from the ‘strategy’ of governance. The Seven Pillars of Effective Governance include-

• Pro-people: It will fulfill aspirations of society as well as individuals
• Pro-Activity: In anticipation of and response to citizen needs
• Participation: Involvement of citizenry
• Empowering: Women in all aspects
• Inclusion of all: SC, ST, OBC, minorities, gareeb, gaon, kisaan
• Equality: Of opportunity for the youth
• Transparency: Making Government visible and responsive

The institution to give life to these aspirations is the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). This is being proposed after extensive consultation across the spectrum of stakeholders including inter alia state governments, domain experts and relevant institutions.

Composition of the NITI Aayog

• Prime Minister of India as the Chairperson
• Governing Council comprising the Chief Ministers of all the States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories
• Regional Councils will be formed to address specific issues and contingencies impacting more than one state or a region. These will be formed for a specified tenure. The Regional Councils will be convened by the Prime Minister and will comprise of the Chief Ministers of States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories in the region. These will be chaired by the Chairperson of the NITI Aayog or his nominee.
• Experts, specialists and practitioners with relevant domain knowledge as special invitees nominated by the Prime Minister