NITI Aayog is an Indian government-based policy-making body, whose full name is the National Institution for Transforming India, which was established in 2015. It was formed to offer policy recommendations for both central and state governments to make India a wealthy country without leaving anyone behind. To analyse its relevance it becomes important to discuss the Role and Functions of NITI Aayog. However, before jumping on to the role and functions, let us first tell you how NITI Aayog emerged in India.

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The NITI Aayog in India emerged to act as a substitute for the Planning Commission which forms part of India’s earlier style of planning. Extending from this, it could be argued that, as the premier planning body in India, NITI Aayog is more manoeuvrable and contextual to the country’s current economic, social and environmental circumstances than its predecessor.

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What Are The Main Functions Of Niti Aayog?

The main functions of NITI Aayog include:

• Policy Formulation: NITI Aayog proactively takes care of advising the government on diverse policy issues such as; Agriculture, Health, Education, Infrastructure, Energy, & Environment.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: It monitors government schemes, programmes and policies and reacts to the success and or failure of the set programmes.

• Research and Analysis: NITI Aayog works on research based on several issues concerning development and provides policy advice to the government.

• Capacity Building: It also targets the strengthening of human resources alongside government officials, civil servants, and other players in the policies executed in the region.

What Is The Structure Of NITI Aayog?

The structure of NITI Aayog can be explained in simple terms as follows:

1. Governing Council: It comprises the Chief Ministers of all States and Governors of the Union Territories.

2. Regional Councils: These are established to solve specific problems that interest one or several states or regions in the country of India.

3. Special Invitees: Other experts as well as specialises in specific knowledge can be invited by the Prime Minister.

4. Organisational Framework: The Organisational Structure of NITI Aayog includes the following officials:-

• Chairperson: The person who heads the Government of India and represents the country, especially in the international forum.

• Vice Chairperson: Made up of five full-time members as well as two part-time members the members are appointed by the Prime Minister.

• Ex-Officio Members: Up to 4 Union Ministers who are nominated by the Prime Minister.

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): So appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed term the officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

• Secretariat: Staff appointed as needed to support NITI Aayog's work.

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What Are The Initiatives Taken By The Niti Aayog In India?

Since its formation, NITI Aayog initiated some important developments which left a great impression on India’s progress. Some of these are:

• Atal Innovation Mission: This mission fosters the spirit of ‘Start-up India’ by providing funding and aiding the ‘change makers’ of India in every state.

• Digital India: It has been instrumental in strongly supporting the Digital India programme aimed at making the country a digitally empowered society.

• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: It has supported the national Cleanup India campaign for cities and villages.

• National Health Stack: The first aims to develop an IT framework for the Indian healthcare scenario, to enhance the reach and effectiveness of the healthcare system.

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What Is The Role of NITI Aayog In Indian Development?

NITI Aayog has made contributions to India’s development in one way or the other. Some key achievements include:

• Improved Policy Formulation: Due to the research-based actions and advice of NITI Aayog the quality of government policies has improved a lot.

• Boost in Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Alone, the Atal Innovation Mission has translated into a startup and an overall development in the country.

• Better Digital Infrastructure: A most important achievement of NITI Aayog in its operationalisation of Digital India is that it has aided in enhancing the delivery of governmental services.

• Enhanced Healthcare Services: The present government of India has launched a National Health Stack which has subsequently provided a better way of performing the services in the health sector.

Thus, NITI Aayog has also improved coordination between centre and state governments resulting in efficient policy delivery. Moreover, it has been participating in the process of sustainable development whereby it has offered support on issues like carrying out renewable energy and conservation of the environment.

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Conclusion

Since its formation, NITI Aayog has emerged as one of the important actors in India’s development process. The fact that it was a virtual organisation has allowed it to be very dynamic and responsive to the Indian environment. Its policies are favourably changing some sectors such as innovation, digital infrastructure, health, and sanitation. NITI Aayog is going to play a significant role in formulating the development agenda of India in the future also as India progresses.

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Important Link

Official Website: https://www.niti.gov.in/

Planning Commission Archive: https://www.niti.gov.in/planning-commission-archive