Why in the News?

NITI Aayog, the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, celebrates a significant milestone as it completes 10 years since its establishment.

What are the roles and functions of NITI Aayog?

NITI Aayog, established in 2015, serves as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India. Its primary roles and functions include:

• Policy Formulation: NITI Aayog is responsible for formulating strategic and long-term policies aimed at promoting sustainable development across various sectors.
• Coordination: It coordinates the efforts of central ministries, state governments, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of government schemes and initiatives.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The organization monitors the progress of various developmental programs and evaluates their effectiveness, particularly in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Data Collection and Analysis: NITI Aayog collects and analyzes data to inform policy decisions, including the development of the SDG India Index which tracks progress across states.

What are the key differences between the Planning Commission and NITI Aayog?

Why did the Government replace the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog?

• Need for a Modern Approach: The Planning Commission’s top-down, centralized model was considered outdated in the context of India’s diverse and evolving socio-economic landscape.
  • NITI Aayog was established to adopt a more flexible, bottom-up approach that encourages participation from states and local governments, reflecting the need for tailored solutions to regional challenges.
• Cooperative Federalism: NITI Aayog aims to foster cooperative federalism by promoting collaboration between the central and state governments.
  • This contrasts with the Planning Commission, where states had limited input and were often treated as passive participants in the planning process.
• Focus on Strategic Input: NITI Aayog is designed to serve as a think tank that provides strategic guidance and policy recommendations rather than merely allocating resources. This shift allows for a more dynamic response to economic needs and aspirations of the populace.
• Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: The establishment of NITI Aayog followed extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including state governments, domain experts, and the public. This inclusive approach is intended to ensure that policies are relevant and effective.
• Relevance in a Globalized Economy: With India’s integration into the global economy, there was a recognized need for an institution that could adapt to changing economic conditions and promote competitive federalism rather than a one-size-fits-all planning model.

What is the 2030 and 2035 NITI Aayog roadmap?

NITI Aayog has outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at achieving sustainable development goals by 2030 and establishing a long-term vision for 2035. This roadmap encompasses various sectors, including energy, health, and technology. 

Goals for 2030

• Energy Transition: NITI Aayog aims to ensure that India meets 50% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. This includes achieving a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW and reducing carbon emissions by one billion tonnes during the same period.
• Public Health Enhancement: The focus is on strengthening public health surveillance systems to be more inclusive, covering non-communicable diseases and environmental conditions.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): NITI Aayog is committed to aligning national policies with the SDGs, ensuring that developmental strategies are integrated with global sustainability targets, particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, education, and gender equality.

Vision for 2035

• Long-term Economic Growth: The Vision Document for 2035 emphasizes creating a roadmap that focuses on economic growth while ensuring social equity and environmental sustainability. This involves leveraging technology and innovation to drive inclusive growth across various sectors.
• Energy Security: The 2035 vision includes comprehensive strategies for energy access, affordability, reliability, and security, addressing both current challenges and future needs in the energy sector.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: NITI Aayog plans to harness AI technologies across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and urban infrastructure to improve efficiency and service delivery.

What are the challenges? 

• Data Management: Effective implementation of the roadmap requires robust data collection and management systems to monitor progress accurately and inform policy decisions.
• Inter-State Disparities: Addressing inequalities among states in terms of resource allocation and development outcomes is crucial for achieving national goals.
• Funding and Resources: Securing adequate funding for ambitious projects aimed at renewable energy expansion, public health improvements, and technological advancements poses a significant challenge.
• Capacity Building: Developing the necessary skills and expertise within the workforce to implement new technologies and strategies effectively is essential for success.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Institutional Capacity: Enhance data infrastructure, governance frameworks, and inter-state coordination to address disparities and improve policy implementation.
• Foster Public-Private Collaboration: Leverage partnerships with the private sector to secure funding, drive innovation, and scale renewable energy, public health, and technology initiatives.

Mains PYQ:

Q How are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile planning commission in India? (UPSC IAS/2018)

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