Chapter - 18 Planning

• 08 Nov 2024

Planning in India derives its objectives and social premises from the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution where public and private sectors are viewed as complementarities.  

NITI Aayog  

• It was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, with the aim of serving as the think tank for the Government of India and playing a pivotal role in policymaking at the central level.  
• It collaborates closely with state governments, acts as a knowledge hub, and monitors the implementation of governmental policies and programs. 
• Its objectives include catalysing developmental processes, providing strategic advice to both central and state governments, fostering cooperative federalism, designing long-term policy frameworks, and disseminating research on good governance. 
• The composition of NITI Aayog includes the Prime Minister of India as Chairperson, Chief Ministers of all states, Chief Ministers of union territories with legislatures, Lt. Governors of other union territories, experts nominated by the Prime Minister, a Vice-Chairperson, full-time and part-time members from leading institutions, ex-officio members from the Union Council of Ministers, and a Chief Executive Officer appointed by the Prime Minister for a fixed tenure. 

Erstwhile Planning Commission  

• It was set up in 1950 in pursuance of declared objectives of the government to promote a rapid rise in the standard of living of the people by efficient exploitation of the resources of the country. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first chairman of the Planning Commission. 
  • The First Plan (1951-56) prioritised agriculture and aimed to increase investment.  
  • The Second Plan (1956-61) aimed for rapid industrialization and reducing income inequalities.  
  • The Third Plan (1961-66) focused on self-sustaining growth and agricultural self-sufficiency.  
  • Due to conflicts and economic challenges, the Fourth Plan (1969-1974) aimed to stabilise agriculture and improve living standards.  
  • The Fifth Plan (1974-1979) aimed for self-reliance and economic stability.  
  • The Sixth Plan (1980-1985) focused on poverty alleviation and infrastructure development.  
  • The Seventh Plan (1985-1990) emphasised growth, employment, and poverty reduction.  
  • The Eighth Plan (1992-1997) targeted economic growth with price stability.  
  • The Ninth Plan (1997-2002) prioritised basic services and social welfare.  
  • The Tenth Plan (2002-2007) aimed for GDP growth and poverty reduction.  
  • The Eleventh Plan (2007-2012) aimed for inclusive development with 9-10% growth.  
  • The Twelfth Plan (2012-2017) targeted 9% GDP growth with a focus on economic and social improvement amidst global economic challenges.  

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 

• AIM is a flagship initiative of the Indian government, managed by NITI Aayog, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.  
• It establishes Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) in schools and Atal Incubators (AIC) at various levels including universities, SMEs, and corporates.  
• AIM also runs the Mentor India Programme to facilitate academia-industry partnerships and the Atal New India Challenge to support innovators in creating solutions for national and social issues.  

Asset Monetisation - National Monetisation Pipeline 

• The National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) aims to raise 6 lakh crore by monetizing central government assets, primarily in infrastructure.  
• It involves tapping into private sector efficiencies and utilising models like Infrastructure Investment Trusts and Real Estate Investment Trusts to unlock value and invite public investment in infrastructure assets.  

Other Initiatives and Reforms 

• Sam Shiksha is India's first virtual university offering high-quality, low-cost, and flexible degree programs mapped to UGC curricula.  
• Unnati is a technology platform aiming to digitally enable livelihood access for blue and grey collar workers, providing job matching through AI.  
• KYC Setu offers instant and digital KYC solutions using UPI infrastructure. Kaashi is a low-risk lending product leveraging DBT income.  
• Krishi Neev aimed to promote technology intervention in agriculture but did not materialise into a common platform.  
• The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) monitors progress and efficacy of policies and programs, providing technical advisory to states.  
• The Science and Technology Vertical of NITI Aayog works on policy interventions to promote S&T in collaboration with ministries and aims to improve India's Global Innovation Index ranking.