Sambhav-2025

Approach Briefly introduce the establishment of NITI Aayog in 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. Discuss the shift in the policy-making approach. Mention its impact on the implementation of developmental programs Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

The shift from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog in India’s policy-making process represents a significant transformation in the country’s approach to development and governance. NITI Aayog was established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, with the objective of fostering cooperative federalism and ensuring decentralized decision-making.

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Shift in Policy-Making Approach

• Top-down vs. Bottom-up Approach:
  • Planning Commission (Top-Down Approach): The Planning Commission followed a centralized, top-down model where national policies were formulated by the center, and states had little flexibility in customizing policies to suit local needs.
    • The Planning Commission largely controlled resource allocation based on centrally designed plans like Five-Year Plans.
  • NITI Aayog (Bottom-Up Approach): It encourages states to design policies based on their unique regional needs, thus promoting cooperative federalism.
    • Team India Hub acts as an interface between States and Centre.
• Strategic Vision: NITI Aayog introduced a structured approach to policy planning with three key documents:
  • 3-year Action Agenda (short-term actionable policies).
  • 7-year Medium-Term Strategy Paper (framework for sectoral growth).
  • 15-year Vision Document (long-term roadmap for sustainable development).
• Innovation and Research Integration: NITI Aayog emphasizes innovation in areas like technology, research, and entrepreneurship, recognizing the need for India to become a global leader in these sectors.
  • Through initiatives such as the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI), it integrates cutting-edge research and technology into policymaking, ensuring India remains competitive in the global economy.
• Sustainable Development Focus: NITI Aayog has been instrumental in integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into India’s development agenda.

Impact on Implementation of Developmental Programs

• Aspirational Districts Program (ADP):
  • One of NITI Aayog’s flagship initiatives, the ADP, was launched in 2018 to uplift 115 backward districts in terms of health, education, and infrastructure.
  • By 2023, 89 out of the 115 districts had improved on key indicators like healthcare, literacy, and poverty reduction.
• State-specific Policies:
  • NITI Aayog has provided a platform for states to develop tailored policies that suit their unique needs.
  • For instance, in Bihar, where agriculture is a key economic activity, NITI Aayog has collaborated with the state government to launch State Agriculture Development Plans, focusing on crop diversification, improved irrigation, and rural infrastructure.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • NITI Aayog has strengthened monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for developmental programs, ensuring better tracking of progress.
  • Some of the indices launched by NITI Aayog are the School Education Quality Index, State Health Index, Composite Water Management Index, Sustainable Development Goals Index, India Innovation Index and Export Competitiveness Index.
• Financial Autonomy and Challenges:
  • While the Planning Commission provided substantial financial grants to states, NITI Aayog's role is more advisory, without direct financial allocations.

Conclusion

The shift from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog has introduced a more dynamic, decentralized, and cooperative approach to India’s policy-making process. In the coming years, NITI Aayog is expected to further refine its role in ensuring that India's development is inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with its diverse regional needs.