Centre Reconstitutes NITI Aayog

Source: PIB
GS III: Economy

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is the rearrangement?
3. NITI Aayog

Why in the News?

The Aayog now introduces four full-time members and 15 Union Ministers

News in Brief

• After having introduced changes to the Council of Ministers after the general elections government on July 16 reconstituted the government think tank NITI Aayog.
• NITI Aayog considering embracing a vision for holistic development and innovation.

What is the rearrangement?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue as the chairperson of NITI Aayog.
• Economist Suman K. Berry continues his tenure as the vice-chairperson.
• The reconstitution sees the inclusion of
  • Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel
  • Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
  • Minister for Civil Aviation
  • Minister for Food Processing
  • Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

NITI Aayog

• In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of India’s governance, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) stands as a beacon of progressive policy-making and strategic planning.
• Established with the vision of fostering cooperative federalism and driving sustainable development, NITI Aayog has become a pivotal institution in shaping India’s future.

Origins and Establishment

• NITI Aayog was established on January 1, 2015, by the Government of India, replacing the erstwhile Planning Commission.
• The need for a more flexible and dynamic institution was felt to address the complex challenges of a rapidly changing economy and to promote a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance.
• The name “NITI” stands for National Institution for Transforming India, and it also means “policy” in Hindi, reflecting its core mission.

Objectives and Vision

• Foster Cooperative Federalism: By involving state governments in the policy-making process, NITI Aayog aims to create a collaborative environment where states and the central government work together to achieve common goals.
• Promote Sustainable Development: The institution focuses on formulating strategies that ensure long-term economic growth while addressing environmental and social concerns.
• Encourage Innovation and Entrepreneurship: NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship through various initiatives and programs.
• Act as a Think Tank: It serves as a knowledge hub, providing strategic insights and policy recommendations to the government.

Key Initiatives and Programs

NITI Aayog has launched several key initiatives and programs to drive India’s development agenda. Some of the notable ones include:

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
  • AIM is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
  • It includes setting up Atal Tinkering Labs in schools and Atal Incubation Centers to support startups.
• Aspirational Districts Programme
  • This program focuses on transforming the most underdeveloped districts in India by improving key indicators such as health, education, and infrastructure.
  • The goal is to uplift these districts and bring them on par with the more developed regions.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • NITI Aayog is the nodal agency for monitoring and implementing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in India.
  • It works closely with states to ensure progress towards these global targets.
• Digital India
  • As part of the Digital India initiative, NITI Aayog promotes the use of technology to improve governance and service delivery.
  • This includes initiatives like the IndiaStack, which provides a set of APIs to enable digital infrastructure.
• Health and Nutrition
  • NITI Aayog has been instrumental in launching programs like the National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) to address malnutrition and improve health outcomes, especially among women and children.

Governance and Structure

• NITI Aayog is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and includes a Vice-Chairperson, full-time members, part-time members, and ex-officio members from various ministries.
• This diverse composition ensures that the institution benefits from a wide range of expertise and perspectives.

Impact and Future Prospects

• Since its inception, NITI Aayog has made significant strides in transforming India’s policy landscape.
• Its emphasis on data-driven decision-making, stakeholder consultations, and innovative solutions has set a new benchmark for governance in the country.
• As India continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, NITI Aayog’s role in shaping policies that promote inclusive growth and sustainable development will be more crucial than ever.

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