NITI ( National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog is a premier policy think tank of the Government of India. It was established on 1st of January,2015 and replaced Planning Commission of India.
It aims to create a vision for socio-economic progress of the country, promote cooperative federalism and foster an innovative ecosystem.
NITI Aayog comprises of a Chairman ( Prime Minister); a Vice-Chairman; a CEO; full-time and part- time members (number varies) ; domain experts and special invitees.
NITI Aayog: Objectives
- To evolve a shared vision of both Centre and States as it acknowledges that strong states make a strong nation.
- To promote competitive and cooperative federalism among the states on continuous basis.
- To formulate credible plans at village level and aggregate them to the highest level, thus following a decentralized planning approach.
- To ensure that interests of national security are incorporated in the economic policy.
- To design a short term, medium term and long term policies (3/7/15 year) to adopt timely course corrections.
- To create an innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem through a collaborative community.
- To act as a think tank and encourage wide participation of multiple stakeholders in policy formulation.
NITI Aayog: Key initiatives
- Aspirational Districts Programme: It focuses on transforming in 112 most under-developed district through convergence, collaboration and competition.
- Atal Innovation Mission: It aims to create a culture of knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship
- LiFE Campaign: Lifestyle for environment campaign focuses on bringing behavioral and attitudinal changes in the individual and communities. It believes in the idea that individual is at core of climate responsibility.
- Shoonya: It is a Zero Pollution Mobility campaign promotes zero-emission vehicles for urban deliveries and ride hailing.
- Women Entrepreneurship Platform: It is a portal that connects women across the country and provides a nurturing ecosystem to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations.
- E-AMRIT: It is a unique portal hosting all information on electric vehicles. It is a part of UK-India Joint Roadmap 2030.
- Methanol Economy Programme: It aims to boost methanol use by converting coal reserves and municipal solid waste into methanol. The goal is to reduce India’s import bill and greenhouse gas emissions.
NITI Aayog: Indices
- Composite Water Management Index: It measures the performance of the states across various water-based indicators to ensure scientific management of water.
- District Hospital Index: It tracks the performance of district hospitals based on 10 key performance indicators designed by WHO and MoHFW.
- Export-Preparedness Index: It measures the export readiness of all states and UTs based on export policy; business environment; export infrastructure; and export performance.
- India Innovation Index: It continuously evaluates the innovation environment in all the states and UTs.
- School Education Quality Index: It aims to bring an outcome based focus on the education policy and improve the governance process aiding the outcome.
- SDG India Index: It is developed in collaboration with the UN and tracks progress of the states and UTs across 115 indicators aligned with SDGs 2030.
- State Energy Index: It assesses the states based on the indicators covering the clean energy initiatives, energy efficiency and discoms viability.
NITI is proving itself as a state-of-the-art resource centre to provide strategic policy vision for the government and boosting research and innovation.