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NITI Aayog: India's Premier Policy Think Tank – Constitution, Structure and Functions

Government policy advisory body replacing Planning Commission in 2015

NITI Aayog Reports
Summary of News

NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is India's premier policy think tank established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. It serves as the government's advisory body for policy formulation and implementation across sectors. The institution works on cooperative federalism, bringing together union and state governments. NITI Aayog focuses on sustainable development, poverty reduction, and economic growth. It operates under the Prime Minister's chairmanship with a Vice-Chairperson leading operations. The body comprises full-time and part-time members from government, a

Key Points for Exam
  • Established on 1 January 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Replaced the 65-year-old Planning Commission (established 1950)
  • Headquartered in New Delhi; operates under Prime Minister's direct oversight
  • Promotes cooperative federalism with Union and State governments as stakeholders
  • Vice-Chairperson serves as executive head managing day-to-day operations
Important Keywords Explained
NITI Aayogorganization

National Institution for Transforming India. Established January 1, 2015. Headquarters: New Delhi. Replaces Planning Commission. Functions as policy advisory body under PM's chairmanship. Promotes cooperative federalism between central and state governments for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Cooperative Federalismconcept

A model of governance where Union and State governments work together as partners in policy-making and implementation. Replaces the hierarchical planning model of the old Planning Commission with collaborative decision-making.

Planning Commissionorganization

India's previous policy advisory body established in 1950. Functioned for 65 years to formulate Five-Year Plans and economic policies. Disbanded and replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015 due to changing economic needs.

Additional Facts & Context
1Planning Commission served India for 65 years (1950-2015) before being replaced
2NITI Aayog has representation from all 28 states and 8 union territories
3Manages India's top think tank with focus on SDG implementation by 2030
4Conducts biennial GFCI (Global Financial Centres Index) rankings and state performance evaluations
Examiner's Tip

UPSC and SSC exams frequently ask about NITI Aayog's establishment date (2015), its role in replacing the Planning Commission, and its focus on cooperative federalism between Centre and States.

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