niti aayog - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. What is NITI Aayog: NITI Aayog, also known as the National Institution for Transforming India, is a policy think tank of the Government of India established in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission. It serves as a platform for cooperative federalism and fosters the spirit of "Team India" by bringing together the Centre and the States.
- 2. Objectives: The main objectives of NITI Aayog are to provide strategic and technical advice to the central and state governments on key policy matters, promote cooperative federalism, enhance the involvement of states in the economic policy-making process, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
- 3. Structure: NITI Aayog is headed by the Prime Minister of India as the Chairperson and includes a Vice Chairperson, CEO, full-time members, and ex-officio members from the Union Council of Ministers. It also has a governing council comprising all Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors of Union Territories.
- 4. Functions: NITI Aayog functions as a platform for policy research, analysis, and advocacy. It facilitates interactions between key stakeholders, including government ministries, states, industry bodies, and experts. The think tank also monitors and evaluates the implementation of government programs and initiatives.
- 5. Key Initiatives: NITI Aayog has launched several key initiatives to drive economic growth, social development, and sustainable development in India. Some of these initiatives include the Atal Innovation Mission, the Aspirational Districts Program, the National Nutrition Mission, and the Sustainable Development Goals Index.
- 6. Atal Innovation Mission: The Atal Innovation Mission aims to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students, startups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises in India. It includes programs like Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centers, and Atal New India Challenges.
- 7. Aspirational Districts Program: The Aspirational Districts Program identifies and supports the development of 112 districts in India that are lagging behind in key indicators of development. NITI Aayog works closely with these districts to improve their socio-economic outcomes through targeted interventions.
- 8. National Nutrition Mission: The National Nutrition Mission, also known as POSHAN Abhiyaan, aims to reduce malnutrition and improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in India. NITI Aayog plays a key role in coordinating and monitoring the implementation of this mission.
- 9. Sustainable Development Goals Index: NITI Aayog publishes the Sustainable Development Goals Index to track India's progress towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The index measures the performance of states and union territories on various indicators related to sustainable development.
- 10. Impact: NITI Aayog has emerged as a critical institution for policy formulation and governance in India. It has played a key role in driving reforms in sectors like agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure. The think tank continues to work towards transforming India into a vibrant and inclusive economy.