The Functions of NITI Aayog

In one line

NITI Aayog's functions are to think, to advise, to bring the States into national policy making, to design long term strategy, and to evaluate what is already being done, and not to spend anything.

In the wording a student can write in an exam: paragraph 12 of the Resolution of 1 January 2015 sets out thirteen objectives for NITI Aayog, which may be grouped as evolving a shared national vision with the States, fostering cooperative federalism, enabling planning from the village upwards, designing and monitoring long term strategy, protecting the interests of the weaker sections and of national security, acting as a knowledge and resource centre, resolving inter sectoral issues, and evaluating implementation; and paragraph 14 states that being the incubator of ideas for development is its core mission.

The thirteen objectives, in the Resolution's own order

Learn them by their opening verb; that is how they are quickest to reproduce.

(a) To evolve a shared vision of national development priorities, sectors and strategies with the active involvement of States, in the light of national objectives. The Resolution adds that this vision will then provide a framework national agenda for the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers.

(b) To foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the States on a continuous basis, recognising that strong States make a strong nation.

(c) To develop mechanisms to formulate credible plans at the village level and aggregate these progressively at higher levels of government.

(d) To ensure, on areas specifically referred to it, that the interests of national security are incorporated in economic strategy and policy.

(e) To pay special attention to the sections of society that may be at risk of not benefiting adequately from economic progress.

(f) To design strategic and long term policy and programme frameworks and initiatives, and to monitor their progress and efficacy, using the lessons from monitoring and feedback for innovative improvements including mid course corrections.

(g) To provide advice and encourage partnerships between key stakeholders and national and international like minded think tanks and educational and policy research institutions.

(h) To create a knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial support system through a collaborative community of national and international experts, practitioners and partners.

(i) To offer a platform for resolution of inter sectoral and inter departmental issues, in order to accelerate implementation of the development agenda.

(j) To maintain a state of the art Resource Centre, be a repository of research on good governance and best practices in sustainable and equitable development, and help their dissemination.

(k) To actively monitor and evaluate the implementation of programmes and initiatives, including identifying the resources needed to strengthen the probability of success and the scope of delivery.