NEWS

• Recently held in New Delhi.
• Chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
• Theme: “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047”.

ABOUT NITI AAYOG

• Established: January 2015 via Union Cabinet resolution.
• Replaced: The erstwhile Planning Commission.
• Nature: Not a Constitutional or Statutory body.
  • Created through executive decision (not by law or amendment).
• Role: Acts as the premier policy think-tank of the Government of India.

Mandate and Functions

• Twin Mandate:
  • Oversee the adoption, implementation, and monitoring of SDGs across India.
  • Promote competitive and cooperative federalism by increasing state and UT involvement.

Composition and Organisational Structure

Chairperson

• Prime Minister of India.

Governing Council

• Headed by: The Prime Minister.
• Includes:
  • Chief Ministers of all States and UTs with legislatures.
  • Lieutenant Governors of other UTs.
  • Up to four Union Ministers as ex-officio members (nominated by PM).
  • Vice-Chairperson (appointed by PM).
  • Full-time members.
  • Special Invitees (domain experts, nominated by PM).

 Regional Councils

• Formed for addressing specific regional issues involving multiple states.
• Convened by: The Prime Minister.
• Composed of: Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors of the concerned region.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Appointed by: The Prime Minister.
• Holds Secretary rank in the Government of India.
• Serves for a fixed tenure.

Key Objectives of NITI Aayog

• Formulate inclusive village-level development plans, focusing on the marginalized and vulnerable.
• Integrate national security into economic policy planning.
• Promote a knowledge-driven, innovation-friendly, and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Serve as a platform for resolving inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination issues for effective policy implementation.