Q. Consider the following statements with reference to NITI Aayog:
Which of the above-given statements is /are correct?
Explanation: NITI stands for “National Institution for Transforming India”. It is the country’s premier policy-making institution which is expected to bolster the economic growth of the country.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Governing Council consists of the Chief Ministers of all the States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories in India. The Governing Council of NITI Aayog comprises the Prime Minister of India, Chief Ministers of all the States and Union Territories with Legislatures and Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and four Union Ministers as ex-officio members and three Union Ministers as Special Invitees. It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
Statement 2 is correct: One of the objectives of NITI Aayog is to promote cooperative federalism through well-ordered support initiatives and mechanisms with the States on an uninterrupted basis.
In this light, the role Of Governing Council becomes important and functional as it seeks active participation of states and acts as a forum and a platform for effective cooperation between Centre and States to deliberate upon issues of concern and importance. Hence, a spirit of cooperative federalism is fostered by the Governing Council.
Statement 3 is correct: While the Planning Commission had the power to impose policies on States, the NITI Aayog does not have such powers.