Question

What are the differences between NITI Aayog and Planning Commission? Critically analyze whether Niti Aayog is able to achieve its desired objectives?

Answer 1

The National Institution for Transforming India, also called NITI Aayog, is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Government of India, providing both directional and policy inputs.The Government of India, in keeping with its reform agenda, constituted the NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission instituted in 1950. This was done in order to better serve the needs and aspirations of the people of India.

Difference between NITI Aayog and Planning Commission:

1. Organization:
Planning Commission – Had deputy chairperson, a member secretary, and full- time members. Secretaries or member secretaries.NITI Aayog – New posts of CEO of secretary rank, and Vice-Chairperson. Will also have five full-time members and two part-time members. Four cabinet ministers will serve as ex-officio members. CEO is appointed directly by the Prime Minister.

2. RELATION WITH STATES
Planning commission - It was a central government institution and no representation of state government. There was no structural mechanism for interaction with states.States' role was limited to the National Development Council and annual interaction during Plan meetings.
NITI ayog provides a partnership with state governments to promote cooperative federalism. It provides a platform for structured and regular interaction with states.

1. FINANCE
Planning Commission - The role of Finance Commission was greatly reduced with the formation of Planning Commission. Allocation of funds were decided by the Planning Commission.NITI aayog don’t have any role in fund allocation. Finance ministry to decide the fund allocation to CSS and Union assistance to the state plan.

2. CONSTITUTION AND REPORTING: Planning Commission- The commission reported to National Development Council that had State Chief Ministers and Lieutenant governors.Niti Aayog – Governing Council has State Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors.

3. Policy Making :
Planning Commission- Imposed policies on states and tied allocation of funds with projects it approved.NITI is a think-tank and does not have the power to impose policies.

Steps by NITI Aayog to achieve its Objectives:
Vision Document, Strategy & Action Agenda beyond 12th Five Year Plan: NITI Aayog is in the process of preparing the 15-year vision document keeping in view the social goals set and proposed for a period of 15 years; A 7- year strategy document spanning 2017-18 to 2023-24 to convert the longer-term vision into implementable policy and action as a part of a “National Development Agenda” is also being worked upon.

Reforms in Agriculture:
Model Land Leasing Law
NITI Aayog has formulated a Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act, 2016 to both recognize the rights of the tenant and safeguard the interest of landowners. A dedicated cell for land reforms was also set up in NITI. Based on the model act, Madhya Pradesh has enacted separate land leasing law and Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have modified their land leasing laws. These steps will promote the cooperative federalism.

Reforming Medical Education
NITI Aayog recommended scrapping of the Medical Council of India and suggested a new body for regulating medical education. The draft legislation for the proposed National Medical Commission has been submitted to the Government for further necessary action.

Digital Payments Movement:
NITI Aayog constituted a Committee of Chief Ministers on Digital Payments to promote transparency, financial inclusion and a healthy financial ecosystem nationwide.

Atal Innovation Mission: The Government has set up Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in NITI Aayog with a view to strengthen the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem by creating institutions and programs that spur innovation in schools, colleges, and entrepreneurs in general.

So there are many steps taken by NITI aayog to promote cooperative federalism and promote national priorities.

Limitation of NITI Aayog to achieve its objectives:

1. If it is a think-tank, it has to maintain a respectable intellectual distance from the Govt. of the day. Instead, we see uncritical praise of the Govt- sponsored schemes/programmes.
2. Like planning commission, it’s also a non-constitutional body which is not responsible to parliament.
3. UTs are represented by Lieutenant Governors, not by chief ministers. This is against the principles of federalism.
4. India requires planning that addresses social justice, reduces regional and gender inequalities, and ensures environmental sustainability. Without proper
5. Planning it is difficult to implement new ideas and strategies.

Way Forward:
NITI Aayog will function in close cooperation, consultation and coordination with the Ministries of the Central Government and State governments. Along with Accountability of NITI aayog should also be fixed. There should be evaluation of work done by NITI aayog.