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NITI Aayog, though an improvement over the Planning Commission, has a mixed record of achievements and failures. Justify. (10 Marks, 150 Words)

NITI Aayog replaced the erstwhile Planning Commission in 2015 to usher in a new regime of strategic planning in India. It improves. upon the Planning Commission in the following ways:

• Introduced ‘Think-tank’ approach in the planning process.
• Encourages cooperative and competitive federalism between states — E.g., SDG dashboard
• Provides for bottom-up planning by involving states and even local governments Achievements of NITI Aayog.

1. Strategic thinking— E.g., Reports on Doubling betters’ incomes by 2022, holding simultaneous elections in 2024.
2. Making India ‘future-ready’ — E.g., 100 percent shift to electric vehicles by 2030, “One Nation, One Health System” policy by 2030, National programme on ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI)
3. Breaks the silos in which ministries often operate and bring ideas from across the world.
4. Land reforms in India — E.g., Model land leasing acts
5. Revamping schemes with the help of states — E.g., Panel of chief ministers on rationalizing the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).

While the achievements are commendable, there are certain failures of NITI Aayog such as:

• Lack of independence from Government
• Lack of quality documents — E.g., Index on SDGs don’t explain real reasons for downfall or increase.
• Use of old and outdated data
• Friction with the Govt. — E.g., E-vehicles vis-a-vis Internal Combustion Engines
• Aayog has become too dependent on outside consultants and advisors in its decision making

Way Forward

India is facing unprecedented challenges like COVID mutations, technologies like blockchain, making renewable energy a successful substitute for thermal etc. NITI Aayog has to adapt and hire top talent across the spectrum with a reasonable level of independence. This will create a culture of innovation to power India for the next 50 years.