NITI Aayog: Structure, Objectives, Functions and Relevance to Manipur

Structure. NITI Aayog is headed by the Prime Minister of India as its Chairperson. Its working leadership is a Vice-Chairperson appointed by the Prime Minister, and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — an official with the rank of Secretary to the Government of India — who runs the day-to-day administration. It also has full-time members, part-time members drawn from universities and research bodies, and ex-officio members who are Union ministers.

The most important body for the states is the Governing Council. It brings together the Prime Minister, the Chief Ministers of all states, the Chief Ministers/Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories with legislatures, and the administrators of other UTs, along with the Vice-Chairperson and members. Through the Governing Council, the Chief Minister of Manipur sits directly with the Prime Minister and other states to discuss development — the practical face of cooperative federalism.

Objectives. NITI Aayog aims to promote cooperative federalism, foster healthy competitive federalism among states (comparing and ranking their performance to spur improvement), act as the government's think-tank, encourage inclusive and sustainable development, and pay special attention to backward regions and weaker sections.

Functions.

• Serve as a policy think-tank, giving the Centre and states strategic and technical advice.
• Design long-term strategies and vision documents for national development.
• Support the states and build a genuine Centre–state partnership (cooperative federalism).
• Promote competitive federalism through performance indices and rankings.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of programmes.
• Give focused attention to the most backward districts and regions. …