Understanding NITI Aayog's Formation

The question asks about the exact date when the National Institution for Transforming India, commonly known as NITI Aayog, was established. Understanding the formation date is key to knowing when this important policy think tank of the Government of India began its work.

NITI Aayog Replaced Planning Commission

NITI Aayog was constituted to replace the decades-old Planning Commission. The Planning Commission was established in 1950 and played a central role in formulating India's Five-Year Plans. The new government decided to dissolve the Planning Commission and set up NITI Aayog with a different structure and mandate, aiming for a more bottom-up approach to planning and policymaking.

Formation Date of National Institution for Transforming India

The official date of the formation of NITI Aayog is well-documented. Let's look at the options provided:

• 1 December 2015
• 15 August 2015
• 1 January 2015
• 15 October 2015

Based on government records and official notifications, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) came into existence on January 1, 2015.

Key Role of NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog serves as a premier policy 'think tank' of the Government of India. It provides both directional and policy inputs. While the Planning Commission focused heavily on centralized planning, NITI Aayog aims to foster cooperative federalism by involving states in the economic policymaking process. It also works on technology upgradation and capacity building.

Revision Table: NITI Aayog Formation

Additional Information on NITI Aayog

Here are some more details about the structure and purpose of NITI Aayog:

• Composition: It consists of the Prime Minister as the Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a CEO, full-time members, part-time members, and ex-officio members from the Union Council of Ministers.
• Governing Council: The Governing Council includes the Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories with Legislatures, and Lt. Governors of other Union Territories. This council reflects the principle of cooperative federalism.
• Hubs: NITI Aayog has two main hubs - Team India Hub (connecting States and Centre) and Knowledge and Innovation Hub (building the institution's think-tank capabilities).
• Objectives: Its key objectives include fostering cooperative federalism, developing mechanisms to formulate credible plans at the village level, ensuring that the interests of national security are incorporated in economic strategy, and providing a platform for resolution of inter-sectoral and inter-departmental issues.

The establishment of NITI Aayog on 1 January 2015 marked a significant shift in India's approach to planning and development.