Discuss the composition and functions of National Institute for Transforming India (Niti Aayog).

National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog): Composition and Functions

Composition:
NITI Aayog, established on January 1, 2015, is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, replacing the Planning Commission. The composition of NITI Aayog reflects a departure from the centralized planning model. It comprises the following members:

1. Chairperson: The Prime Minister of India serves as the ex-officio Chairperson, providing political leadership to the institution.

2. Vice Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister, the Vice Chairperson acts as the deputy head of NITI Aayog and supports the Chairperson in policy formulation.

3. CEO (Chief Executive Officer): The CEO is appointed by the Prime Minister and serves as the key executive head, responsible for day-to-day administration and coordination of activities.

4. Full-Time Members: NITI Aayog includes full-time members, each specializing in different sectors. These members bring expertise and diverse perspectives to the policy-making process.

5. Ex-officio Members: Union Ministers, especially those handling key economic portfolios, serve as ex-officio members, facilitating collaboration between ministries and NITI Aayog.

6. Special Invitees: Experts, practitioners, and professionals may be invited as special invitees to contribute domain-specific knowledge and insights.

Functions:
NITI Aayog is tasked with formulating strategic and long-term policies for the Government of India. Its functions encompass a broad spectrum of activities aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive development:

1. Policy Formulation and Recommendations: NITI Aayog serves as a think tank that formulates policies and provides recommendations to the government. It focuses on policy areas such as economic development, social sectors, and infrastructure.

2. Strategic Planning: Unlike the Planning Commission, which focused on centralized planning, NITI Aayog emphasizes cooperative and competitive federalism. It works closely with state governments to formulate plans that address regional disparities and encourage healthy competition among states.

3. Research and Innovation: NITI Aayog undertakes research and analysis on various socio-economic issues. It fosters innovation and explores cutting-edge technologies to address challenges and promote sustainable development.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: NITI Aayog monitors the implementation of policies and programs, assessing their impact and effectiveness. It introduces a performance-based approach, emphasizing outcome-oriented policies.

5. Inter-Ministerial Coordination: NITI Aayog facilitates coordination between different ministries and departments. It acts as a bridge between the central government and states, ensuring a collaborative approach to governance.

6. International Cooperation: NITI Aayog engages in international collaboration to learn from global best practices, share experiences, and attract investments. It plays a role in shaping India's global economic and development agenda.

7. Special Initiatives: NITI Aayog takes up special initiatives and campaigns to address specific challenges, such as the Atal Innovation Mission for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index to measure progress toward sustainable development.

In conclusion, NITI Aayog, with its inclusive and collaborative approach, stands as a dynamic institution driving policy formulation and implementation in India. By fostering innovation, research, and cooperative federalism, NITI Aayog plays a pivotal role in steering the nation towards sustainable and transformative development.