Test: NITI Aayog - SSC CGL MCQ

NITI Aayog's primary focus revolves around several key principles that guide its vision for governance and development in India. These principles include:

• Maximum Governance, Minimum Government: This principle aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles while ensuring effective governance.
• Cooperative Federalism: It promotes collaboration between the central and state governments, encouraging shared responsibilities and resources.
• Bottom-Up Approach: NITI Aayog advocates for grassroots involvement in decision-making, ensuring that policies reflect the needs of local communities.
• Think Tank Capabilities: It serves as a strategic policy think tank, offering research and expert advice to enhance government initiatives.

Overall, NITI Aayog's vision seeks to create a more responsive and accountable governance structure that prioritises development while fostering collaboration across different levels of government.

The hub known as Team India is instrumental in fostering collaboration between Indian states and the central government. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that states are actively involved in the decision-making processes at the national level.

• This hub aims to create a cohesive framework for development, allowing for effective communication between state and central authorities.
• By promoting partnerships, it ensures that the specific needs and challenges of each state are addressed.
• Team India serves as a platform for sharing best practices and successful initiatives among states, enhancing overall governance.
• It also focuses on aligning state policies with national objectives, thereby fostering a more unified approach to development.

Antodaya is a concept rooted in the principles of NITI Aayog that focuses on improving the lives of the most disadvantaged individuals in society. Its primary aim is to promote the service and uplift of the poor. The key aspects of Antodaya include:

• Inclusive Growth: Ensuring that economic development benefits everyone, particularly those who are marginalised.
• Empowerment: Fostering self-reliance through education and skill development, enabling individuals to improve their own circumstances.
• Social Welfare: Implementing schemes that provide essential services such as healthcare, education, and financial assistance to the underprivileged.
• Participatory Governance: Encouraging community involvement in decision-making processes to address local needs effectively.

By prioritising these elements, Antodaya aims to create a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to improve their quality of life.

NITI Aayog's governance principles are built on key concepts that promote effective and inclusive governance in India. These principles include:

• Sustainable Development: This principle focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental protection.
• Cooperative Federalism: This approach encourages collaboration between central and state governments. It aims to ensure that all levels of government work together to achieve common goals and share responsibilities effectively.
• Competitive Federalism: This principle promotes healthy competition among states to improve governance and service delivery. By encouraging states to innovate and adopt best practices, it aims to enhance overall development.

These principles are vital for fostering an environment where all citizens can benefit from equitable growth and development.

The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) faces significant challenges, primarily due to a lack of coordination among various stakeholders. This issue affects the overall effectiveness of the programme.

• Coordination Issues: Different government departments and local bodies often work in silos, leading to duplicated efforts and inefficiencies.
• Financial Autonomy: Many districts struggle with financial independence, limiting their ability to implement initiatives effectively.
• Implementation Challenges: There are often barriers in translating plans into action, which hampers progress in targeted areas.
• Decentralisation Needs: Effective decentralisation is necessary to empower local authorities and improve decision-making processes.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for the success of the ADP, as it aims to uplift underdeveloped districts through coordinated efforts and effective governance.

NITI Aayog's Strategy for New India @ 75 outlines a comprehensive approach to drive the nation towards sustainable development by 2022-23 and beyond. The strategy focuses on several key areas:

• Objectives for 2022-23: The strategy sets clear goals aimed at enhancing economic growth, improving social welfare, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
• Achievements to Date: It highlights significant progress made in various sectors, including health, education, and infrastructure, showcasing India's advancements and commitment to development.
• Delta Ranking: The initiative includes a ranking system to measure progress in various states, encouraging healthy competition and accountability among them.
• Financial Autonomy: It aims to empower states by providing greater financial independence, enabling them to implement policies that cater to local needs more effectively.

These components work together to create a roadmap for growth and development, ensuring that India is well-prepared for the challenges of the future.

The Governing Council of NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in addressing various aspects of governance and development in India. Its primary functions include:

• Addressing regional issues: The council focuses on specific challenges faced by different regions, ensuring that policies are tailored to local needs.
• Appointing key officials: It is responsible for the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer, who leads the organisation in its mission.
• Providing financial oversight: The council also plays a role in recommending financial support for developmental projects and initiatives.
• Advising on policy: It offers guidance on various national issues, although it does not primarily focus on national security matters.

In summary, the Governing Council serves as a vital body that ensures effective governance and development strategies are implemented across the country, with a strong emphasis on regional needs.

NITI Aayog plays a significant role in promoting Competitive Federalism through various initiatives aimed at improving governance and development across states. Key contributions include:

• Development Monitoring: NITI Aayog assesses the performance of states in implementing development programmes, ensuring accountability and transparency.

• Composite Health Index: This index evaluates the health performance of states, facilitating better health policies and resource allocation.

• Healthy States, Progressive India Reports: These reports provide insights into health metrics, helping states identify strengths and areas for improvement.

• Aspirational Districts Programme: This programme focuses on improving the socio-economic status of districts lagging in development, fostering competition among states.

Financial autonomy is essential for improving NITI Aayog's functioning. This approach can lead to enhanced effectiveness and accountability. Here are some suggestions:

• Decentralisation of Funds: Granting NITI Aayog the power to manage its own finances can lead to better resource allocation.
• Long-term Financial Planning: Establishing a stable financial framework will enable more effective strategic initiatives.
• Enhanced Decision-making: With financial autonomy, NITI Aayog can make quicker and more informed decisions without bureaucratic delays.
• Increased Stakeholder Engagement: Better funding can facilitate collaboration with various stakeholders, including state governments and private sectors.

By implementing these measures, NITI Aayog can enhance its capability to drive developmental goals effectively.

The Regional Council of NITI Aayog is chaired by the Prime Minister of India or their nominee. This council plays a crucial role in promoting cooperative federalism and ensuring effective implementation of developmental initiatives.

• Prime Minister's Role: The Prime Minister serves as the key leader, guiding the council's vision and strategy.
• Nominee's Function: If the Prime Minister is unavailable, a designated nominee will take on this responsibility.
• Council Composition: The council includes Chief Ministers from various states, contributing to discussions on regional development.
• Focus on Collaboration: The council aims to foster collaboration between the central and state governments, addressing regional needs effectively.