Government of India has reconstituted the NITI Aayog, appointing Ashok Kumar Lahiri as the Vice-Chairperson, succeeding Suman K. Bery. The restructuring also includes the induction of five new full-time members, with three having strong expertise in health, biotechnology, and deep technology sectors, marking a significant shift from the earlier economist-dominated composition.
This reconstitution reflects a strategic pivot towards science, technology, and health-driven policymaking, aligning with India’s evolving development priorities.
Policy Shift and Rationale
The overhaul signals a move towards innovation-led governance:
- Emphasis on science, biotechnology, and deep-tech sectors
- Focus on research and development (R&D) ecosystem strengthening
- Promotion of flexible, innovation-driven regulatory frameworks instead of rigid academic structures
This aligns with NITI Aayog’s recent push to improve the “Ease of Doing Research and Development in India”, highlighting the need for adaptive policy ecosystems to support emerging technologies and innovation.
About NITI Aayog
The NITI Aayog was established in 2015 by a Union Cabinet resolution, replacing the Planning Commission.
It functions as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India, focusing on economic development and cooperative federalism through a bottom-up approach involving states.
Legal Status
- Advisory body (non-binding recommendations)
- Extra-constitutional and non-statutory
- Functions purely as a policy think tank
Core Philosophy
- Cooperative Federalism: States are treated as equal partners in policymaking rather than subordinate entities.
- Competitive Federalism: Encourages healthy competition among states in sectors such as health, education, and water management to improve governance outcomes.
Composition and Structure
- Chairperson: Prime Minister of India
- Vice-Chairperson: Appointed by the Prime Minister (Cabinet rank)
- Governing Council: Chief Ministers of all States and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Appointed by PM and Holds rank of Secretary to Government of India
- Full-Time Members: Experts from fields like economics, science, health, and agriculture
- Regional Councils: Formed for specific regional issues and Chaired by PM or nominee
- Ex-Officio Members: Up to 4 Union Ministers nominated by PM
Key Functions
- Strategic Policy Formulation: Designing long-term development strategies and programmes
- Knowledge & Innovation Hub: Acting as a repository of best practices, research, and governance models
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Tracking implementation of government schemes and outcomes
Initiatives and Indices
- Aspirational Districts Programme: Focused on rapid transformation of 112 underdeveloped districts
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) Promotes innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem
- Key Indices Released:
- SDG India Index
- Fiscal Health Index
- State Health Index
- Composite Water Management Index
- Export Preparedness Index