Answer:

Introduction

After India’s independence in 1947, the Planning Commission was established to tackle post- independence challenges related to economic development, poverty alleviation, and equitable growth. However, the changing needs of India’s economic progress necessitated a more adaptive institution to address contemporary challenges, leading to the creation of NITI Aayog in 2015, focusing on inclusive growth and sustainable development in a dynamic manner.

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Effectiveness of the Planning Commission in the Achievement of:

• Inclusive Growth:
  • Poverty Alleviation Programs: The Planning Commission played a crucial role in designing and implementing poverty alleviation programs targeting marginalized and vulnerable sections of society, such as MGNREGA, which ensures 100 days of wage employment annually for rural households, resulting in reduced poverty and unemployment.
  • Regional Development: The Planning Commission prioritized reducing regional disparities by introducing the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) during the 10th Five-Year Plan, providing financial assistance for infrastructure development and reducing regional imbalances.
  • Sector-Specific Initiatives: The Planning Commission promoted inclusive growth through sector-specific initiatives, like the NRHM launched during the 11th Five- Year Plan, to improve rural healthcare and bridge healthcare disparities between urban and rural populations.
• Sustainable Development:
  • Water Management: During the 10th Five-Year Plan, the Planning commission took significant strides by launching the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP) [1996-97] to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and maximize water usage efficiency.
  • Forest Conservation: The Planning Commission’s proactive approach to environmental sustainability was evident in its recognition of the significance of forest preservation exemplified by schemes like the National Afforestation Program (NAP) [2002] to increase forest cover and combat deforestation.
  • Environmental Considerations: The Planning Commission incorporated environmental concerns into its policies. For example, NAPCC, launched in 2008, outlined specific strategies to address climate change challenges and promote sustainable development in various sectors.

Limitations of the Planning Commission: 

• Emphasis on Economic Growth: The Planning Commission’s emphasis on large-scale infrastructure projects, like dams and highways, raised concerns about negative environmental and social impacts, displacing communities and damaging the environment. Example- Protests against The Silent Valley hydroelectric project in 1973.
• Transparency and Accountability: The Planning Commission’s lack of transparency and accountability hindered progress tracking and responsible governance. For instance, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) faced criticism for its inadequate progress tracking system, hampering government accountability.
• Coordination Issues and Inefficiency: The Planning Commission’s lack of coordination with other government agencies resulted in inefficient implementation of plans and programs, as seen in the criticism of the NREGA for high administrative costs and inadequate alignment. Example- Due to a lack of suitable works being sanctioned, 39% of the surveyed families did not receive a single day of work in the Covid-19 year.
• Top-down approach: The Planning Commission’s top-down approach often neglected the needs of local communities. As exemplified by the Green Revolution, it significantly boosted agricultural productivity, disproportionately benefiting non-marginalized farmers.
• Dependency on Central Funds: sometimes limited state governments’ ability to address specific needs. For instance, in the 1990s, Karnataka aimed to improve rural education but faced financial constraints. Central funds with non-aligned guidelines led to less effective project implementation.

Potential of NITI Aayog to Carry Forward the Journey:

• Cooperative Federalism: NITI Aayog’s approach fosters collaboration with states, aligning policies with local needs. For example, the Aspirational Districts Programme tailors interventions based on local requirements.
• Competitive Federalism: NITI Aayog promotes competitive governance, as demonstrated by initiatives like the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI).
• Bottom-Up Approach: NITI Aayog empowers local communities through initiatives like the “Atal Innovation Mission,” encouraging grassroots innovation.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: NITI Aayog’s adaptive planning responds effectively to evolving circumstances, seen during COVID-19 crisis management.
• Innovation and Technology: NITI Aayog leverages technology for sustainable development, exemplified by the “National Strategy for AI.”
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): NITI Aayog aligns planning with SDGs, measured by initiatives like the “SDG India Index.”
• Private Sector Engagement: NITI Aayog collaborates with the private sector to promote entrepreneurship and job creation through the “Atal Innovation Mission.”
• Data-Driven Decision Making: NITI Aayog ensures evidence-based policies, using the “Health Index” to address regional disparities.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: NITI Aayog’s robust mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation, like the “Outcome Budget,” enhance transparency and accountability in resource utilization and governance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NITI Aayog’s vision for a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future resonates with the Planning Commission’s objectives. By building upon the Planning Commission’s legacy, NITI Aayog will continue driving transformative change, benefiting generations to come and paving the way for an inclusive, sustainable, and progressive nation.

Extra Edge:

Steps to Harness the Full Potential of NITI Aayog:

• Innovation Labs and Policy Hackathons: NITI Aayog can set up innovation labs and conduct policy hackathons to engage with entrepreneurs, startups, and experts. These events can generate out-of-the-box ideas and solutions for complex challenges. For instance, NITI Aayog’s “Champions of Change” initiative brought together young CEOs and entrepreneurs to share their ideas with policymakers.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: NITI Aayog can invest in cutting-edge data analytics and artificial intelligence to analyze vast datasets and derive insights for informed policy decisions. The use of big data in traffic management and urban planning by various smart cities can be taken as an inspiration.
• State-to-State Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate peer learning and best practices sharing among states through workshops, conferences, and study tours. For instance, NITI Aayog’s “Transforming Aspirational Districts” program encourages underdeveloped districts to learn from high-performing ones.
• Sandbox Approach for Pilots: Implement a sandbox approach to test and refine innovative ideas on a small scale before nationwide deployment. NITI Aayog’s “National Digital Health Mission” uses this approach to pilot digital health records and services in select states.
• Incubation Centers for Startups: Establish incubation centers in collaboration with leading academic institutions to nurture startups and scale innovations. NITI Aayog’s “Atal Innovation Mission” supports tinkering labs in schools and Atal Incubation Centers for startups.
• Sustainable Livelihood Models: Encourage the development of sustainable livelihood models that integrate traditional skills with modern technologies. For example, the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices and value addition to farm produce.
• Community Participation in Decision Making: Foster community engagement in policy formulation to ensure bottom-up approaches. Best practices from participatory budgeting in cities like Porto Alegre, Brazil, can be adapted. 
• Green and Circular Economy: Promote industries that follow circular economy principles, reducing waste and enhancing resource efficiency. India’s efforts to adopt electric vehicles and recycle electronic waste are examples. 
• Citizen Feedback Mechanisms: Utilize technology to gather real-time feedback from citizens on the effectiveness of government schemes and programs. Mobile apps and online portals can facilitate this process. 
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Innovation: Encourage PPPs specifically aimed at fostering innovation in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and clean energy. PPPs in healthcare innovation, like the Haryana Innovation Mission, can be replicated. 
• Skill Development for Future Jobs: Identify emerging job sectors and focus on upskilling the workforce to meet the demands of the future job market. Skill India Mission’s collaboration with industry to create relevant training programs is a notable example. 
• Geo-Spatial Technology for Urban Planning: Use geospatial technology for urban planning, infrastructure development, and disaster management. Best practices from countries like Singapore and Japan can provide valuable insights.