As NITI Aayog completes its years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)

NITI Aayog is often referred to as a bluemark of Indian economy. It came into being through abolishing the Planning Commission in 2015. In 2025, it completed 10 years of its establishment. ROLE PLAYED BY NITI AAYOG: 1) Think - Thank → Main role is to act as policy think tank for government of India. 2) Promotes Competitive Federalism → 'Healthy competition between states' eg SDG Index, School Education Report, Digital Inclusion Index.

CERTAIN SHORTCOMINGS: Despite being a gamechanger for India's policy and economy, it suffers from some limitations too: 1) Reduced state Participation → Allegations by some states that Planning Commission was more inclusive. 2) Non-binding recommendations → renders it 'Toothless' very few recommendations accepted by Government. 3) Top to down approach of planning → Yet NITI Aayog plays a crucial role in promoting 'Healthy states, Prosperous India'. → 'Team India is nothing without states' — PM Modi at NITI Aayog launch.

— Rasneet Kaur · AIR 51