The Planning Commission / NITI Aayog

1. Consider the following statements regarding the NITI Aayog : The Sta

Consider the following statements regarding the NITI Aayog :

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  • The State Governments and the local bodies must be made equal partners in the development process through the following changes :
  • 1. Understanding and supporting their developmental needs and aspirations.
  • 2. Incorporating varied local realities into national policies and programmes with the required flexibility.

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC SO-Steno – 2018
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Both statements 1 and 2 are correct regarding the NITI Aayog’s objective of making State Governments and local bodies equal partners.
NITI Aayog was established with the aim of fostering cooperative federalism and enabling greater participation of states in the policy-making process. Statement 1 directly reflects this goal by emphasizing understanding and supporting states’ specific needs and aspirations. Statement 2 reflects the shift from a centralized planning approach to one that incorporates local realities and allows flexibility in implementing national programs, another core principle of NITI Aayog’s design.
NITI Aayog serves as a think tank that provides policy advice and encourages states’ active involvement in development strategies, moving away from the top-down approach of the former Planning Commission.

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2. In which year was a Cabinet resolution passed to replace the Planning

In which year was a Cabinet resolution passed to replace the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog?

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2014
2015
2016
2018
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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
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The Cabinet resolution to replace the Planning Commission with the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog was passed on January 1, 2015.
The Planning Commission was a non-constitutional and non-statutory body established in March 1950 through a Cabinet resolution. NITI Aayog, its successor, was also established by a Cabinet resolution.
The proposal to replace the Planning Commission was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day, August 15, 2014. The formal resolution establishing NITI Aayog came into effect on January 1, 2015.

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3. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the

The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the

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Human Rights Commission
Finance Commission
Law Commission
Planning Commission
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established by a resolution of the Union Cabinet on January 1, 2015. Its creation replaced the Planning Commission, which was established in 1950 through an executive resolution.
– NITI Aayog is a policy think tank of the Government of India.
– It replaced the Planning Commission, which was the central body for formulating India’s Five-Year Plans.
– The shift from Planning Commission to NITI Aayog reflects a move from a centralized planning model to a more decentralized, collaborative, and consultative approach involving states.
The Prime Minister of India is the chairperson of NITI Aayog. It consists of a Governing Council comprising the Chief Ministers of all States and Lt. Governors of Union Territories, and a number of full-time members and part-time members, besides ex-officio members. Its mandate includes fostering cooperative federalism, designing strategic and long-term policy frameworks, and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of programmes.

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4. Who among the following constitute the National Development Council?

Who among the following constitute the National Development Council?

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  • 1. The Prime Minister
  • 2. The Chairman, Finance Commission
  • 3. Ministers of the Union Cabinet
  • 4. Chief Ministers of the States

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1, 2 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4 only
2 and 4 only
1, 2, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
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The National Development Council (NDC) was chaired by the Prime Minister and included Union Cabinet Ministers and Chief Ministers of all States. The Chairman of the Finance Commission was not a member of the NDC. Thus, statements 1, 3, and 4 constitute the NDC.
The NDC was an advisory body to the Planning Commission, established in 1952. Its main functions included reviewing the working of the National Plan, considering important questions of social and economic policy affecting national development, and recommending measures for the achievement of the objectives of the Plan. It was considered the highest body below Parliament for considering and approving the Five Year Plans.
With the dissolution of the Planning Commission in 2014 and the creation of NITI Aayog, the National Development Council’s role and structure are under review or effectively redundant, although it has not been formally abolished.

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5. Consider the following statements: National Development Council is a

Consider the following statements:

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  • National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
  • The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
  • The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
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The correct answer is B) 2 and 3 only. Statement 1 is incorrect, while statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Development Council (NDC) was an apex body that guided the Planning Commission and approved its final plans. It was established by an executive resolution in 1952 and comprised the Prime Minister (Chairman), Chief Ministers of all states, Union Cabinet Ministers, and members of the Planning Commission. It was not an organ *of* the Planning Commission but rather a body overseeing it. (Note: Both Planning Commission and NDC have been replaced by NITI Aayog since 2015). Statement 2 is correct. “Economic and Social Planning” is listed as Entry 20 in List III (Concurrent List) of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, meaning both the Union and State governments can legislate on this subject. Statement 3 is correct. Article 243G of the Constitution (introduced by the 73rd Amendment) mandates that state legislatures may endow Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government, including the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice. Schedule Eleven lists subjects for which Panchayats are responsible for planning and implementation.
The inclusion of Economic and Social Planning in the Concurrent List reflects India’s approach to planned development involving both central and state participation. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) constitutionalized local self-government bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities) and assigned them specific responsibilities, including planning for development at the local level.

6. Who among the following is not associated to the Governing Council of

Who among the following is not associated to the Governing Council of NITI Aayog?

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The Prime Minister
The President
The Chief Ministers of States
The Chief Ministers of Union Territories
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UPSC CAPF – 2018
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The President of India is not associated with the Governing Council of NITI Aayog. The Governing Council includes the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all States, Chief Ministers of Union Territories with Legislatures, and Lt. Governors of other Union Territories.
The Governing Council serves as the apex body of NITI Aayog, responsible for formulating policies and strategies for national development. It provides a platform for structured interaction between the Centre and States.
The Prime Minister is the Chairperson of NITI Aayog and the Governing Council. Other members include Union Ministers as ex-officio members, special invitees, Vice Chairperson, and full-time members.

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7. Consider the following statements: 1. The Government of India has es

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog as a replacement for the Planning Commission.
  • 2. NITI Aayog operates as a think tank, providing policy guidance.
  • 3. The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson of NITI Aayog.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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Only one
Only two
All three
None
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
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All three statements about NITI Aayog are correct.
– Statement 1 is correct: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established on January 1, 2015, by a resolution of the Union Cabinet, replacing the erstwhile Planning Commission.
– Statement 2 is correct: NITI Aayog functions primarily as a policy ‘think tank’ of the Government of India, providing strategic and technical advice on economic policy matters.
– Statement 3 is correct: The Prime Minister of India is the ex-officio Chairperson of NITI Aayog.
NITI Aayog aims to foster cooperative federalism by involving State Governments of India in the economic policy-making process. It has two Hubs: Team India Hub (interface between States and Centre) and Knowledge and Innovation Hub (builds the institution’s think-tank capabilities).

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8. Consider the following statements: 1. The National Development Coun

Consider the following statements:

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  • 1. The National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
  • 2. The Prime Minister of India is the Chairman of the National Development Council.
  • 3. The National Development Council is a statutory body.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
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Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
– Statement 1: The National Development Council (NDC) was a body closely associated with the Planning Commission. While not formally an ‘organ of’ the Planning Commission in the sense of being a subordinate part, the NDC was the highest decision-making body for approving Five Year Plans formulated by the Planning Commission. Members of the Planning Commission were also members of the NDC. Given the options, this statement is likely intended to be interpreted as reflecting the close functional relationship and oversight role of the NDC over the planning process led by the Planning Commission.
– Statement 2: The Prime Minister of India was the ex-officio Chairman of the National Development Council. This is a factual detail about the composition and leadership of the NDC.
– Statement 3: The National Development Council was neither a constitutional body (established by the Constitution) nor a statutory body (established by an Act of Parliament). It was established in 1952 by an Executive Resolution of the Union Cabinet. Therefore, it was an extra-constitutional, non-statutory body. This statement is incorrect.
– The National Development Council was dissolved along with the Planning Commission when NITI Aayog was established in 2015. Its role and composition were significant during the era of Five Year Plans.
– The NDC comprised the Prime Minister, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all States, Chief Ministers/Administrators of Union Territories, and members of the Planning Commission.
– Its main functions were to prescribe guidelines for plan formulation, consider the national plan, and make recommendations for achieving plan targets.

9. Which one among the following functions is NOT assigned to the Nationa

Which one among the following functions is NOT assigned to the National Development Council?

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To engage in social and economic policies
To review the working of the national plan from time to time
To prescribe guidelines for the formulation of the state plans
To consider the national plans as formulated by the Planning Commission
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UPSC Geoscientist – 2021
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The National Development Council (NDC), when operational, was primarily responsible for approving the Five Year Plans formulated by the Planning Commission, reviewing their progress, and considering broad matters affecting national socio-economic policy. Prescribing detailed guidelines for the formulation of state plans was a function performed by the Planning Commission itself, not the NDC. The NDC would consider the plans based on guidelines already provided by the Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) was responsible for formulating guidelines for plans, while the NDC reviewed and approved the plans.
The NDC served as a link between the Union government, the Planning Commission, and the state governments for planning purposes. Its main role was to secure cooperation of states in plan implementation and provide a national perspective. The NDC comprised the Prime Minister (Chairman), Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all states, and Members of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog Governing Council serves a similar purpose with state CMs).

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10. Which one of the following is / are the function(s) of NITI Aayog? D

Which one of the following is / are the function(s) of NITI Aayog?

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  • Design policy & programme framework
  • Foster cooperative federalism
  • Think tank and knowledge & innovation hub

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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1 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
1 and 3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2021
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NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015 with a changed mandate. Its core functions include:
1. Designing strategic and long-term policy and programme frameworks.
2. Fostering cooperative federalism by involving states in national policy-making.
3. Functioning as a think tank and knowledge and innovation hub, providing policy advice and promoting research and innovation.
All three statements accurately describe the functions of NITI Aayog.
NITI Aayog acts as a policy think tank, promotes cooperative federalism, and designs strategic frameworks.
Unlike the Planning Commission which had powers to allocate funds, NITI Aayog is primarily an advisory body. Its structure includes a Governing Council comprising state Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors, emphasizing its role in fostering cooperative federalism.

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