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Q42 (IAS/2015) Polity & Governance › Governance, Policies & Social Justice › Planning and coordination bodies Official Key

The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

On January 1, 2015, a Cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the newly formed NITI Aayog.[3] The Modi Government scrapped the 65-year-old Planning Commission on August 13, 2014, and formally established the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) on January 1, 2015, as its successor.[4] NITI Aayog acts as a platform for cooperative federalism and serves as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, providing directional and policy inputs.[5] Like the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog was created by an executive resolution and is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body.[4]

The other options are incorrect as the Human Rights Commission, Finance Commission, and Law Commission continue to exist as separate constitutional or statutory bodies serving different purposes.

Sources
  1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NITI_Aayog
  2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NITI_Aayog
  3. [3] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 779
  4. [4] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
  5. [5] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.1 NITI Aayog > p. 227
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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the [A] Human Rights Commission [B] Finance Commission [C] Law Commissio…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 2.5/10 · 7.5/10

This is the definition of a 'Sitter'. In 2015, this was the single biggest governance headline in India. If a major era-defining institution (like the Planning Commission or Railway Budget) is scrapped, it becomes the most predictable question of the year. No deep analysis needed, just headline awareness.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Human Rights Commission?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"On 01-January-2015, a Cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the newly formed NITI Aayog"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states NITI Aayog was created on 01-January-2015.
  • Says NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission, not any human rights body.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"The National Human Rights Commission was set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993."
Why this source?
  • States the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
  • Shows NHRC is a separate body established long before 2015, so NITI Aayog did not replace it.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
Strength: 5/5
“t ESTABLISHMENT On the 13th of August, 2014, the Modi Government scrapped the 65-year-old Planning Commission and announced that it would he replaced by a new body. Accordingly, on January 1, 2015, the NfTI Aayog (National Institution for Development Promotion in India) was established as the successor to the planning commission. However, it must be noted here that the NITI Aayog, like that of the Planning Commission, was also created by an executive resolution of the Government of India (Le., Union Cabinet). Hence, it is also neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body. In other words, it is a non-constitutional or extra-constitutional body (Le., not created by the Constitution) and a non-statutory body (not created by an Act of the Parliament).”
Why relevant

Explicitly states NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015 as the successor to the Planning Commission.

How to extend

A student can use this pattern (successor = Planning Commission) to infer that replacing the Human Rights Commission is unlikely and check which body was actually succeeded.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 6: Economic Planning in India > NITI AAYOG > p. 143
Strength: 5/5
“• National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog was set up on 1 January 2015, replacing the 65-year-old Planning Commission. NITI Aayog seeks to provide a critical, directional and strategic input into the developmental process of the country.• Like the Planning Commission, it is a non-constitutional and non-statutory body. \bullet• It is a policy think tank established to provide strategic and technical advice to the Central Government.”
Why relevant

Again records NITI Aayog (set up 1 January 2015) as replacing the 65-year-old Planning Commission and describes its role as a policy think-tank.

How to extend

Knowing NITI Aayog’s described role (policy/strategic advice) lets a student compare that with the mandate of the Human Rights Commission to judge whether NITI Aayog could plausibly replace it.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 779
Strength: 4/5
“the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog. The Independent Evaluation Office submitted an assessment report to Prime Minister Modi on May 29, 2014, recommending that the Planning Commission be replaced with a 'control commission'. The union cabinet scrapped the Planning Commission in August 2014. On January 1, 2015, after a cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the NITI Aayog, the formation of the NITI Aayog was announced by the Government of India. This body, too, like the Planning Commission was established by executive order. The NITI Aayog was conceived as a policy think tank of the Government of India.”
Why relevant

Notes the cabinet scrapped the Planning Commission in 2014 and formed NITI Aayog in Jan 2015 as its replacement.

How to extend

A student can combine the timeline (Planning Commission scrapped → NITI Aayog formed) with knowledge of the Human Rights Commission’s separate statutory/constitutional status to question the replacement claim.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2015 TEST PAPER > p. 749
Strength: 3/5
“The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the • (a) Human Rights Commission • (b) Finance Commission • (e) Law Commission • (d) Planning Commission 6. Consider the following statements: • ]. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister_\n• 2 Which of the st.1.tements given above is/are correct?”
Why relevant

Contains a multiple-choice style line listing 'replace the Human Rights Commission' among options and contrasts it with 'Planning Commission', indicating exam-style distractors.

How to extend

This suggests the Human Rights Commission option is a distractor; a student could use exam logic plus the other sources to eliminate the Human Rights Commission option.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 26: ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNION AND THE STATES > ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONS, BETWEEN THE UNION AND THE STATES > p. 398
Strength: 4/5
“[CHAP, 26] time, envisage the creation of a body like the Planning Commission which has subsequently been set up by executive order On 1 January 2015, the cabinet of Narendra Modi Government passed a resolution to replace Planning Commission by NITI Aayog<sup>12</sup> (National NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). Institution for Transforming India) which works as a policy think-tank of Government of India and aims to involve the states in economic policy-making in India. It will be providing strategic and technical advice to the Central and the State Governments, ie, by adopting bottom-up. approach rather than traditional top-down approach as in planning commission.”
Why relevant

States the cabinet passed a resolution to replace the Planning Commission by NITI Aayog and describes NITI Aayog as a policy think-tank involving states in economic policymaking.

How to extend

A student can extend this by comparing institutional functions (economic planning vs human rights) to assess whether replacement of a human rights body is consistent with the described purpose.

Statement 2
Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Finance Commission?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"On 01-January-2015, a Cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the newly formed NITI Aayog"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the date in 2015 when a Cabinet resolution replaced the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog.
  • Shows NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission, not the Finance Commission.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"think tank called the NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission."
Why this source?
  • Refers to NITI Aayog as a think tank created to replace the Planning Commission.
  • Context links this change to reforms in 2015 regarding Centre–state interactions.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 779
Strength: 5/5
“the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog. The Independent Evaluation Office submitted an assessment report to Prime Minister Modi on May 29, 2014, recommending that the Planning Commission be replaced with a 'control commission'. The union cabinet scrapped the Planning Commission in August 2014. On January 1, 2015, after a cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the NITI Aayog, the formation of the NITI Aayog was announced by the Government of India. This body, too, like the Planning Commission was established by executive order. The NITI Aayog was conceived as a policy think tank of the Government of India.”
Why relevant

States that a cabinet resolution on 1 Jan 2015 announced formation of NITI Aayog specifically to replace the Planning Commission.

How to extend

A student could contrast this explicit replacement of the Planning Commission with the Finance Commission's known remit to see whether Finance Commission functions were mentioned or transferred.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
Strength: 5/5
“t ESTABLISHMENT On the 13th of August, 2014, the Modi Government scrapped the 65-year-old Planning Commission and announced that it would he replaced by a new body. Accordingly, on January 1, 2015, the NfTI Aayog (National Institution for Development Promotion in India) was established as the successor to the planning commission. However, it must be noted here that the NITI Aayog, like that of the Planning Commission, was also created by an executive resolution of the Government of India (Le., Union Cabinet). Hence, it is also neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body. In other words, it is a non-constitutional or extra-constitutional body (Le., not created by the Constitution) and a non-statutory body (not created by an Act of the Parliament).”
Why relevant

Explicitly calls NITI Aayog the successor to the Planning Commission and notes its creation by executive resolution (non‑constitutional/statutory).

How to extend

Use this to check institutional lineage: successor to Planning Commission suggests NITI Aayog replaced Planning Commission, not a constitutionally established Finance Commission.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > Difference between NITI Aayog and Planning Commission > p. 228
Strength: 4/5
“• Planning Commission was an advisory body, and so is NITI Aayog. Main difference between Planning commission and NITI Aayog is that while the former had powers to allocate funds to ministries and states, this function is now of finance ministry.• The role of states in the planning commission era was restricted. The states yearly needed to interact with the planning commission to get their annual plan approved. They had some limited function in the National Development Council.• Since NITI Aayog has all chief ministers of states and administrators of UT in its Governing Council, it is obvious that states are expected to have greater role and say in planning/ implementation of policies.• NITI Aayog has adopted a bottom-up approach in planning which is a noteworthy contrast to the Planning Commission's tradition of top-down decision-making.”
Why relevant

Contrasts functions of Planning Commission and NITI Aayog, noting allocation of funds was a Planning Commission function now with the finance ministry — implying distinct roles from the Finance Commission.

How to extend

A student could use this functional contrast to separate the Planning Commission's role from the Finance Commission's constitutional role (tax share recommendations) and test which body NITI Aayog replaced.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > B_ Privileges of Legislat ures. > p. 480
Strength: 4/5
“The Planning Commission has now been replaced by a new institution called NITI Aayog. A Cabinet resolution was passed and the Union Government of India announced the formation of NITI Aayog on 1 January 2015. No less momentous is the increasing dependence of the states upon the Union in the matter of finance. Not only is the financial strength of a state dependent upon the share of the taxes and grants-in-aid as may be allotted to it by the union upon the recommendations of the Finance Commission, there is a general sense of irresponsibility in financial matters in the states founded upon the assumption that the Union will ultimately come to its aid or, else, the National Plan will fail.”
Why relevant

Mentions replacement of the Planning Commission by NITI Aayog and separately describes the Finance Commission's role in recommending tax shares and grants to states.

How to extend

Combine the explicit replacement note with the Finance Commission description to infer that Finance Commission functions remain distinct and are not what NITI Aayog was created to replace.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2015 TEST PAPER > p. 749
Strength: 3/5
“The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the • (a) Human Rights Commission • (b) Finance Commission • (e) Law Commission • (d) Planning Commission 6. Consider the following statements: • ]. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister_\n• 2 Which of the st.1.tements given above is/are correct?”
Why relevant

Contains a multiple‑choice item listing bodies and implies the correct answer involves replacing one of them (context indicates Planning Commission is the replacement target).

How to extend

A student could use this question format to check official exam/teaching emphasis that NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission rather than bodies like the Finance Commission.

Statement 3
Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Law Commission?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 4/5
"think tank called the NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states NITI Aayog was created to replace the Planning Commission, not the Law Commission.
  • Implies the institutional successor role is Planning Commission → NITI Aayog, directly contradicting the claim that it replaced the Law Commission.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"On 01-January-2015, a Cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the newly formed NITI Aayog"
Why this source?
  • Gives a date for the change and explicitly states the Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog on 01-January-2015.
  • Confirms the replacement target was the Planning Commission, not the Law Commission, thereby refuting the statement.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
Strength: 5/5
“t ESTABLISHMENT On the 13th of August, 2014, the Modi Government scrapped the 65-year-old Planning Commission and announced that it would he replaced by a new body. Accordingly, on January 1, 2015, the NfTI Aayog (National Institution for Development Promotion in India) was established as the successor to the planning commission. However, it must be noted here that the NITI Aayog, like that of the Planning Commission, was also created by an executive resolution of the Government of India (Le., Union Cabinet). Hence, it is also neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body. In other words, it is a non-constitutional or extra-constitutional body (Le., not created by the Constitution) and a non-statutory body (not created by an Act of the Parliament).”
Why relevant

Explicitly states NITI Aayog (established 1 Jan 2015) was created as the successor to the Planning Commission.

How to extend

Compare this stated successor relationship (Planning Commission → NITI Aayog) with a list of bodies replaced in 2015 to see if the Law Commission appears there (it does not in this snippet).

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 779
Strength: 4/5
“the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog. The Independent Evaluation Office submitted an assessment report to Prime Minister Modi on May 29, 2014, recommending that the Planning Commission be replaced with a 'control commission'. The union cabinet scrapped the Planning Commission in August 2014. On January 1, 2015, after a cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the NITI Aayog, the formation of the NITI Aayog was announced by the Government of India. This body, too, like the Planning Commission was established by executive order. The NITI Aayog was conceived as a policy think tank of the Government of India.”
Why relevant

Describes cabinet resolution in Jan 2015 replacing the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog and frames NITI as a policy think-tank.

How to extend

Use the rule ‘cabinet replaced Planning Commission with NITI’ to eliminate other candidate bodies (e.g., Law Commission) when testing the statement.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.1 NITI Aayog > p. 227
Strength: 5/5
“Government of India, in keeping with its reform agenda, constituted the NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission. This was done in order to better serve the needs and aspirations of the people of India. An important evolutionary change from the past, NITI Aayog acts as the quintessential platform for the Government of India to bring states to act together in national interest, and thereby fosters cooperative federalism. National Institution for Transforming India, also known as NITI Aayog, was formed via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on 1 January 2015. NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, providing directional and policy inputs.”
Why relevant

Says Government constituted NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission and gives the formation date (1 Jan 2015).

How to extend

A student can contrast this recurring assertion (replacement of Planning Commission) with any claim that NITI replaced the Law Commission and treat the latter as inconsistent unless other evidence appears.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2015 TEST PAPER > p. 749
Strength: 4/5
“The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the • (a) Human Rights Commission • (b) Finance Commission • (e) Law Commission • (d) Planning Commission 6. Consider the following statements: • ]. The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister_\n• 2 Which of the st.1.tements given above is/are correct?”
Why relevant

Contains a multiple-choice style prompt listing possible bodies NITI Aayog replaced, where Planning Commission appears as the correct option and Law Commission is listed as another (incorrect) option.

How to extend

Use this example-style question to infer common authoritative teaching/assessment practice that NITI replaced the Planning Commission, not the Law Commission; check standard exam keys or textbooks for confirmation.

Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Politics of Planned Development > Fast Forward Niti Aayog > p. 48
Strength: 5/5
“The Government of India replaced the Planning Commission with a new institution named NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). This came into existence on 1 January 2015. Find out about its objectives and composition from the website, http://niti.gov.in”
Why relevant

NCERT textbook states the Government replaced the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog on 1 January 2015.

How to extend

Treat an official school textbook's statement as a strong conventional source to rule out the claim that NITI replaced the Law Commission, unless contrary primary-source evidence is found.

Statement 4
Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Planning Commission?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 779
Presence: 5/5
“the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog. The Independent Evaluation Office submitted an assessment report to Prime Minister Modi on May 29, 2014, recommending that the Planning Commission be replaced with a 'control commission'. The union cabinet scrapped the Planning Commission in August 2014. On January 1, 2015, after a cabinet resolution was passed to replace the Planning Commission with the NITI Aayog, the formation of the NITI Aayog was announced by the Government of India. This body, too, like the Planning Commission was established by executive order. The NITI Aayog was conceived as a policy think tank of the Government of India.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the Union Cabinet passed a resolution and the Government of India announced formation of NITI Aayog on 1 January 2015.
  • Directly links the scrapping of the Planning Commission (Aug 2014) to replacement by NITI Aayog established in 2015.
  • Notes NITI Aayog was created by executive order — supporting ‘established by the Government’ phrasing.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
Presence: 5/5
“t ESTABLISHMENT On the 13th of August, 2014, the Modi Government scrapped the 65-year-old Planning Commission and announced that it would he replaced by a new body. Accordingly, on January 1, 2015, the NfTI Aayog (National Institution for Development Promotion in India) was established as the successor to the planning commission. However, it must be noted here that the NITI Aayog, like that of the Planning Commission, was also created by an executive resolution of the Government of India (Le., Union Cabinet). Hence, it is also neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body. In other words, it is a non-constitutional or extra-constitutional body (Le., not created by the Constitution) and a non-statutory body (not created by an Act of the Parliament).”
Why this source?
  • States that on 13 August 2014 the Planning Commission was scrapped and NITI Aayog was established on 1 January 2015 as its successor.
  • Specifically notes NITI Aayog was created by an executive (Union Cabinet) resolution, corroborating government establishment.
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.1 NITI Aayog > p. 227
Presence: 5/5
“Government of India, in keeping with its reform agenda, constituted the NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission. This was done in order to better serve the needs and aspirations of the people of India. An important evolutionary change from the past, NITI Aayog acts as the quintessential platform for the Government of India to bring states to act together in national interest, and thereby fosters cooperative federalism. National Institution for Transforming India, also known as NITI Aayog, was formed via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on 1 January 2015. NITI Aayog is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, providing directional and policy inputs.”
Why this source?
  • Says the Government of India constituted NITI Aayog to replace the Planning Commission and that it was formed via a Union Cabinet resolution on 1 January 2015.
  • Describes NITI Aayog as the premier policy think tank, reinforcing the replacement and institutional intent.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC focuses on 'Institutional Continuity & Change'. Whenever a long-standing body (Planning Commission, MCI, etc.) is replaced, the exam tests the identity of the successor and its legal nature. Don't just read the news; map the legal transition.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct Current Affairs (Jan 2015) and now a staple in Laxmikanth (Ch. NITI Aayog) and Indian Economy texts.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Evolution of Indian Federalism and Economic Planning (From 5-Year Plans to 15-Year Vision).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize: 1) Est. Date: Jan 1, 2015 via Executive Resolution. 2) Nature: Non-Constitutional, Non-Statutory (Think Tank). 3) Key Difference: NITI has no financial allocation powers (shifted to Finance Ministry). 4) Structure: PM (Chair) + Governing Council (All CMs). 5) Indices released: SDG India Index, MPI.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When an institution dies, ask 3 questions: Who replaced it? Did the legal status change (Statutory to Executive)? Where did the money power go?
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission (1 January 2015)
💡 The insight

The references repeatedly state NITI Aayog was formed on 1 Jan 2015 as the successor to the Planning Commission — directly relevant because the statement confuses which body was replaced.

High-yield for UPSC: questions often ask about institutional reforms, dates, and successor bodies. Candidates should memorise which institutions were replaced and when, and distinguish commonly confused pairs (e.g., Planning Commission → NITI Aayog). Study approach: make a one-page timeline of major institutional changes post-2014 and practise MCQs comparing predecessor/successor bodies.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 6: Economic Planning in India > NITI AAYOG > p. 143
🔗 Anchor: "Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Hum..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Nature of NITI Aayog: non-constitutional, non-statutory; created by executive (cabinet) resolution
💡 The insight

References note NITI Aayog was set up by Union Cabinet resolution and is neither a constitutional nor statutory body — important for judging legal status when asked about establishment.

Important for polity questions: distinguishes constitutional/statutory bodies from extra-constitutional/extra-statutory ones, affecting powers and permanence. Prepare by comparing examples (which bodies are constitutional vs executive-created) and noting establishment modes (Act of Parliament vs executive order).

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 779
🔗 Anchor: "Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Hum..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Role and composition: policy think-tank emphasizing cooperative federalism
💡 The insight

Evidence describes NITI Aayog as a policy think-tank that involves states (chief ministers in Governing Council) and adopts a bottom-up approach — clarifies its function versus other commissions.

Useful for governance and federalism topics: explains how institutional design affects centre–state relations and planning. Candidates should learn functional differences (policy advisory vs fund allocation) and link to topics like Finance Commission and National Development Council. Revise by mapping roles, membership, and differences with the Planning Commission.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.1 NITI Aayog > p. 227
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > Difference between NITI Aayog and Planning Commission > p. 228
🔗 Anchor: "Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Hum..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Formation date and purpose of NITI Aayog
💡 The insight

Multiple references state NITI Aayog was formed by a Cabinet resolution and came into existence on 1 January 2015 as a policy think-tank.

High-yield for UPSC governance questions: knowing the exact formation date and stated purpose (policy/think-tank to promote cooperative federalism) helps answer static and comparative questions. Connects to topics on institutional reforms and central-state relations; prepare by memorising key dates and official objectives from authoritative texts.

📚 Reading List :
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 779
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.1 NITI Aayog > p. 227
  • Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Politics of Planned Development > Fast Forward Niti Aayog > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Fin..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 NITI Aayog is the successor to the Planning Commission (not the Finance Commission)
💡 The insight

Evidence explicitly describes NITI Aayog as replacing the 65-year-old Planning Commission.

Crucial distinction for UPSC: many questions test which bodies were replaced or reformed and their functional differences. Understanding that NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission (and not bodies like the Finance Commission) prevents common traps. Study by comparing functions and institutional roles of Planning Commission, NITI Aayog and Finance Commission.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 6: Economic Planning in India > NITI AAYOG > p. 143
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 34: HOW THE CONSTITUTION HAS WORKED > B_ Privileges of Legislat ures. > p. 480
🔗 Anchor: "Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Fin..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Legal status: NITI Aayog as non-constitutional and non-statutory (created by executive/cabinet resolution)
💡 The insight

References state NITI Aayog was created by executive order/cabinet resolution and is neither a constitutional nor statutory body.

Frequently tested concept in polity: distinguishing constitutional/statutory/executive bodies is essential for paper-II polity and GS mains. It links to questions on institutional authority, accountability and legitimacy; prepare by cataloguing major bodies and their legal basis and implications.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
  • Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Disbanding Planning Commission and Setting up NITI Aayog > p. 779
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 26: ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNION AND THE STATES > ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONS, BETWEEN THE UNION AND THE STATES > p. 398
🔗 Anchor: "Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Fin..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission (1 January 2015)
💡 The insight

Multiple references state NITI Aayog was formed on 1 Jan 2015 as the successor to the Planning Commission, directly contradicting replacement of the Law Commission.

High-yield factual detail often tested in polity/administration: the institution that NITI replaced and its formation date. Connects to questions on institutional reforms and shifts in central planning. Learn by memorising the event (date) and the replaced body, and practising comparison-based MCQs.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 56: NITI Aayog > ESTABLISHMENT > p. 465
  • Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > 7.1 NITI Aayog > p. 227
  • Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Politics of Planned Development > Fast Forward Niti Aayog > p. 48
🔗 Anchor: "Was NITI Aayog established by the Government of India in 2015 to replace the Law..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The National Development Council (NDC). While NITI replaced the Planning Commission, the NDC (set up in 1952) effectively became defunct as its functions were subsumed by NITI's Governing Council. Also, the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) headed by Ajay Chhibber was the specific committee that recommended scrapping the Planning Commission.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Constitutional vs. Executive Logic: The Finance Commission is a Constitutional Body (Art. 280). The Government cannot 'replace' a Constitutional body with a mere 'Aayog' created by a Cabinet Resolution without a Constitutional Amendment. Hence, Option B is impossible. Law and Human Rights are statutory/legal specific; Planning is the only broad executive domain matching NITI's scope.

🔗 Mains Connection

GS-2 (Cooperative Federalism): The Planning Commission was criticized for a 'One Size Fits All' (Top-Down) approach. NITI Aayog represents 'Team India' (Bottom-Up). Use this contrast in Mains answers regarding fiscal federalism and state autonomy.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2019 · Q69 Relevance score: 0.21

In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.? 1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament 2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees 3. Finance Commission 4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission 5. NITI Aayog Select the correct answer using the code given below.

CDS-II · 2006 · Q39 Relevance score: -0.07

Setting up of which one of the following not stated in the Constitution of India

CDS-II · 2023 · Q87 Relevance score: -0.13

As per the Cabinet Resolution of 1st January, 2015, the NITI Aayog consists of : 1. Prime Minister of India 2. Governing Council comprising of Chief Minister of all the States and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories 3. Rural Development Minister 4. Chief Executive Officer to be appointed by the Prime Minister Select the correct answer using the code given below:

CDS-II · 2013 · Q108 Relevance score: -0.33

The Planning Commission of India has been constituted :

NDA-I · 2008 · Q73 Relevance score: -0.72

Who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Planning Commission of India?