UPSC Mains 2018 GS3 Q11 — Planning and Institutions
How are the principles followed by the NITI Aayog different from those followed by the erstwhile Planning Commission in India? (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- How
- Scope keywords
- principles followed by the NITI Aayogerstwhile Planning Commissiondifferent from
- Implicit sub-parts
- Transition from a 'Top-Down' command economy approach to a 'Bottom-Up' cooperative federalism approach.
- Difference in organizational philosophy (Resource Allocation vs. Policy Think Tank).
- Contrast between centralized planning and the inclusion of States as equal partners (Team India Hub).
- Shift from quantitative target-setting to evidence-based policy monitoring and evaluation.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a historical timeline of the Planning Commission's abolition instead of focusing on current operational principles.
- Failing to mention that NITI Aayog has no financial power to allocate funds, unlike the Planning Commission.
- Ignoring the 'Think Tank' aspect and focusing only on the political differences.
- Focusing on the Five-Year Plans versus the 15-year Vision Document without explaining the underlying principle of long-term vs short-term agility.
- Neglecting the role of the Governing Council and the shift in the status of State Chief Ministers.
- Dimensions required
- Federalism (Cooperative vs. Competitive)Administrative/Institutional DesignEconomic Governance PhilosophyFinancial/Fiscal Power DynamicsParticipatory vs. Directive Planning
- Marks allocation hint
Dedicate 50 words to a brief conceptual introduction of the shift in 2015. Allocate 150 words to a structured comparison of 5-6 core principles (Top-down vs Bottom-up, Financial powers, State involvement). Use the final 50 words to conclude with how these new principles align with India's current globalized economic reality and the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' framework.
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