AT

Aditya TalwarAIR 270· 2025

Question 13GS2GS2

The NITI Aayog or National Institution for transforming India setup in 2017 as the pioneer think tank of the government has been the exercise of cooperative federalism.

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AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

Main Body

Role of NITI Aayog in promoting Federalism

1Cooperative

(a) Setting up of collaborative scheme by 4 Niti Incubating labs

(b) Centre-state cooperation by Team India Hub

2Competitive → Output-Outcomes Budget

(a) Indexes and performance by SDG Index, Aspirational Districts Program

(b) Performance-based incentive recommendation by Bihar, Chhattisgarh demands

(c) Regional balance in development by NITI forum for North-east, O'Tribals Development Agency

(d) Revising of schemes for sectors by National Oilseeds Mission for AAI Islands

(e) Taking the perspective of federal unit- by Governing Body has all CMs

(b) Performance based incentive recommendation by Bihar, Chhattisgarh demands

2Regional balance in development by NITI forum for North-east, O'Tribals Development Agency
4Revising of schemes for sectors by National Oilseeds Mission for AAI Islands
5Taking the perspective of federal unit- by Governing Body has all CMs

Challenges and Problems

1Lack of financial powers like Planning Commission
2Overarching role of the centre
3Absence of state-wise unit of the Aayog

Way forward

1Moving for Inductive to Strategic planning
2Legislation for making NITI Aayog a legislature body
3Setup state-wise units for collaboration
4Collaboration focus through clarity on meetings and role with Inter-state council (Article 263)

The NITI Aayog is a body for a new India and through our New Planning model, it can help India to achieve the $5 trillion GDP goal.

Indispensable to Democracy

1Assumes the speakers responsibility under Article 93 and Article 94 in case of absence.
2Fills in the gaps for effective legislation - by Can put a casting vote in speakers absence.
3Responsible for effective debates and assigning of the money bill in absence.
4Considered to be voice of opposition by Convention on appointment of opposition leader
5Onus parliamentary committees
6Mandate in constitution to appoint (As soon as possible)
7Date set by speaker should not have complete discretion (White Halliway)

Implications of Prolonged Vacancy

1Absence of democratic accountability in speaker absent.
2Although other can preside, deputy speaker is a constitutional part.
2Gaps may emerge in sitting during active sessions
3The voice of the opposition may not get properly represented
4Shows the lack of constitutionalism
5The parliament will be less effective is lesser (CST 9.V. Chardhashul)

Way forward

1Mandated timelines should be set for appointing the deputy speaker
2Constitution can be amended to replace as soon as possible with 4 months.
3Speakers discretion regarding facing election date can be limited by J.K. Megashandra Singh case talked about limiting discretion.

The Deputy speaker as an officer of the parliament represents its legitimacy and the post must not be left vacant to ensure democracy's functional.

Stricter Regulation is Justified

1Need to curb harmful practices by Deepfakes without consent
2Child-friendly and family-friendly content by Recent India CG+3 Latest controversy
3Anti-national and extremist element need regulation by ISIS operates through social media
4The quality of content has taken a shift by Whatsapp fake News
5Need to ensure responsibility of online personalities by Telangana youtuber cooked a Peacock luxury - illegal.

Threat to freedom of Speech and Expression

1Oves-regulation curdles journalistic freedom by SC released Ahora University professors
2S crapping of the IT Act, tort check unit for arbitrary usage
3Can become a political tool for curbing dissent by Rural Komra case
4Against the right to express opinions by Shroov Singhal case removed Section 66 B of Act
5Against the right to internet freedom by Faheema Shirin case

Way forward

1A fact check unit on only be created with role clarity
2Freedom to internet content with proper adult-content labels
3Promote self-regulation by intermediaries

Online content has become a major medium for public expression as seen on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. A check on extremist elements and promotion of freedom should be balanced.

(Note) A fact check unit, online content has become a major medium for public expression as seen on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. A check on extremist elements and promotion of freedom should be balanced.

678 words50 paragraphs

Conclusion

The NITI Aayog is a body for a new India and through our New Planning model, it can help India to achieve the $5 trillion GDP goal. The Deputy speaker as an officer of the parliament represents its legitimacy and the post must not be left vacant to ensure democracy's functional. Online content has become a major medium for public expression as seen on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. A check on extremist elements and promotion of freedom should be balanced.

80 words

  • Clear categorization of cooperative and competitive federalism
  • Specific reference to NITI Aayog mechanisms
  • Mention of state-specific initiatives
  • Comprehensive enumeration of Deputy Speaker duties
  • Constitutional references provided
  • Addresses democratic accountability
  • Balanced presentation of both perspectives
  • Specific examples provided
  • Reference to constitutional provisions

Open original scan

Page 29

Topper

Aditya Talwar

AIR 2702025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Federal Structure - Functions, Responsibilities, Devolution of Powers and Finances

Federalism

NITI Aayog's role in cooperative and competitive federalism

Writing Stats

758

Total words

50

Paragraphs

forward-looking and prescriptive

Tone