Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in promoting cooperative and competitive federalism.

NITI Aayog is a non-statutory (made by executive resolution) body which was formed to replace centralized planning process of Planning Commission by consultative planning. Cooperative federalism refers to a system of polity, where individual units cooperate in harmony to further developmental goals. [eg GST Council (Article 279H)] Competitive federalism aims to further development by healthy competition be among units. [eg HAI rankings] Role of NITI Aayog in promoting cooperative & competitive federalism: (1) Use of Key Performance Indicators in instituting like Aspirational District Programmes, & Aspirational Block programmes leads to healthy competition

However, some limitations exist as: (1) Appointment by Central Govt. (2) depends to State issues [eg concerns on GST compensation etc] (3) Has only advisory powers & no binding recommendation process (4) Competition is often unequal as regions are disproportionately developed. (5) Tagging as 'Under Achievers' reproduces stereotypes for lagging states like Bihar etc. Hence, NITI Aayog's role can be enhanced through giving statutory recognition, institutionalized fellowships and space for implementing states' issues.