As NITI Aayog completes 10 years of its establishment, critically examine its role in the planning and development paradigm of governance in India. (Answer in 250 words)

NITI Aayog was introduced to replace the planning commission & bring new paradigm of policy making Positive role: (1) Promoted cooperative federalism & coordination among states Eg. Team India Hub (2) Ground level, bottom up planning unlike earlier top down approach (3) Helped address regional disparities Eg. Aspirational districts programme (4) Promoted data driven policy making Eg. SDG India Index (7) Promotion of participatory governance by involving locals in planning & implementation (6) Formulation of crucial national programmes like PLI scheme, semi conductor mission (7) Advisory role to state & center on various programmes (8) Long term planning via vision documents

Challenges: (1) One size fits all approach for various initiatives (2) Mostly focused only on large scale startups initiatives (3) Only a recommendatory body => advice is not binding on govt (4) Lacks power of approval of funds unlike planning commission (5) Accused by states of control bias & over-centralization of development in India (6) Lack of statutory status undermines its authority (7) Concerns raised about accuracy of data (8) Limited consultation of states