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)

Role of NITI Aayog in Planning: 1. Consultative framework - input of Team India 2. Collaborative approach towards overlapping problems - SDG Index c Multi-state resource distribution 3. Expert suggested mechanisms adapted - Water Use Index c Field experts & analysts - grassroot problems 4. Data - driven Policy making - National Data & Analytics Platform NDAP

5. Regular feedback mechanisms in meetings of CM and Union representatives - [roles] Role in development paradigm: 1. Inclusive growth targeted. c Multi-dimensional Poverty Index MPI 2. Education outcomes overhaul c Atal Ranking Mission labs, Atal Innovation Mission AIM 3. Enhancing role of panchayats and local bodies in scheme implementation 4. Use of resources - efficient & effective c SDG Priorities Index 5. Urban skilling transformation c # AZ for ALL 6. Gendered policy planning & implementation.

However, there are certain lacunae: 1. Lack of fiscal powers - unlike Planning Commission 2. Expert dependent body - increased role of consultants. 3. Advisory in nature - not binding regulations. 4. Tussles between Union & States c Punjabs & UPA CM skipping NITI Aayog meetings Efforts to embrace building in nature TR roles: 1. Streamlining of norms ahead 2. Developing in-house capacities 3. Tabling of advices in Parliament. Hence, a transformative vision of VIKSIT Bharat 2047 can be realised by the objectives and methods of NITI Aayog, if utilised effectively.