Assess the role of NITI Aayog over the past decade in transforming the country's approach to planning and development.

NITI Aayog was established in 2014, replacing Planning Commission, to usher in a new era of planning for the modern India. Role in transforming: (1) Bottom-up planning - NITI Aayog takes inputs from the grassroot level (2) District Admin, gram sabha ii Support local planning (e.g. Assistance to Ahmedabad for city plan (3) TEAM INDIA model helps in cooperative federalism - plans made with state consultation (4) Public participation - invites public suggestions on various policies through its website (5) Expert oriented - make plans with expert advice, invite dignitaries, researchers etc. Continuous plan & adaptation - NITI made 7 year plan, India @75 plan etc. (7) Development through stakeholder approach - (e.g) including businessmen in planning (8) Positive competition (e.g) various indices such as composite water index, MDP etc (9) Evidence based policy making based on data collected (10) Various schemes - Atyid innovation etc Issues: a) No powers to allocate funds - hamper its utility b) Conflictual federalism - states concealing about bias c) Planning becoming more complex d) Lack of resources + capacity etc to called meaningful research e) Develop - various ministries, depts etc also in planning f) Skill top down plan model followed NITI Aayog can ensure a Vibrant Bharat by 2047 with its inclusive approach.