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

NITI Aayog is the government think tank that replaced the established planning commission to ensure cooperative federalism and bottom up planning. NITI Aayog Transforming Planning and development: (1) Top down to bottom up approach - planning commission had top down model (Five year plans). (2) NITI - Focus on Team India approach (through leveraging state governments). (3) Consensus driven and consultative mechanism - (Cooperative federalism by discussions with state). (4) Inclusive development - through adoption of best practices. (5) Acting as bridge between central and state governments. (6) Think tank work - feedback for policy development. (7) Focus on data driven policy making - SDG Index under MBJF Index reports by NITI Aayog. However: Challenges in working: - Lack of statutory status - Lack of Independence in working - Recommendation being non-binding in nature - Careful future regarding adequate safeguards must be put in place to endorse smooth path towards UPSC phase.

Challenges in working: - Lack of statutory status - Lack of independence in working - Recommendation being non-binding in nature - Careful future regarding adequate safeguards must be put in place to endorse smooth path towards UPSC phase. Therefore, for better functioning, adequate safeguards must be put in place to endorse smooth path towards UPSC phase.