29.11.14

Neeti Ayog

The Planning Commission will be replaced by a new institution called ‘Neeti Ayog’ (Policy Commission) with the Prime Minister as its ex-officio chairman and a vice-chairman. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to decide on the final shape and structure of the new body by year-end.
The new institution would have four important departments—Inter-State Councils, Office of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and Programme Evaluation unit. Each of the departments would be headed by a secretary-level officer, said an official. “The name of the new vice-chairman of the proposed body will be announced soon,” the official added. Modi has called for a presentation on Monday for options and suggestions by experts and intellectuals on the shape of the new institution. Senior PMO officials and Planning Commission will be present at the meeting. The PM has called a meeting of chief ministers and chief secretaries on December 7 to take them on board while finalizing the structure and scope of the new entity. “The PM is expected to seek views of states on the proposed new body,” said an official. The interstate council in the proposed “Neeti Ayog” would be under direct control of PM, in line with Modi’s idea of cooperative federalism making states an equal partner in the growth process.
The composition of the new body would also reflect the priorities of the Modi administration as his key projects—UIDAI and DBT— would be part of it. During his Independence Day address, Modi had announced replacing the five-decade old Planning Commission with a new entity in tune with the changed economic reality.

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