NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR

TRANSFORMING INDIA(NITI Aayog)

NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, is a policy think tank of the
Government of India. It was established on January 1, 2015, to replace the Planning
Commission, which had been in existence since 1950. The formation of NITI Aayog was
aimed at fostering cooperative federalism and enhancing the involvement of states in the
economic policy-making process.

Key objectives and functions of NITI Aayog include:

1. **Cooperative Federalism:** NITI Aayog aims to promote the spirit of cooperative

federalism by involving the states in the economic decision-making process. It seeks to
strengthen the partnership between the central government and the states to achieve
national development goals.

2. **Policy Formulation:** NITI Aayog is responsible for formulating policies and strategies
for the development of various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and
infrastructure. It works on both long-term and short-term plans to address India's diverse
developmental challenges.

3. **Strategic Planning:** Unlike the Planning Commission, which used to allocate funds,
NITI Aayog focuses on strategic planning and providing a platform for the central and state
governments to collaborate on policy issues. It does not have the power to allocate funds
directly.

4. **Innovation and Entrepreneurship:** NITI Aayog places a strong emphasis on fostering

innovation and entrepreneurship. It encourages initiatives that promote economic growth,
job creation, and sustainable development.

5. **Monitoring and Evaluation:** The institution plays a role in monitoring and evaluating
the implementation of various government programs and policies. It provides feedback and
suggests modifications to ensure effective outcomes.
6. **Special Initiatives:** NITI Aayog takes up special initiatives and projects aimed at
addressing specific challenges and opportunities. It collaborates with experts, academia, and
other stakeholders to develop innovative solutions.

7. **Research and Data Analysis:** NITI Aayog engages in research activities and data
analysis to provide evidence-based recommendations to the government. This helps in
making informed policy decisions.

NITI Aayog is led by a Chairperson, who is the Prime Minister of India, and includes Vice-
Chairpersons, CEO, and members representing various sectors. The involvement of chief
ministers of states and union territories in the governing council ensures a more inclusive
and cooperative approach to policy formulation and implementation.

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL(NDC)

As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the National Development Council (NDC)
was a forum that brought together the Prime Minister of India, Chief Ministers of States and
Union Territories, and members of the Planning Commission. However, it's important to
note that there may have been changes or developments after that date.

As of my last update:

**Key Points about the National Development Council (NDC):**

1. **Objective:** The NDC was established to facilitate cooperative federalism and provide
a platform for the central and state governments to discuss and formulate plans for
economic and social development in India.

2. **Composition:** The NDC was chaired by the Prime Minister of India and included Chief
Ministers of all states and Union Territories, along with members of the Planning
Commission. The Planning Commission, which played a central role in India's planning
process, was later replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015.

3. **Functions:** The NDC's primary functions included reviewing the overall economic and
development policies of the country, formulating plans for national development, and
advising on policy matters. It aimed to foster a spirit of cooperation and coordination among
the central and state governments.
4. **Role in Planning:** The NDC played a crucial role in the planning process, discussing
and approving Five-Year Plans, which were comprehensive economic development plans for
the country. However, it's worth noting that the concept of Five-Year Plans has been
discontinued, and a new approach has been adopted with a focus on sustainable
development goals.

5. **Changes Over Time:** The role and relevance of the NDC might have evolved over
time, and institutional changes could have occurred after 2022. For instance, with the
establishment of NITI Aayog in 2015, there were changes in the approach to planning and
development, moving away from the centralized planning model.

Please verify from official and updated sources for any changes or developments regarding
the National Development Council after my last update in January 2022.

GRASS-ROOT ORGANIZATIONS FOR

DEVELOPMENT
Grassroots organizations play a crucial role in community development, focusing on
addressing local issues and empowering communities. These organizations are typically
community-based and work directly with the people they aim to serve. Here are some types
of grassroots organizations and examples of their work:

1. **Community-Based Organizations (CBOs):** These organizations operate at the local

level and are often formed by community members to address specific needs. They can
work on issues such as education, healthcare, women's empowerment, and environmental
sustainability.

- *Example:* A community group that starts a local literacy program, aiming to improve
education levels within the community.

2. **Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):** NGOs can operate at the grassroots level

and focus on a wide range of issues, including poverty alleviation, healthcare, education,
and human rights.
 - *Example:* An NGO working with local farmers to implement sustainable agricultural
practices and improve food security.

3. **Self-Help Groups (SHGs):** SHGs are community-based groups formed by individuals,

especially women, to address common issues such as economic empowerment, skill
development, and social support.

- *Example:* A women's self-help group that engages in income-generating activities like

handicrafts or microenterprise projects.

4. **Cooperatives:** Cooperative organizations are formed by a group of individuals with

common economic interests, and they work together for mutual benefit.

- *Example:* A farmers' cooperative that pools resources to collectively purchase

agricultural inputs, access markets, and share knowledge.

5. **Youth Groups:** Youth-led organizations often focus on issues relevant to young

people, such as education, employment, and social engagement.

- *Example:* A youth group organizing community clean-up initiatives and environmental

awareness campaigns.

6. **Environmental Groups:** Grassroots organizations concerned with environmental

issues work to promote sustainable practices, conservation, and community resilience
against environmental challenges.

- *Example:* An organization focused on tree planting, waste management, and

environmental education within a local community.

7. **Women's Groups:** Women's organizations aim to empower women, address gender-

based issues, and promote women's rights and equality.

- *Example:* A women's organization providing skill-building workshops, healthcare

support, and advocacy for gender equality.
8. **Health Committees:** These committees focus on improving healthcare access and
outcomes at the community level.

- *Example:* A health committee that collaborates with local healthcare providers to

organize health camps, vaccination drives, and awareness programs.

Grassroots organizations are diverse and dynamic, tailored to the specific needs and
contexts of the communities they serve. They often rely on local knowledge, community
participation, and a bottom-up approach to drive positive change.

PANCHAYATIRAJ
"Panchayati Raj" refers to the system of local self-government in rural areas of India. The
term "Panchayati Raj" translates to "rule by local bodies" and reflects the decentralized
governance structure at the village or small town level. The Panchayati Raj system was
constitutionalized through the 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution in 1992, which
aimed to strengthen local governance and promote democratic participation at the
grassroots level.

Key features of the Panchayati Raj system include:

1. **Three-Tier Structure:** The Panchayati Raj system consists of a three-tier structure of

local self-government institutions at the village, intermediate (block or taluka), and district
levels.

2. **Gram Panchayat (Village Level):** The Gram Panchayat is the basic unit of Panchayati
Raj, representing the village or a group of villages. It is responsible for local governance and
development activities at the grassroots level. The Gram Panchayat is headed by a Sarpanch,
who is elected by the members of the Panchayat.

3. **Panchayat Samiti (Intermediate Level):** The Panchayat Samiti, also known as the
Block or Taluka Panchayat, represents a group of Gram Panchayats within a block or taluka.
It coordinates development activities at the intermediate level and is headed by a
chairperson.
4. **Zila Parishad (District Level):** The Zila Parishad represents the district and consists of
members from the Panchayat Samitis and nominated members, including the Members of
Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly. The Zila Parishad is responsible for
coordinating development activities at the district level and is headed by a chairperson.

5. **Reservation of Seats:** The Panchayati Raj system includes provisions for the
reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and women at all
three levels, ensuring greater representation for marginalized and underrepresented
sections of society.

6. **Functions and Powers:** The Panchayati Raj institutions have been assigned various
functions, including local governance, rural development, implementation of government
schemes, and economic planning at the local level. They have the power to collect revenue,
plan and implement local development projects, and make decisions on issues related to
their jurisdiction.

7. **Finance:** The Panchayati Raj institutions receive funds from the central and state
governments to carry out their functions. The allocation of funds is based on formulas that
take into account factors like population and development needs.

The Panchayati Raj system aims to decentralize governance, empower local communities,
and promote inclusive and participatory decision-making in rural areas. It has played a
significant role in fostering local development and addressing the needs of rural populations
across India.

ROLE OF NON GOVERNMENT

ORGANIZATIONS (NGOs)
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in various aspects of society,
contributing to social development, humanitarian aid, environmental conservation,
advocacy, and more. Here are some key roles that NGOs typically play:

1. **Service Delivery:**
- **Healthcare:** NGOs often provide healthcare services, run clinics, and conduct
awareness campaigns on health issues.
- **Education:** NGOs may establish schools, offer scholarships, and promote educational
programs to improve literacy and access to education.
 - **Community Development:** NGOs work on grassroots development projects,
addressing issues such as water supply, sanitation, and rural infrastructure.

2. **Humanitarian Assistance:**
- NGOs are often involved in responding to humanitarian crises, providing emergency
relief, and assisting communities affected by natural disasters, conflicts, or other
emergencies.

3. **Advocacy and Awareness:**

- NGOs advocate for social and policy changes, raising awareness about issues such as
human rights, gender equality, environmental conservation, and poverty alleviation.
- They often act as intermediaries between communities and policymakers, representing
the concerns and needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations.

4. **Capacity Building:**
- NGOs work to build the capacity of local communities, providing training and resources
to empower individuals and groups to address their own challenges.

5. **Environmental Conservation:**
- NGOs engage in initiatives focused on environmental protection, conservation, and
sustainable development. They may promote renewable energy, wildlife conservation, and
sustainable agriculture practices.

6. **Research and Data Collection:**

- NGOs conduct research to gather data on social, economic, and environmental issues.
This research informs their programs, policy advocacy, and contributes to a better
understanding of various challenges.

7. **Women's Empowerment:**
- Many NGOs focus on women's empowerment, addressing issues such as gender-based
violence, access to education, economic opportunities, and reproductive health.

8. **Social Entrepreneurship:**
 - Some NGOs engage in social entrepreneurship, creating sustainable business models to
address social or environmental challenges while generating revenue for their programs.

9. **Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention:**

- NGOs often work on public health initiatives, including disease prevention, awareness
campaigns, and support for those affected by diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

10. **Poverty Alleviation:**

- NGOs implement programs aimed at poverty reduction, including microfinance projects,
vocational training, and livelihood development.

11. **Children's Rights:**

- NGOs may focus on protecting the rights of children, addressing issues such as child
labor, education, and healthcare.

12. **Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution:**

- NGOs contribute to peacebuilding efforts, working towards conflict resolution,
reconciliation, and promoting dialogue in areas affected by conflicts.

NGOs operate with diverse approaches, structures, and areas of focus, but they share the
common goal of contributing to positive social change and addressing the needs of
communities. Their work is often characterized by flexibility, innovation, and a focus on
community participation and empowerment.