KBC 14: Who among these serves as the Chairperson of the NITI Aayog?
Answer: Prime Minister of India
NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, is a policy think tank established by the Narendra Modi government to replace the top-down Planning Commission. The stated goal of NITI Aayog’s establishment is to encourage state governments in India’s involvement and participation in the economic policy-making process. The emphasis is on a bottom-up approach to moving the country toward cooperative federalism. On 1 January 2015, the Union Government of India announced the formation of NITI Aayog, and the first meeting was held on 8 February 2015. Ex-officio chairmanship is held by the Prime Minister. The governing council is made up of all state Chief Ministers, union territory Lieutenant Governors, and a vice chairman appointed by the Prime Minister. There are two part-time members, four ex-officio members, and a chief executive officer in addition to the full members. Temporary members are chosen from top universities and research institutions.