Planning Commission and NITI Aayog — Prelims Strategy
Prelims Strategy
For Prelims preparation, focus on factual accuracy and conceptual clarity. Memorize key dates: Planning Commission establishment (1950), dissolution (2014), NITI Aayog formation (2015). Learn composition details - PM as Chairman for both, but note NITI Aayog's Vice-Chairman vs Planning Commission's Deputy Chairman.
Master the fundamental differences: Planning Commission allocated resources, NITI Aayog provides policy guidance. Understand competitive vs cooperative federalism with specific examples like SDG Index, Health Index rankings.
Practice elimination techniques by identifying common traps - constitutional status confusion, fund allocation powers, and composition details. Create comparison charts for quick revision. Focus on recent initiatives like Aspirational Districts Programme, SDG localization, and ranking mechanisms.
Pay attention to current affairs connections, especially annual reports and new initiatives. Use mnemonics for remembering Five-Year Plan periods and focus areas. Practice questions on federal relations, monitoring approaches, and institutional innovations.