Planning Commission vs. NITI Aayog
Key Distinctions
The Planning Commission (1950–2014) and NITI Aayog (2015–present) represent fundamentally different philosophies of governance and economic planning.
| Dimension | Planning Commission | NITI Aayog |
|---|---|---|
| Established by | Cabinet resolution, 1950 | Cabinet resolution, 2015 |
| Nature | Effectively statutory (operated under Article 282 grants) | Non-statutory, advisory |
| Financial role | Allocated Plan funds to states via Five-Year Plans | No fund allocation powers |
| Approach | Centralised planning; states were recipients of Plan allocations | Cooperative and competitive federalism; states as partners |
| Five-Year Plans | Core instrument (1st–12th Plans) | Abolished; replaced by 3-year Action Agenda, 7-year Medium-Term Strategy, 15-year Vision Document |
| State representation | National Development Council (separate body) | Directly incorporated via Governing Council |
| Deputy Chairman | Key operative position (equivalent to Cabinet rank) | Vice-Chairperson (appointed by PM) |
- Article 282 (Union and state grants for public purposes) was the legal basis for the Planning Commission's financial transfers to states
- NITI Aayog's Strategy for New India @75 (2018) and SDG India Index are its most prominent outputs
- The 12th Five-Year Plan (2012–17) was the last; NITI Aayog's 15-year Vision Document covers 2017–2032
● Tracked since April 24, 2026 · last seen June 10, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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