Explanations:NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, is a key policy think tank of the Government of India. It was established in January 2015 to replace the Planning Commission, which had been in existence since 1950. The Planning Commission was responsible for formulating the Five-Year Plans and guiding the economic development of the country. NITI Aayog, on the other hand, focuses on fostering cooperative federalism and providing a platform for states to share best practices and work together on developmental issues.
The leadership structure of NITI Aayog includes a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and members. The Chairperson is typically a senior government official, often a Cabinet Minister, who provides overall direction and leadership. The Vice Chairperson, on the other hand, is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and ensuring the implementation of policies and programs.
Arvind Panagariya was appointed as the first Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog when it was established in 2015. He served in this role until 2017. Panagariya is a well-known economist and has had a significant impact on the economic policies of India. His appointment as the first Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog was a strategic move to bring in expertise and experience in economic policy-making.
It is important to note that the roles of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are distinct. The Chairperson provides the overall vision and direction, while the Vice Chairperson is responsible for the operational aspects and ensuring the implementation of policies. Understanding the roles and the historical context of the leadership of NITI Aayog is crucial for comprehending the functioning of this important institution in the Indian governance structure.
Other individuals who have served in leadership roles at NITI Aayog include Dr Rajiv Kumar, who has served as the Vice Chairperson, and Amitabh Kant, who has served as the CEO. However, these individuals were not the first Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog. The correct answer to the question is Arvind Panagariya, who was the first Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog.