• NITI Aayog acts as a platform for the Government of India to bring states to act together.
  • It fosters cooperative federalism.
  • Key Initiatives:
    • Governing Council: Comprises Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all States, and UTs.
    • This provides a platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental, and federal issues.
    • Aspirational District Programme: Focuses on improving socio-economic indicators in identified districts.
    • Poshan Abhiyan: Addresses malnutrition through a multi-ministerial convergence mission.
    • Atal Innovation Mission: Promotes innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
    • Indices for Outcomes: Finalized indices (Health Index, SDG India Index) to measure state performance.
    • This encourages healthy competition among states.