Economic Planning & NITI Aayog
Concepts (6)
India's planning evolved from the **Planning Commission** (1950) guiding **Five Year Plans** (Harrod-Domar, Mahalanobis models) towards a mixed economy, replaced by **NITI Aayog** (2015) for cooperati
Definition
Economic planning in India refers to the systematic effort by the government to allocate resources and guide economic activity towards specific development goals. Historically, this was primarily achieved through Five Year Plans formulated by the Planning Commission.
Key Facts
- Planning Commission: Established in March 1950 by a simple executive resolution of the Government of India, making it an extra-constitutional and non-statutory body. Its primary task was to formulate economic plans for the country.
- The Prime Minister served as its ex-officio Chairman.
- It was responsible for assessing resources, formulating plans, determining priorities, and appraising progress.
- National Development Council (NDC): Established on August 6, 1952, the NDC was responsible for giving final approval to the Five Year Plans. The Prime Minister also chaired the NDC.
- Mixed Economy: Under the guidance of Jawaharlal Nehru, India adopted a 'mixed economy' model, combining elements of both capitalist and socialist systems, reflecting Nehru's belief in 'democratic socialism'.
- First Five Year Plan (1951-1956):
- Based on the Harrod-Domar model.
- Primary focus was on the agrarian sector, including investments in dams and irrigation (e.g., Bhakra Nangal Dam).
- Aimed at getting the economy out of poverty and focused on land reforms.
- Targeted a modest growth of 2.1% and achieved 3.6%.
- Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961):
- Drafted under the leadership of P.C. Mahalanobis (often called the Mahalanobis Model).
- Stressed on heavy industries and rapid industrialization.
- Reflected the goal of establishing a 'socialistic pattern of society', with substantial tariffs on imports to protect domestic industries.
- Led to the creation of significant public sector capacities.
- Targeted growth of 4.5% but achieved 3.9%.
- Third Five Year Plan (1961-1966):
- Aimed for self-reliant and self-generating economy.
- Critics pointed to an 'urban bias' and undue priority given to industry over agriculture, though it also emphasized agricultural growth.
- Severely impacted by the Sino-Indian War (1962) and Indo-Pak War (1965), leading to a 'Plan Holiday' from 1966-1969.
- NITI Aayog: The Planning Commission was replaced by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) on January 1, 2015, via a resolution of the Union Cabinet.
- It acts as the premier policy 'Think Tank' of the Government of India.
- Its core objective is to foster 'Cooperative Federalism' by involving states more actively in national interest policy-making.
Mechanism
Historically, the Planning Commission formulated the Five Year Plans, which were then submitted to the National Development Council (NDC) for final approval. The NDC, comprising the Prime Minister, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all States, and Lt. Governors of Union Territories, ensured state participation in the planning process, though the approach remained largely top-down. The plans provided a macro framework for development, resource mobilization, and investment needs. With the advent of NITI Aayog, the mechanism shifted from a command-and-control planning body to a 'think tank' and advisory body. NITI Aayog provides directional and policy inputs, facilitates cooperative federalism, and acts as a platform for states to engage in policy formulation, moving away from centralized resource allocation.
Analysis
India's journey of economic planning began with a strong socialist inclination, heavily influenced by the Soviet model, yet tempered by democratic principles, leading to the 'mixed economy' framework. The initial plans, particularly the First and Second, laid the foundational strategy for India's post-independence economic development. The First Five Year Plan successfully stabilized the agrarian economy, providing a crucial base for future growth. However, the Second Five Year Plan, with its ambitious focus on heavy industries under the Mahalanobis Model, while creating a robust industrial base and public sector, also led to debates about its capital-intensive nature and potential neglect of agriculture and employment generation. Critics argued that this strategy, continued into the Third Plan, displayed an 'urban bias' and prioritized large-scale industry over the immediate needs of the rural populace and small-scale enterprises.
The centralized, top-down approach of the Planning Commission, while effective in mobilizing resources for large national projects, often struggled with regional disparities and effective implementation at the grassroots level. The 'Plan Holiday' after the Third Plan highlighted the vulnerabilities of a rigid planning structure to external shocks like wars and droughts. Over time, particularly with economic liberalization in the 1990s, the relevance of a highly centralized planning body diminished. The shift towards a more market-oriented economy and the increasing importance of state-level initiatives necessitated a re-evaluation of the planning architecture. This culminated in the replacement of the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog, signaling a move towards a more collaborative, consultative, and decentralized approach to policy-making, emphasizing 'cooperative federalism' and a 'think tank' role rather than a command-and-control function.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Erstwhile Planning Commission (Pre-2015) | NITI Aayog (Post-2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Extra-constitutional, non-statutory body | Extra-constitutional, non-statutory body (Think Tank) |
| Role | Formulated Five Year Plans, allocated funds to states, top-down approach | Think Tank, advisory body, provides policy inputs, fosters cooperative federalism, bottom-up approach |
| Funding Powers | Had powers to allocate funds to ministries and states | No powers to allocate funds; recommendations are advisory |
| Relationship with States | Centralized planning, states had limited direct involvement in formulation | Actively involves states in policy formulation, promotes 'Team India' concept |
| Chairman | Prime Minister | Prime Minister |
| Vice-Chairman | Appointed by the Central Government, full-time member | Appointed by the Prime Minister, full-time member, Cabinet rank |
| Evolution | Based on socialist planning models, command economy | Focus on market economy, innovation, competitive federalism |
Case Study: The Foundational Plans
First Five Year Plan (1951-1956): This plan was crucial for a newly independent India, aiming to address the immediate challenges of food scarcity, inflation, and refugee rehabilitation. Based on the Harrod-Domar growth model, which emphasizes the role of savings and investment in economic growth, the plan prioritized agriculture, irrigation, and power projects. The construction of multi-purpose projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam exemplifies this focus. The plan also initiated significant land reforms, including the abolition of zamindari, aiming for a more equitable distribution of land. Its success in achieving a higher-than-targeted growth rate (3.6% against 2.1%) provided confidence for future planning endeavors.
Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961): This plan marked a significant shift towards industrialization. Conceptualized by P.C. Mahalanobis, it focused on developing heavy industries (e.g., steel plants at Bhilai, Durgapur, Rourkela) and capital goods to achieve self-reliance. The Mahalanobis Model emphasized a strategy of investment in heavy industries to achieve long-term growth and structural transformation. The plan aimed to establish a 'socialistic pattern of society' by expanding the public sector and imposing import tariffs to protect nascent domestic industries. While it successfully laid the foundation for India's industrial base, it faced challenges related to foreign exchange shortages and inflationary pressures, leading to a slightly lower-than-targeted growth rate (3.9% against 4.5%).
Mains Hooks
- Evolution of State's Role: Discuss how planning reflects the changing role of the state in India's economy, from a command-and-control approach to a facilitator and enabler.
- Federalism and Planning: Analyze the impact of centralized planning on Indian federalism and how NITI Aayog aims to strengthen cooperative federalism.
- Balancing Growth and Equity: Evaluate the success and failures of Five Year Plans in achieving both economic growth and equitable distribution of resources.
- Impact of Global Events: Discuss how geopolitical events (wars, oil crises) influenced India's planning strategies and led to adaptations like the Plan Holiday.
- Market vs. Planning: Debate the continuing relevance of planning in a globalized, market-driven economy, contrasting the approaches of the Planning Commission and NITI Aayog.
Recent Developments
Since its inception in 2015, NITI Aayog has been instrumental in several policy initiatives, including the 'Aspirational Districts Programme', promoting sustainable development goals, and fostering innovation through initiatives like the 'Atal Innovation Mission'. It has moved away from the traditional Five Year Plans, instead focusing on a 15-year Vision Document, a 7-year Strategy, and a 3-year Action Agenda. This shift reflects a more dynamic, flexible, and outcome-oriented approach to development, aligning with the needs of a rapidly changing global and domestic economic landscape. NITI Aayog continues to act as a crucial interface between the Centre and states, facilitating policy dialogue and promoting best practices across various sectors, embodying the spirit of 'Team India'.
This was the basis of the First Five Year Plan. It suggests that economic growth depends on the level of savings and the capital-output ratio. If people save more, the government can invest more in projects.
This was the basis of the First Five Year Plan. It suggests that economic growth depends on the level of savings and the capital-output ratio. If people save more, the government can invest more in projects. This model was used to boost the farming sector in 1951. Example: Investing in irrigation projects to increase crop yield.
NITI Aayog, formed **January 1, 2015**, replaced the Planning Commission. It's a premier policy 'Think Tank' fostering **Cooperative Federalism** and providing directional and policy inputs to the gov
Definition
NITI Aayog, or the National Institution for Transforming India, was constituted via a resolution of the Union Cabinet on January 1, 2015. It replaced the erstwhile Planning Commission, which was instituted in 1950. NITI Aayog serves as the premier policy 'Think Tank' of the Government of India, providing both directional and policy inputs, as well as relevant technical advice to the Centre and States.
Key Facts
- Formation: Established on January 1, 2015, through a Union Cabinet resolution.
- Replacement: Succeeded the Planning Commission, which was a non-statutory body responsible for formulating India's Five-Year Plans.
- Nature: Unlike the Planning Commission, which had powers to allocate funds, NITI Aayog is primarily a policy 'Think Tank' and advisory body.
- Objective: To better serve the needs and aspirations of the people of India by fostering a more inclusive and decentralized approach to development.
- Cooperative Federalism: An important evolutionary change, NITI Aayog acts as a platform to bring States together in national interest, thereby fostering Cooperative Federalism. It aims to empower States as equal partners in national development.
- Structure:
- Chairman: The Prime Minister of India.
- Governing Council: Comprises the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all States, and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories.
- Vice-Chairman: Appointed by the Prime Minister, holds Cabinet Minister rank.
- CEO: Appointed by the Prime Minister, holds Secretary to the Government of India rank.
- Full-time Members: Hold Minister of State rank.
- Ex-officio Members: Maximum of four Union Ministers nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Special Invitees: Experts, specialists, and practitioners with domain knowledge, nominated by the Prime Minister.
Mechanism
NITI Aayog operates on a multi-faceted approach:
- Policy Think Tank: It designs strategic and long-term policies and programmes for the Government of India, offering domain knowledge and strategic expertise.
- Knowledge and Innovation Hub: It serves as a repository of good governance best practices, facilitating research and sharing of innovative models across states and sectors.
- Collaborative Platform: It facilitates implementation by monitoring progress, plugging gaps, and bringing together various ministries at the Centre and in States in the joint pursuit of developmental goals. This includes evolving a shared vision of national development priorities with active involvement of States.
- Decentralized Planning: It helps states develop mechanisms to formulate credible plans at the village level and progressively aggregate these at higher levels of government, moving from a Centre-decided policy framework to one where States are equal stakeholders.
Exam Angle
For UPSC exams, understanding the fundamental shift from the Planning Commission's centralized, top-down approach to NITI Aayog's indicative, cooperative, and decentralized model is crucial. Focus on its role in promoting cooperative federalism, its function as a think tank, and its structural composition. Questions often compare its mandate and functioning with its predecessor, highlighting the rationale behind its creation and its impact on Centre-State relations in planning and development. Be prepared to discuss its objectives, functions, and the concept of 'indicative planning' it embodies.
Analysis
The replacement of the Planning Commission by NITI Aayog on January 1, 2015, marked a significant paradigm shift in India's approach to economic planning and development. The Union Government articulated that India had undergone profound political, economic, social, technological, and demographic changes over six decades, necessitating an evolution in the government's role in national development. The Planning Commission, established in 1950, was designed for an era of centralized planning, where the state played a dominant role in resource allocation and economic direction. Its top-down approach, while effective in the initial decades of nation-building, became increasingly out of sync with a liberalized, market-oriented economy and the growing assertiveness of states in a federal structure.
NITI Aayog was conceived to address these evolving realities. Its core philosophy revolves around cooperative federalism, empowering states as equal partners in national development rather than mere beneficiaries of central schemes. This involves joint focus on the National Development Agenda by the Centre and States, and advocacy of State perspectives with Central Ministries. The shift is from a 'command and control' model to a 'facilitator and enabler' model, where NITI Aayog acts as a catalyst for development by nurturing an overall enabling environment through a holistic approach.
The concept of planning itself has evolved from imperative planning (where the state dictates economic activities) towards indicative planning (where the state sets broad targets and creates an environment for market forces to achieve them). NITI Aayog embodies this indicative approach, focusing on policy formulation, strategic guidance, and fostering innovation rather than direct resource allocation. It aims to build strong states to make a strong nation, recognizing that national objectives cannot be achieved without active cooperation from state governments.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Planning Commission (Pre-2015) | NITI Aayog (Post-2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Extra-constitutional, non-statutory body | Extra-constitutional, non-statutory body |
| Formation | Established in 1950 via Cabinet Resolution | Established on Jan 1, 2015, via Cabinet Resolution |
| Planning Approach | Top-down, centralized planning; formulated Five-Year Plans | Bottom-up, indicative planning; strategic vision and policy inputs |
| Role of States | Limited direct involvement in plan formulation; consulted but often dictated | Equal partners in national development; active involvement in policy formulation |
| Funding Allocation | Had powers to allocate funds to states and ministries | No powers to allocate funds; advisory body only |
| Federalism | Perceived as an impediment to federalism due to centralized control | Fosters Cooperative Federalism; platform for Centre-State collaboration |
| Function | Formulated plans, monitored implementation, allocated resources | Policy 'Think Tank', knowledge hub, monitoring, evaluation, technical advice |
| Chairman | Prime Minister | Prime Minister |
| Vice-Chairman | Deputy Chairman (appointed by PM, Cabinet rank) | Vice-Chairman (appointed by PM, Cabinet rank) |
Case Study
One notable initiative of NITI Aayog is the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), launched in January 2018. This program aims to rapidly transform 112 of the most underdeveloped districts across India. NITI Aayog acts as the 'driver' of this program, focusing on five main themes: Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure. The ADP exemplifies NITI Aayog's approach: it identifies critical areas, sets broad targets, facilitates collaboration between central and state governments, leverages technology for real-time monitoring through a dashboard, and promotes competitive federalism among districts. This initiative showcases NITI Aayog's role as a catalyst, knowledge hub, and collaborative platform, providing strategic direction and technical support without direct financial allocation powers.
Mains Hooks
NITI Aayog's establishment has opened several avenues for discussion in Mains examinations:
- Strengthening Federalism: Discuss how NITI Aayog, through its Governing Council and Regional Councils, aims to operationalize cooperative federalism and move towards a truly federal government where states are equal stakeholders. Critically analyze its effectiveness in achieving this goal.
- Shift in Economic Governance: Evaluate the implications of moving from a centralized planning model to a more indicative and market-oriented approach. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this shift for India's economic development?
- Role of a Think Tank: Examine the significance of NITI Aayog as a premier policy 'Think Tank' in India. How does it contribute to evidence-based policymaking, innovation, and good governance? Discuss its potential to influence long-term strategic planning.
- Challenges and Criticisms: Analyze criticisms leveled against NITI Aayog, such as its lack of financial powers, potential for becoming a 'super cabinet' without accountability, or its limited impact on ground-level implementation without direct control over resources. Discuss whether it has truly empowered states or merely rebranded the central government's influence.
Recent Developments
NITI Aayog continues to release significant reports and indices that guide policy formulation and track progress. Recent examples include the SDG India Index, which monitors states' and UTs' progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), which provides a comprehensive measure of poverty. It also plays a crucial role in promoting digital transformation, sustainable development goals, and various sectoral reforms. NITI Aayog's focus on data-driven governance, outcome-based monitoring, and fostering innovation remains central to its mandate, constantly adapting to new challenges like climate change, technological disruptions, and global economic shifts.
NITI Aayog coordinates SDGs (17 goals, 169 targets for 2016-2030) and spearheads the Aspirational Districts Programme to transform 115 backward districts, fostering cooperative federalism.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Definition
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all." They were established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030. The SDGs succeeded the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which concluded in 2015.
Key Facts
- Origin: Adopted by UN member states at the UN Summit meet on September 25-27, 2015, with India represented by the Hon'ble Prime Minister.
- Scope: Comprise 17 goals and 169 specific targets, covering a broad range of social, economic, and environmental development issues.
- Timeline: The agenda spans a 15-year period from 2016 to 2030.
- NITI Aayog's Role: NITI Aayog is the nodal agency in India for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the SDGs. Its mandate goes beyond mere data collection to proactively fructifying the goals and targets, ensuring both quantitative and qualitative achievement.
- Monitoring: NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), publishes the SDG India Index, which tracks the progress of states and Union Territories on various SDG indicators.
Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP)
Definition
The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India in January 2018. It aims to rapidly transform 115 identified districts across the country that have shown relatively lesser progress in key social sectors. The programme is driven by the vision of a 'New India' by 2022, ensuring inclusive growth and bridging regional disparities.
Key Facts
- Launch: January 2018.
- Scope: Covers 115 districts identified based on composite indicators from health & nutrition, education, agriculture & water resources, financial inclusion & skill development, and basic infrastructure.
- NITI Aayog's Role: NITI Aayog is the prime force behind the ADP, providing overall guidance, coordination, and monitoring.
- Core Thematic Areas: The programme focuses on 5 core themes:
- Health & Nutrition
- Education
- Agriculture & Water Resources
- Financial Inclusion & Skill Development
- Basic Infrastructure
Mechanism
Both initiatives embody NITI Aayog's role in fostering cooperative federalism and data-driven governance.
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SDGs: NITI Aayog maps Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs), Central Sector Schemes, and State Schemes to specific SDG targets. It develops a 15-year Vision Document, a 7-year Strategy Document (2017-24), and a 3-year Action Agenda (2017-18 to 2019-20) to align national development with SDG targets. The SDG India Index provides a comprehensive dashboard for states' performance, encouraging healthy competition and learning.
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ADP: The programme operates on three core principles:
- Convergence: Bringing together various Central and State government schemes to maximize impact.
- Collaboration: Fostering partnerships among Central, State, district administrations, and local citizens.
- Competition: States and districts are ranked monthly based on real-time data across 49 key performance indicators (KPIs). This 'delta ranking' encourages districts to compete with each other and improve their performance.
Exam Angle
For UPSC, understanding NITI Aayog's role as a think-tank, its shift from a 'provider' to an 'enabler', and its focus on outcome-based monitoring is crucial. Both SDGs and ADP highlight India's commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, cooperative federalism, and leveraging data for governance. Questions often revolve around the specific goals/targets, NITI Aayog's functions, the principles of ADP, and the evolution from MDGs to SDGs.
Analysis: SDGs and ADP as Pillars of India's Development Strategy
India's engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the launch of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) represent a strategic shift in its development planning. The SDGs, with their universal applicability and comprehensive scope, moved beyond the MDGs' focus on developing countries, emphasizing interconnectedness and leaving no one behind. For India, this meant integrating global goals into national and sub-national policies, a task spearheaded by NITI Aayog.
NITI Aayog's role is not merely supervisory but proactive, involving policy formulation, capacity building (e.g., through SATH – Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital), and fostering cooperative federalism. The SDG India Index, developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with MoSPI, is a critical tool for localizing the SDGs, providing a granular view of state-level performance and encouraging a competitive spirit for improvement. This data-driven approach helps identify gaps and direct resources more effectively.
The ADP is a unique, data-intensive, and outcome-oriented initiative designed to address regional disparities within India. By focusing on 115 specific districts that lag on key socio-economic indicators, it aims to accelerate development where it is most needed. The programme's emphasis on convergence of schemes, collaboration among various stakeholders, and competition through monthly 'delta ranking' creates a dynamic environment for rapid transformation. This model allows for real-time monitoring and immediate corrective actions, a significant departure from traditional, slower bureaucratic processes. However, challenges remain, including ensuring data integrity, sustaining political will, and building robust local capacities.
Comparison Table: MDGs vs. SDGs
| Feature | Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2000-2015) | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2016-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Goals | 8 Goals | 17 Goals |
| Number of Targets | 21 Targets | 169 Targets |
| Scope | Primarily focused on developing countries | Universal, applicable to all countries (developed and developing) |
| Focus Areas | Poverty, hunger, disease, lack of shelter, gender inequality, education, environmental sustainability, global partnership | Broader, encompassing social, economic, environmental dimensions (e.g., peace, justice, institutions) |
| Approach | Top-down, expert-driven | Inclusive, participatory, involving civil society, private sector, and governments |
| Key Principle | Poverty reduction | Sustainable development, 'Leave No One Behind' |
Case Study: Impact of ADP on Health & Nutrition
One of the most significant impacts of the ADP has been observed in the Health & Nutrition sector. Districts like Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh) and Dahod (Gujarat), initially lagging, have shown remarkable improvements. Through focused interventions, such as increasing institutional deliveries, improving immunization coverage, and reducing malnutrition among children, these districts have leveraged the ADP framework. For instance, the programme facilitated better utilization of existing schemes like the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) and POSHAN Abhiyaan, alongside local innovations. The monthly delta ranking incentivized district administrations to prioritize these indicators, leading to tangible improvements in maternal and child health outcomes, often supported by NITI Aayog's technical assistance through initiatives like SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Human Capital).
Mains Hooks
- Cooperative Federalism: Discuss how NITI Aayog's coordination of SDGs and implementation of ADP exemplify cooperative federalism, where Centre and States collaborate for national development.
- Data-Driven Governance: Analyze how the SDG India Index and ADP's delta ranking promote evidence-based policymaking and outcome-oriented governance.
- Addressing Regional Disparities: Evaluate the ADP's effectiveness in reducing inter-district disparities and fostering inclusive growth.
- Localization of Global Goals: Examine India's strategy for localizing the SDGs through national policies and sub-national programmes like ADP.
- NITI Aayog's Evolving Role: Discuss how NITI Aayog, as a think-tank, facilitates transformation through initiatives like SDGs coordination and ADP, moving beyond the erstwhile Planning Commission's role.
Recent Developments
The SDG India Index 3.0 (2020-21), released by NITI Aayog, continued to track progress, with Kerala retaining its top spot and Bihar being the worst performer. The latest report emphasizes the need for accelerated action, particularly in areas like SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The ADP has also seen continuous refinement, with NITI Aayog regularly updating the performance indicators and providing capacity-building support. The programme has been lauded by international organizations like the UNDP for its innovative approach to local development. Furthermore, the concept of 'Aspirational Blocks' is being explored, extending the ADP's successful model to a more granular administrative level, indicating a continued commitment to targeted development interventions.
This model was used in the Second Five Year Plan. It was named after the famous statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. It argued that India should focus on building heavy industries first.
This model was used in the Second Five Year Plan. It was named after the famous statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. It argued that India should focus on building heavy industries first. By making steel and machines, India could eventually produce everything else locally. Example: Setting up the Durgapur and Bhilai steel plants.
This is the current policy think-tank of the Indian government. It replaced the old Planning Commission in 2015. Unlike the old system, it follows a 'bottom-up' approach. This means states have a bigger say in making plans.
This is the current policy think-tank of the Indian government. It replaced the old Planning Commission in 2015. Unlike the old system, it follows a 'bottom-up' approach. This means states have a bigger say in making plans. It does not give out money like the old commission did. Example: Creating the 'Aspirational Districts Program' to improve backward areas.
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