Niti Aayog Balance Woes: Cooperative or Competitive Federalism and the Need for Balance: An Essay

Naveen Patnaik, the esteemed Chief Minister of Odisha, once articulated a resounding assertion that “federalism is an inherent cornerstone of our constitutional framework.” This robust proclamation stands as a testament to the evolving role that federalism has played within the intricate tapestry of Indian society. As we delve deeper into our exploration, we encounter the dual facets of federalism: COOPERATIVE and COMPETITIVE. India hosts a plethora of organizations and bodies that employ these distinct modes, yet one institution, NITI AAYOG, stands out for its adept utilization of both paradigms. In this scholarly endeavor, our objective is to unravel the intricate interplay between these two forms of federalism within the framework of NITI AAYOG. Moreover, we endeavor to cultivate a comprehensive comprehension of NITI AAYOG itself, tracing its historical trajectory and delineating its multifaceted functions. The apex of NITI AAYOG’s prominence recently materialized during the 8th Governing Council meeting in the bustling heart of New Delhi. This event witnessed a spectrum of participation, with some dignitaries withholding their presence. Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, vociferously articulated that “Cooperative federalism has turned into a jest.” This raises the compelling question of whether NITI AAYOG has veered off course from its mission. However, definitive answers to this conundrum elude us, for it is a multifaceted issue that warrants comprehensive analysis, an endeavor that we shall undertake within the confines of this essay. Furthermore, we shall delve into the imperativeness of striking a harmonious equilibrium between cooperative and competitive federalism, an essential facet of this discourse.