Q. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the (UPSC Prelims 2015)
Answer: Planning Commission
Notes: The correct answer is [D] Planning Commission.The NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established by a Cabinet resolution on January 1, 2015, marking a paradigm shift in India's development strategy.Key Differences and the Shift in Philosophy:

• From "Top-Down" to "Bottom-Up": The erstwhile Planning Commission (Option D) followed a centralized "Command and Control" approach, where five-year plans were drafted at the center and imposed on states. NITI Aayog operates on the principle of Cooperative Federalism, recognizing that "strong states make a strong nation."
• Advisory vs. Financial Power: Unlike the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog does not have the power to allocate funds to state governments. That responsibility now rests entirely with the Ministry of Finance. NITI Aayog acts as a "Think Tank," providing high-level strategic and technical advice.
• Composition: The Prime Minister serves as the Chairperson. A significant addition is the Governing Council, which includes the Chief Ministers of all states and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, giving states a direct say in national policy.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• Human Rights Commission (Option A): This is a statutory body (NHRC) established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, to protect civil liberties. It was not replaced by NITI Aayog.
• Finance Commission (Option B): This is a Constitutional Body (Article 280) appointed every five years to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and the States. It coexists with NITI Aayog.
• Law Commission (Option C): This is a non-statutory body established from time to time by the Ministry of Law and Justice to suggest legal reforms.

Key Initiatives of NITI Aayog:

• Aspirational Districts Programme: Aimed at transforming the most under-developed districts in India.
• Composite Water Management Index: To help states manage water resources efficiently.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): To promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship (including Atal Tinkering Labs in schools).