Over the decades, planning in India has evolved with the changing paradigm. As the focus shifts to the idea of inclusivity, united efforts for institutional transformation have become imperative. Hence, planning being the foremost aspect of growth and development needs to be re-imagined. Strategic and well-researched modern thoughts require space in the policy sphere. Moreover, as the complexities amplify, the requirement for evolved public policy planning becomes important. The goal of inclusive growth requires the involvement of every stakeholder with the requisite zeal and faith in the system. Therefore, states being the major partners, have to join this collective effort of institutional and socio- economic transformation.

State Support Mission (SSM) is a well-thought-out initiative with the primary objective of supporting States/UTs to re-conceptualise the role of their State Planning Departments by establishing State Institution for Transformation (SIT) within the planning sphere, comprising government officials and other professionals with sector-specific expertise. This central sector scheme recognises the distinctiveness and dynamism of Indian States; therefore, it allows the states to identify their respective priority areas to build upon the development agenda in synergy with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 and the larger vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

Emerging future of planning lies in effective monitoring and evaluation; data driven analysis; and appropriate capacity building of personnel in technology enabled systems. The mission has built Viksit Bharat Strategy Room and the digital repository “NITI for States” platform where information integrates with perspectives to ensure operability, accessibility, and accountability. SSM offers the right prospects for the States to build their own thinking hub where knowledge and skill prevail over officialdom.

NITI Aayog has been instrumental for ensuring cooperative as well as competitive federalism. Under SSM, the efforts towards cooperative federalism are further cemented by corroborating multi-level collaboration through workshops and engagement with knowledge institutions, multi-level agencies, civil society, etc. Participation is encouraged at national, state as well regional levels to explicate the significance of key stakeholder in planning and effective implementation of the mission.

Damini Yadav

Consultant Grade 1 

State Support Mission, NITI Aayog