Good replacement

Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Niti Aayog’s mandate” (November 1). The editorial  has rightly lauded the real functions of the Niti Aayog in the changed circumstances since 2015. The Planning  Commission  was a replication  of the Soviet brand of imposed  planning by the highest set-up  in dictatorial USSR. It was emulated by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951. It reflected Nehru’s desire to impose his romantic fancies on the Union Government as well as State Governments, and made them accept his decision. 

While the  first plan had  primacy on agriculture, the second initiated industrialisation  without strengthening the foundation of cooperative federalism, which the Constitution envisaged. It provided  to be a wasteful exercise. The Niti Aayog strives also to encourage ease of doing business and make administration the vehicle to address major  public grievances. The Niti Aayog has, therefore, been a good replacement for the Planning Commission.