News for 'NITI Aayog'

India's 5 most innovative states

India's 5 most innovative states

Rediff.com20 Jan 2021

Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Kerala have been ranked as the top five states in innovation in Niti Aayog's second Innovation Index released on Wednesday. The index, released by Niti Aayog's vice chairman Rajiv Kumar and CEO Amitabh Kant, has been developed on the lines of the Global Innovation Index. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Bihar have been ranked at the bottom of the index. Karnataka topped the index for the second year in a row.

'Nation building can't be done by people on sabbatical'

'Nation building can't be done by people on sabbatical'

Rediff.com7 Aug 2017

'We do not want people who are air dropped and who fly out once the job is done.' 'Ever since liberalisation started, we keep on hearing that it's going to be jobless growth.' 'This speaks of the failure of the foreign returned policy makers.' 'When questions are raised, answers should be given and not a resignation.'

Govt keen on NITI's plan to help distressed farmers

Govt keen on NITI's plan to help distressed farmers

Rediff.com28 Jan 2019

The area-based income compensation scheme says that farmers should be paid the difference between the actual price they get and the state-mandated MSP. The compensation will be determined on a per acre basis by using district-level estimates of marketable surplus and prices in the harvest season.

States have capacity and must cut duty on petrol: NITI

States have capacity and must cut duty on petrol: NITI

Rediff.com24 May 2018

'It is important for states to agree 10-15 per cent duty cut and take home the same amount of tax revenue as budgeted.'

A peculiar problem plagues India's AI roadmap

A peculiar problem plagues India's AI roadmap

Rediff.com5 Jun 2019

National artificial intelligence unit stuck for lack of anchor department

The intricate route from Yojana to NITI

The intricate route from Yojana to NITI

Rediff.com13 Jan 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced its imminent replacement in his Independence Day address, but the new name, structure and key personnel became known only a week ago.

Profit-making PSUs likely to go under the hammer first

Profit-making PSUs likely to go under the hammer first

Rediff.com12 Mar 2021

The Centre is likely to privatise profit-making enterprises, reversing its previous position of first closing or merging loss-making state-run units. The NITI Aayog, which is in the process of selecting public sector units for privatisation, is likely to put out its first list, focusing on companies in non-strategic sectors, along with those that have got Cabinet approval for stake sale, or are in final stage of due diligence. "The shortlisted firms will be put out in three-four tranches, with the first list comprising non-strategic ones, followed by strategic sectors with a focus on privatisation and not divestment," said a senior government official privy to the plan. He said the first report was expected in early April. The think tank approach is in sync with the government's new strategies on privatisation and asset monetisation.

'Will never compromise...': Modi's big remark amid Trump tariffs

'Will never compromise...': Modi's big remark amid Trump tariffs

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India will never compromise the interests of its farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers, asserting that he would be ready to pay any price.

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

'If You Can Make a Difference, Just Do It'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'There'll be extended periods where things aren't working in your favour. But if you believe in the cause profoundly, then you simply persevere.'

Railways clocks 2nd-highest freight earnings since 2019

Railways clocks 2nd-highest freight earnings since 2019

Rediff.com31 Jan 2024

The Indian Railways carried more goods in December 2023 than the same time last year, making more money than any month bar one since the pandemic. The railways made Rs 15,098 crore by carrying freight in December 2023. The number was higher only in March 2023 when it earned Rs 15,769 crore, according to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE).

Amid intense heatwave, Centre calls high-level meet

Amid intense heatwave, Centre calls high-level meet

Rediff.com20 Jun 2023

Over the past few days, deaths due to heat stroke have been reported from different parts of the country including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha.

No case of Lambda variant of COVID found in India: Centre

No case of Lambda variant of COVID found in India: Centre

Rediff.com9 Jul 2021

On June 14, the World Health Organization designated the Lambda variant, previously known by its formal scientific name C.37, as the seventh and newest "variant of interest".

Niti's next divestment list will be ready in few weeks: Rajiv Kumar

Niti's next divestment list will be ready in few weeks: Rajiv Kumar

Rediff.com4 Feb 2021

Niti Aayog will prepare the next list of central public sector companies for disinvestment in the next few weeks, its vice chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday and expressed hope that the proposed asset reconstruction and management companies to address banks' bad loan woes will do a good job like the UTI. Days after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Union Budget for 2021-22 laying out various measures (including disinvestment proposals) to bolster the pandemic-hit economy, Kumar also emphasised that the Modi government has shown consistent commitment for the welfare of farmers and for the improvement of the agriculture sector. "Now the process has begun... We will complete preparation of the next list in the next few weeks, we have got the marching order," Kumar said about the list of public sector companies for the next round of stake sales.

GDP growth in last 2 yrs of UPA rule below projections: Niti

GDP growth in last 2 yrs of UPA rule below projections: Niti

Rediff.com25 Jul 2017

Under the new methodology, the base year has been changed from 2004-05 to 2011-12 and also in conformity with the international practice, the GDP is now measured at market prices.

How Your Grievances Can Be Fixed!

How Your Grievances Can Be Fixed!

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

CPGRAMS -- an online platform available to citizens 24x7 to lodge their grievances to public authorities on service delivery -- has existed for close to two decades. But it has never been this active, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Auto industry turns on heat over ICE ban, wants ban deferred

Auto industry turns on heat over ICE ban, wants ban deferred

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

Siam argues that a 2040 ban could destabilise ongoing and future investments and threaten millions of jobs in the automotive value chain.

Strategic divestment in PSUs within 6 months: Panagariya

Strategic divestment in PSUs within 6 months: Panagariya

Rediff.com8 Jul 2016

Government has targeted to garner about Rs 56,500 crore through selling its stake in PSUs.

Mamata to meet Modi, Sonia during 4-day Delhi visit

Mamata to meet Modi, Sonia during 4-day Delhi visit

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is arriving in New Delhi on Thursday for a four-day visit during which she is likely to meet senior leaders and attend a Niti Aayog meeting on August 7, sources said.

India managed Covid 2nd wave 'very well': Niti member

India managed Covid 2nd wave 'very well': Niti member

Rediff.com4 Jun 2021

'We have to take all preparations because the third wave is likely to start from September-October onward'

Meet Bhopal's 9-year old librarian who educates kids in her slum

Meet Bhopal's 9-year old librarian who educates kids in her slum

Rediff.com10 Sep 2016

Muskaan Ahirwar started off the library with 121 books.

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Shinde blames early arrival of monsoon for Mumbai flooding

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday attributed early arrival of the southwest monsoon and heavy rainfall in a short span for the inundation of low-lying areas in Mumbai, which disrupted road and railway traffic.

Land Act 'a bit draconian', frame own laws: Panagariya to states

Land Act 'a bit draconian', frame own laws: Panagariya to states

Rediff.com10 Sep 2015

NITI Aayog vice-chairman advises states to follow Tamil Nadu model for framing land acqisition laws

Make in India should move focus away from strong sectors, says NITI

Make in India should move focus away from strong sectors, says NITI

Rediff.com23 Jan 2017

NITI Aayog wants the prime minister's flagship initiative should focus on labour-intensive sectors and policies that impede their growth to get special attention.

Modi's Budget agenda: Jobs, farm productivity, funds for infr

Modi's Budget agenda: Jobs, farm productivity, funds for infr

Rediff.com24 Dec 2024

Job creation, improving farm productivity, and mobilising public funds for infrastructure development were some of the issues that figured during the interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and economists ahead of the 2025-26 Union Budget. The prime minister on Tuesday met eminent economists and sectoral experts at NITI Aayog to hear their views and suggestions for the upcoming Budget. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Budget for 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2025.

Healthcare sector likely to reach $372 bn in 2022: Niti

Healthcare sector likely to reach $372 bn in 2022: Niti

Rediff.com30 Mar 2021

Healthcare has become one of the largest sectors of the Indian economy and is expected to reach $372 billion in 2022, according to a report by Niti Aayog released on Tuesday. The report outlined a range of investment opportunities in the country's healthcare sector across hospitals, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The report, titled 'Investment Opportunities in India's Healthcare Sector', also said India's healthcare sector has the potential to generate 27 lakh jobs in India between 2017 and 2022 -- over 5 lakh new jobs per year.

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

How Kerala Aims to Be India's First Poverty Free State

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

Despite facing financial constraints, Kerala has been able to invest in welfare schemes and targeted programmes.

'Retaliatory Tariffs By Us Won't Hurt US'

'Retaliatory Tariffs By Us Won't Hurt US'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'When Prime Minister Modi met President Trump, they agreed to initiate a bilateral trade dialogue.' 'It makes sense to give these negotiations a chance.'

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Finance Secretary TK Pandey is new Sebi chairman

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

The Indian government has appointed Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer, will replace Madhabi Puri Buch, whose three-year tenure ends on February 28. Pandey's appointment comes at a time when the markets are experiencing bear pressure due to withdrawals by foreign institutional investors (FIIs). Pandey has extensive experience in the finance ministry, having served as the longest-serving secretary in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) and the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE). He also played a key role in the framing of the 2025-26 Budget and the drafting of the new Income Tax Bill. Pandey's appointment is for an initial period of three years.

Festive Buzz To Boost Gig Jobs

Festive Buzz To Boost Gig Jobs

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Qcom alone is expected to account for a 60 per cent surge in gig hiring, adding 1.5 million to 2 million roles.

Road, rail, coal may dominate National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0

Road, rail, coal may dominate National Monetisation Pipeline 2.0

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Roads, railways, and coal together are likely to account for 70 per cent of the government's takings from the upcoming second edition of the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), set to run from FY26 to FY30. In comparison, these three sectors are estimated to have contributed 66 per cent in the first edition of the NMP - FY22 to FY25.

'We should pay more attention to China'

'We should pay more attention to China'

Rediff.com18 May 2022

'Our competitiveness with China is very important.' 'If the exchange rate depreciates, it is good for us because it helps in our competitiveness.'

Fundamentals of Indian economy strong, has capacity to bounce back: Modi

Fundamentals of Indian economy strong, has capacity to bounce back: Modi

Rediff.com9 Jan 2020

At the pre-Budget meeting at Niti Aayog, Modi called for a focussed effort from all stakeholders in order to achieve the target of $5 trillion economy. The participants urged the government to focus on credit expansion, exports growth, governance of PSBs, increasing consumption and job creation.

Next time invite FM: Cong mocks PM's budget meet

Next time invite FM: Cong mocks PM's budget meet

Rediff.com9 Jan 2020

Later, Sitharaman's office clarified that the FM had already met the industrialists, experts, and economists during the pre-budget consultations.

Unemployment: One of the BIG problems facing Modi 3.0

Unemployment: One of the BIG problems facing Modi 3.0

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-NDA government in its third term must tackle the problem of unemployment in the country, especially in the unorganised sector and in small and medium enterprises, former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Monday. Kumar also emphasised that the government now must finalise the four labour codes as it has been delayed beyond expectations. "We must recognise that post-COVID economic recovery has been a K-shaped recovery.

India needs rapid expansion in higher education: Panagariya

India needs rapid expansion in higher education: Panagariya

Rediff.com3 Nov 2015

Panagariya is of the view that school education and higher education need to grow together to help India face various challenges.

Freebie culture made into art for fighting polls, will lead to disaster: Govt to SC

Freebie culture made into art for fighting polls, will lead to disaster: Govt to SC

Rediff.com11 Aug 2022

In a response to the August 3 order, the Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, said till the time either the legislature or the poll panel steps in, the top court must lay down "dos and don'ts" for political parties in the 'larger national interest.'

Why PM prefers Raisina Hill to Vigyan Bhavan

Why PM prefers Raisina Hill to Vigyan Bhavan

Rediff.com22 Apr 2017

Modi believes that in the spirit of 'cooperative federalism' the venue for such meetings between him and the chief ministers should take place around the proverbial 'round table'.

Niti moots 100% tax exemption for donations to not-for-profit hospitals

Niti moots 100% tax exemption for donations to not-for-profit hospitals

Rediff.com29 Jun 2021

Government think tank Niti Aayog has suggested 100 per cent income tax exemption for donations and provision of working capital loans with lower interest rates for not-for-profit hospitals to strengthen healthcare services in India. In a report titled 'Not-for-Profit Hospital Model in India', the Aayog also pitched for involving high performing hospitals in public private partnership (PPP) models for managing primary health care (PHCs), operations of government facilities and PSU hospitals. "Income-tax exemption could be increased from the current 50 per cent exemption to 100 per cent exemption for philanthropy toward the identified not-for-profit hospitals.

Govt appoints three new external RBI MPC members

Govt appoints three new external RBI MPC members

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The government on Tuesday appointed three external members -- Ram Singh, Saugata Bhattacharya and Nagesh Kumar -- to the RBI's rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee for four years. The central government has reconstituted the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of RBI, the finance ministry said in a statement. Ram Singh is the director of the Delhi School of Economics, Saugata Bhattacharya is an economist, and Nagesh Kumar is the director and Chief Executive, Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi.

Modi urges India Inc to 'think out of box' to grab global oppotunities

Modi urges India Inc to 'think out of box' to grab global oppotunities

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said both public and private sectors need to leverage synergies and think out of the box to seize opportunities arising as a result of the emerging global environment. While interacting with noted economists and experts at NITI Aayog ahead of the Union Budget, the prime minister also applauded the success of the India Digital story and the rapid adoption of fintech across the country, an official statement said. During the meeting, economists offered suggestions on ways in which India can sustain its development momentum, it added.