Delhi Sets Up DITI, a New Policy Think Tank Modelled on NITI Aayog

The Delhi government has set up the Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation (DITI) as its key advisory institution for public policy, development strategy and institutional reforms. Modelled on NITI Aayog, DITI will help the government pursue its goal of a “Viksit Dilli by 2047”. It replaces the Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC), which was the city government's think tank during the previous Aam Aadmi Party rule.

Key Objectives of DITI

According to the Delhi government's official notification, DITI aims to promote evidence-based policy-making and make governance more responsive and outcome-oriented. Its main responsibilities are:

• Long-term development planning: preparing medium and long-term development plans, which may include Vision Delhi 2047
• Policy research and strategy: giving inputs on new challenges, development concerns and opportunities
• Governance reforms: suggesting reforms to improve governance through better institutional and administrative systems
• Evaluation: evaluating government schemes and programmes and suggesting improvements to their implementation and effectiveness
• Coordination: coordinating among government departments to achieve development objectives
• Weaker sections: assisting inclusive development for weaker sections of society
• Innovation and collaboration: promoting innovation using data, technology, policy research and collaboration with educational institutes and subject experts

Organisational Structure

DITI will work through two bodies: a Governing Board and an Executive Committee.

• Chairperson of Governing Board: Chief Minister of Delhi
• Vice-chairperson: a person nominated by the Chief Minister
• Members: state ministers, the Chief Secretary, the Vice-chairperson of DDA, the Commissioner of MCD and the Chairperson of NDMC
• Secretary of Governing Board: Administrative Secretary, Planning Department
• Chairperson of Executive Committee: Chief Secretary of Delhi
• Members of Executive Committee: administrative secretaries of the Planning, Urban Development, Public Works, and Irrigation and Flood Control departments, along with one nominee from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU)
• Administration: Planning Department, Government of Delhi

The Governing Board will oversee the whole process, while the Executive Committee will help with implementation, strategy, coordination and monitoring. Officials and experts of national and international repute may be invited to meetings when needed.

What Is Vision Delhi 2047?

Vision Delhi 2047 is the long-term development roadmap that DITI will help prepare for the national capital. It is meant to align Delhi's development priorities with citizens' aspirations and national priorities. The roadmap is expected to include sectoral targets and socioeconomic goals, supported by coordination across departments and stronger monitoring and evaluation. The broader aim is to develop Delhi as an inclusive, innovative, sustainable and globally competitive city.

DITI and NITI Aayog: Key Differences

DITI is being set up at the level of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, while NITI Aayog is the policy think tank of the Union government. DITI focuses on Delhi-specific development planning and governance.

• Full name: Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation versus National Institution for Transforming India
• Government level: National Capital Territory of Delhi versus the Union government
• Primary role: Delhi-focused policy advice, development planning and institutional reforms versus national policy strategy and cooperative federalism
• Leadership: the Chief Minister of Delhi chairs DITI's Governing Board, while the Prime Minister chairs NITI Aayog
• Long-term planning focus: Vision Delhi 2047 versus national development priorities and strategies
• Institutional role: supports Delhi government departments and programmes versus advising the Union government and facilitating Centre-State cooperation

DITI follows the policy-advisory approach of NITI Aayog, but the two institutions operate at different levels of government.