Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation (DITI): Delhi’s New Policy Think Tank

The Delhi government has set up the Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation (DITI) to serve as the key advisory institution for public policy, development strategy, and institutional reforms. Following the model of NITI Aayog, DITI will aid the Delhi government in realizing its objective of a “Viksit Dilli by 2047.” This institute has replaced the Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC), which was the think tank of the city government during the last Aam Aadmi Party rule.

DITI: Key Objectives

As per the official notification of the Delhi government, DITI aims to promote evidence-based policy formulation and make governance more responsive and outcome-oriented. The main responsibilities of DITI are,

• Planning for long-term development: Plan and prepare medium and long-term plans of development which may include Vision Delhi 2047.
• Inputs for policy research and strategy: Give input on new challenges, development concerns and opportunities.
• Governance reforms: Suggest reforms for improving the governance through the better institutional and administrative systems.
• Evaluation: Evaluate government schemes and programs and suggest improvement in their implementation and effectiveness.
• Coordination of the government departments: Coordinate among government departments and help to achieve development objectives.
• Development of weaker sections: Assist in inclusive development for weaker sections of society.
• Innovation and collaboration: Promote innovation by utilizing data, technological advancement, policy research and collaboration with educational institutes and other subject experts.

Organisational Structure of DITI

DITI shall operate on the basis of two key entities: the Governing Board and the Executive Committee.

• Chairperson of Governing Board: Chief Minister of Delhi
• Vice-chairperson of Governing Board: Nominated person by the Chief Minister
• Members of Governing Board: State ministers, Chief Secretary, Vice-chairperson of DDA, Commissioner of MCD and 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 Planning, Urban Development, Public Works, and Irrigation and Flood Control Departments alongwith 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 in implementing the process, developing strategy, coordinating and monitoring. Officials and experts on the respective subjects of national and international repute may be invited to the meetings whenever needed.

What Is Vision Delhi 2047?

Vision Delhi 2047 is the long-term development roadmap DITI will help prepare for the national capital. It is intended to align Delhi’s development priorities with citizens’ aspirations and national priorities.

The roadmap is expected to include the sectoral targets and socioeconomic goals, it is supported by the coordination across departments and stronger monitoring and evaluation systems. The broader objective is to develop Delhi as an inclusive, innovative, sustainable and globally competitive city.

DITI and NITI Aayog: Key Differences

DITI set to established at the level of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, while NITI Aayog serves as the policy think tank of the Union government. DITI’s mandate is also put more focus on Delhi-specific development planning and governance.

Basis	DITI	NITI Aayog
Full name	Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation	National Institution for Transforming India
Government level	National Capital Territory of the Delhi	Union government
Primary role	Delhi-focused policy advice, development planning and institutional reforms	National policy strategy and cooperative federalism
Leadership	Chief Minister of Delhi chairs its Governing Board	Prime Minister of India chairs NITI Aayog
Long-term planning focus	Vision Delhi 2047	National development priorities and strategies
Institutional role	Supports Delhi government departments and programmes	Advises the Union government and facilitates Centre–State cooperation

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