Delhi Government Proposes Policy Think Tank for Climate

The Delhi government has drafted a proposal to create a new policy think tank called the Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the institute in her 2026-27 budget speech, allocating ₹59 crore for its establishment this fiscal year.

According to a cabinet note accessed by Hindustan Times, DITI is envisioned as the government's premier public policy body. It will undertake research, conduct impact assessments, and help departments formulate development strategies. The planning department has prepared the detailed draft seeking approval for its constitution and mandate.

Focus on Eight Priority Sectors

The proposed institute will concentrate its work on eight key areas. These sectors were identified as critical for the city's future planning and governance.

Officials stated the need for such an institution stems from Delhi's increasingly complex challenges. These include rapid urbanisation, population growth, and climate change.

Long-Term Vision and Governance

A central long-term task for DITI will be assisting the government in preparing a comprehensive "Vision Delhi 2047" document. The institute will also work on medium-term development frameworks and facilitate stakeholder consultations.

"DITI will serve as a dedicated platform for strategic policy research, evidence-based decision-making, innovation, monitoring and evaluation, and interdepartmental coordination," the proposal states. The goal is to support the government's developmental and governance priorities.

The governing board will be chaired by the Chief Minister. A vice-chairperson will be nominated by her. The board's membership will include all Delhi ministers, the chief secretary, and the heads of key urban bodies like the Delhi Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

The administrative secretary of the planning department will act as the member secretary. Subject experts and officials can be included as special invitees. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University has been nominated as the lead knowledge institution for the think tank.

Modeled on National Experience

The proposal draws directly on the experience of the central government's NITI Aayog. The note argues that the national body has demonstrated the value of an agile, knowledge-driven institution that combines strategic thinking with implementation support.

An official familiar with the development said the idea is to create an internal institutional mechanism. This mechanism would bring together policy research, data, expertise, and monitoring. It would also help various government departments work towards longer-term development goals.

The cabinet note will be circulated to the finance, planning, and law departments for comments before seeking final approval. Their observations will be incorporated into the final proposal.

The think tank is positioned to address the city's pressing environmental issues, including the smog and soot that define its pollution challenges. By focusing on evidence-based policy for ecology and urban development, DITI aims to shape the city's approach to the climate-linked pollutants its residents breathe daily.