UPSC Prelims 2019 Q19: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the
- (a) Department of Science and Technology
- (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment
- (c) NITI Aayog
- (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Answer: (c) NITI Aayog
Explanation
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Parent Body
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2016 by Government of India |
| Set up under | NITI Aayog |
| Objective | Promote innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in India |
| Key initiatives | Atal Tinker Labs (in schools), Atal Incubation Centres (universities/institutions), Atal Community Innovation Centres, ANIC (Atal New India Challenges), ARISE-ANIC (for MSMEs) |
| Governing body | Mission Directorate headed by Mission Director under NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman |
Answer: (c) NITI Aayog.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. DST supports scientific research (SERB, DST fellowships) but AIM is not under it.
- (b) Incorrect. Ministry of Labour handles employment policy, not innovation missions.
- (c) CORRECT. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is set up under NITI Aayog - it drives India's innovation ecosystem through Tinker Labs, Incubation Centres and ANIC challenges.
- (d) Incorrect. MSDE runs Skill India (PMKVY) - a separate skill-development thrust.
Key point
AIM = NITI Aayog flagship for innovation. Includes Atal Tinker Labs (schools), Atal Incubation Centres, ANIC challenges, MANK (Mentor of Change).
Remember
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is set up under NITI Aayog. It runs Atal Tinker Labs in schools, Atal Incubation Centres in institutions, and ANIC challenges to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across India.
Common mistakes
- Confusing AIM with Startup India (DPIIT under Ministry of Commerce) - different flagship.
- Assuming any 'Atal' scheme is a single ministry - Atal Pension Yojana is under PFRDA/Finance, while AIM is under NITI Aayog.
- Missing the schools focus - Atal Tinker Labs put innovation kits in over 10,000 schools.
Exam tip
Innovation ecosystem mapping: NITI Aayog -> AIM. DPIIT (Commerce) -> Startup India. MSDE -> Skill India. DST -> Technology missions. Ministry of Electronics & IT -> Digital India.
Sources
- NITI Aayog — Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Atal Tinkering Labs and Atal Incubation Centres
- PIB - Atal Innovation Mission launch documentation