The state of Uttarakhand is focusing on reimagining and strengthening its institutions to realize the goal of Vikasit and Sashakt (Developed and Empowered) Uttarakhand. This includes making rapid strides in economic, social, industrial and other sectors across hilly, rural and urban areas of the state in future while attaining the goals outlined in its vision 2047. This development journey will be undertaken with a commitment to preserving and balancing the state's ecology.

Setu Aayog has been formed replacing the erstwhile State Planning Commission which has been merged into Setu. Setu also focuses on reforms in various government processes in states, mechanism for effective awareness of schemes and delivery, different sector strategies and collaboration with state, national and international institutes, NGOs, multilateral agencies, union govt departments, foreign institutes and governments and industrial houses.

SETU aims to enhance the planning system, promote effective and evidence-based decision-making, encourage innovation, and improve interdepartmental coordination, along with the monitoring and evaluation of state government programs, policies, and schemes.

An Introduction

The main executive body of SETU, comprising the Secretary of the Planning Department, CEO, and ACEO, oversees three centers under the guidance of Vice Chairman SETU:

1. The Centre for Economic and Social Development (CESD) identifies key sectors for job creation and advises on skill development and entrepreneurship. There are two verticals under CESD –(1)Economy and (2)Employment Social Environment and Social Welfare. 
2. The Centre for Public Policy & Good Governance (CPPGG) implements tech-based governance solutions, fosters participatory policymaking, and promotes administrative reforms.  There are two verticals under CPPGG – (1) Public Policy and Governance (2) Urban / Semi Urban Development
3. The Centre for Evidence-based Planning (CEBP) focuses on data-driven policy planning, enhances monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and supports data-centric decision-making. There are two verticals under CEBP – (1) Statistics and Data (2) Monitoring and Evaluation

Cells under SETU Aayog

EAP Cell –

Externally Aided Projects are important potential sources of augmenting the State’s resources in state like Uttarakhand. External assistance plays a significant role in the development process of the state. External assistance has gained significance in order to acquire competitive strength and latest know-how under the globalized economic framework for social and infrastructure sectors. The SETU Aayog / Department of Planning is the nodal department for all EAPs. It has created EAP Cell for the overall facilitation and coordination of the EAPs in the state and to coordinate with respective agencies as well as respective departments/division of central government.

PPP Cell –

Public Private Partnership (PPP) has now become mainstay of government's infrastructure development plan world over. Uttarakhand being one of the newest states of our country, needs to develop its infrastructure faster in order to catch up with the other states and world as whole. Keeping this vision in mind Uttarakhand has become part of DEA, GoI and ADB promoted Technical Assistance program " Mainstreaming of PPP in states". Uttarakhand PPP Cell has been established under this program as a Technical Secretariat for all PPP related issues of Government of Uttarakhand. For more information - http://www.upppc.org/

Coordination, Convergence, and Networking Cell -

The cell is dedicated to inter-departmental and inter-sectoral coordination to aid the collaboration and inter-learning among the entire stakeholders for holistic development in Uttarakhand. It also emphasizes on the coordinated efforts in implementation. It facilitates convergence in terms of financial, human resources, knowledge and technical convergence among stakeholders. It also enhance and effective networking with Academia, CSOs, NGOs, CSR, Research Bodies etc. towards concentrated efforts for achievement of holistic development.

SDG Cell  –

SDG cell is dedicated to coordinating with departments, collecting data against SDG indicators, analyzing the data, and preparing SDG indicators.

Himalayan Cell –

The Himalayan Cell in SETU Aayog collaborates closely with NITI Aayog’s Himalayan States’ Regional Council (HSRC) to spearhead sustainable development in the Indian Himalayan Region. The Cell will conduct various studies and will utilize insights from HSRC's 5 Working Groups to design targeted interventions. With a holistic approach, it aims to drive comprehensive development, promoting prosperity, environmental conservation, and well-being for all stakeholders by taking following initiatives - Biodiversity Conservation and Cultural Heritage Preservation, Climate Change Adaptation, Renewable Energy Promotion, Agricultural Innovation, Healthcare Access, Education and Skill Development, and Infrastructure Development.

Migration Cell –

The Migration Cell within SETU Aayog has been established to critically examine the root causes and effects of migration in Uttarakhand and develop comprehensive strategies to address this significant issue. The Cell analyses data, collaborates with various departments, and implements strategic interventions. Through below focused efforts, the Cell aims to curb migration rates and create opportunities for residents to thrive within their own communities, fostering a more stable and prosperous Uttarakhand - Data Collection and Analysis, Collaboration and Action Planning, Policy Advocacy and Implementation, Reinstating and Reversing Migration, Sustainable Solutions, Public Awareness and Outreach,  and R&D and Capacity Building.

Planning & monitoring cell –

The Planning & monitoring cell of State planning commission/ SETU  is the  advocacying of various programs of central sector, State sector and Externally Aided Projects running by  line departments of State Government programs, including the regular reviews meetings regarding to  the  budget, sanction and expenditure of  departments under different schemes and share with NITI Aayog and Honorable Governor Secretariat of Uttarakhand.

The cell is also play a key role to  facilitate the proposals of different line departments for pursuing grant -in-aid   by Government of India special scheme/projects i.e. Special Assistance and other compensation grants/packages by GoI. After formation of NITI Aayog  the cell is the nodal  for all NITI Aayog programs such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Aspirational District Program (ADP), and Aspirational Blocks Program (ABP), in the State.

PM Gati Shakti Uttarakhand Cell –

The planning department uses the portal as a thorough monitoring tool. It makes it easier to distribute scheme instructions and guidelines, receive and classify departmental applications, and track project development over time after approval in stages. This involves keeping track of deadlines for significant events including the approval of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), evaluations by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), announcements of tenders, and awards of tenders. Through this approach, the portal guarantees thorough documentation and supervision of every phase, from application submission to plan execution, from several funding sources. The Uttrakhand PM Gatishakti Portal primarily monitors the following schemes.

1. Missing Link Fund
2. Scheme for Special Assistance for Capital Investment
3. Rationalazation of Law
4. CM and CS Minutes of Meeting
5. NABARD
6. Disaster (Developing Stage)
7. Shaskat Uttarakhand (Developing Stage)
8. CM Conclave