Central government departments may no longer enjoy the current autonomy in hiring private consultants. Most government departments hire consultants either specifically for a project or for general brainstorming. Prompted by the PMO, Niti Aayog has written to all ministries and departments to submit a database of consultants working with them and state how these postings don't result in 'conflicts of interest'. "Niti Aayog has received a note from the principal secretary to the Prime Minister of India regarding conflict of interest of consultants working for Government of India. It has been suggested that given the rising number of consultants being employed by every ministry, there is a need to streamline data pertaining to such appointments," reads the letter sent by Niti Aayog to all government departments. The paradox is Niti Aayog itself has been hiring external consultants to bring in talent to strengthen its workforce. Apart from hiring individuals-some at zero pay, it has also taken on-board consultancy firms such as Boston Consulting Group, EY, IPE Global and McKinsey for various projects depending on their expertise. "Further, it has been proposed Niti Aayog will be made the coordinating body for consultants in ministries, departments and institutions entirely funded by the Government of India and it be made mandatory for all such entities that hire consultants to Niti Aayog to report data," adds the letter. This would essentially mean that all ministries will have to go through the think-tank for hiring consultants. In addition, all consultants will require submitting a self-declaration form, as specified by Niti Aayog, which will, besides personal details and photograph, require consultants to state if in any way being a consultant for the Government of India leads to any 'conflict of interest'.