48. Planning Commission

Question 0

Explain the composition of the Planning Commission.

Answer 0

1. Chairman:
   Prime-Minister of India.
2. Deputy Chairman:
   De-facto executive head (full time functional head) responsible for the formulation and submission of the draft 5-Yr plan.
3. Some Central ministers are appointed as part time members.
   - Finance minister and Planning minister are ex-officio (by virtue of one’s position and status) members.
4. 4-7 full time expert members with rank of MoS (Minister of State)
5. Member secretary, usually a senior IAS officer

*** States are NOT represented in the Planning Commission in any way, hence the PLANNING COMMISSION IS WHOLLY A CENTRE/UNION CONSTITUTED BODY.

Question 1

When and how did planning commission was established?

Answer 1

Planning Commission was established in 1950 by the executive resolution of Govt of India/Union Cabinet on recommendation of the Advisory Planning board constituted in 1946, under chairmanship of K.C.Neogi

Question 2

What are the functions of Planning Commission?

Answer 2

1. Assessment and Augmenting:
   Material, capital and human resources (HRs)
2. Formation of Plan:
   Optimum utilisation of countries resources
3. Determine priorities and define stages:
   For implementation of plan
4. Indicate Factors:
   That retard economic development
5. Determine the nature of machinery:
   For successful implementation of plan in each stages
6. Appraisal and adjustments:
   From time to time the progress and recommend necessary adjustments for successful execution of plan
7. Make appropriate recommendations:
   For facilitating the discharge of its duties or matter referred to it for advice by union or state governments

***PLANNING COMMISSION IS ONLY STAFF AGENCY-ADVISORY BODY AND HAS NO EXECUTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Question 3

Criticism of Planning Commission

Answer 3

Critics have described it as a ‘SUPER CABINET’,’ECONOMIC CABINET’,’PARALLEL CABINET’,’FIFTH WHEEL OF THE COACH’ etc