49. National Development Council

Question 0

What is the composition of the National Development Council

Answer 0

1. Chairman: Prime-Minister of India
2. All union cabinet ministers (since 1967)
3. Chief ministers and administrators of all states and union territories
4. Members of planning commission
5. Secretary of planning commission acts as a secretary of the NDC
6. NDC is provided by administrative and other assistance for work by the planning commission

Question 1

When and how did the National Development Council was established?

Answer 1

The National Development Council was established in 1952 by Govt of India/Union cabinet on recommendation of the 1st Five Year Plan (draft)

Question 2

What are the functions of National Development Council?

Answer 2

1. Consider important questions of social and economic policy affecting national development
2. Prescribe guidelines for preparation of the national plan
3. Consider the national plan prepared by planning commission
4. Assessment of resources required for implementation of the plan and suggest measures for augmenting them
5. Review working of national plan time to time
6. Recommend measures for achievement of the aims and targets set out in the national plan

Process: 5Yr plan:
Draft 5Yr plan prepared by planning commission > Union cabinet > NDC > Parliament > FINAL 5YR PLAN

**NDC IS THE HIGHEST BODY BELOW PARLIAMENT FOR POLICY MATTERS WITH REGARD TO PLANNING FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

***HOWEVER, IT IS AN ADVISORY BODY TO PLANNING COMMISSION AND ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOT BINDING

• It makes its recommendations to the union and state governments and should meet twice every year

Question 3

What are the criticisms of National Development Council?

Answer 3

1. Super cabinet/rubber stamp
2. The first and foremost function of NDC is to act as a BRIDGE/LINK BETWEEN CENTRE, STATES, AND PLANNING COMMISSION as a forum for deliberations on the matters of national importance and also as a DEVICE FOR SHARING RESPONSIBILITY between them in the federal political system.
3. Due to its powerful composition it has been termed as ‘SUPER CABINET’ by some critics and on the other hand due to its only advisory nature it has been criticised as just a ‘RUBBER STAMP’.