What was the primary function of Planning Commission of India?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3: Formulating and implementing Five-Year Plans.
Explanation:
The primary function of India's Planning Commission was to effectively assess the country's resources and formulate Five-Year Plans for their balanced utilization. It was established on March 15, 1950, as a non-constitutional and advisory body. Its main objective was to accelerate economic growth and ensure social justice. On January 1, 2015, it was replaced by the NITI Aayog.
Additional Facts:
- Chairman: The *ex-officio* Chairman of the Planning Commission was always the Prime Minister of India.
- First Chairman: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Last Chairman: Narendra Modi.
- First Five-Year Plan: Launched in 1951, it focused primarily on the agricultural sector (Harrod-Domar Model).
- NITI Aayog: Unlike the Planning Commission, the NITI Aayog is based on a 'bottom-up' approach and 'cooperative federalism.'
Potential Questions for Upcoming Exams:
Question: On what date was the 'NITI Aayog' constituted to replace the Planning Commission?
Answer: January 1, 2015.
Question: What was the tenure of India's last Five-Year Plan (the 12th Plan)?
Answer: 2012–2017.
Question: What was the main function of the 'National Development Council'?
Answer: To finalize and approve the Five-Year Plans formulated by the Planning Commission.