What was the role of the prime minister in the planning commission?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Ex-Officio chairman.
The Prime Minister of India served as the Ex-Officio Chairperson of the Planning Commission, giving the body its highest level of authority. In this role, the Prime Minister provided overall guidance and approved policies, strategies, and five-year plans for the nation’s economic development. The Prime Minister also coordinated between ministries, state governments, and experts to ensure balanced growth. While the Deputy Chairperson and members handled day-to-day planning and sectoral strategies, the Prime Minister’s leadership ensured that plans aligned with national priorities. This role highlighted the central importance of the Planning Commission in shaping India’s post-independence economic policies until it was replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015.