On the 1st of January, 2016, it was reported15 that the Modi government is also going to abolish the National Development Council (NDC) and transfer its powers to the Governing Council of
the NITI Aayog. However, till now such a resolution has not been passed.
The last meeting (57th) of the NDC was held on the 27th of December, 2012 to approve the 12th Plan (2012–2017).
The National Development Council (NDC) was established in August 1952 by an executive resolution of the Government of India on the recommendation of the First Five Year Plan (draft outline). Like the erstwhile Planning Commission, it is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body.
Composition
The NDC is composed of the following members.
1. The Prime Minister of India (as its chairman/head).
2. All Union Cabinet Ministers (since 1967).17
3. The Chief Ministers of all the states.
4. The Chief Ministers/administrators of all union territories.
5. Members of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog).
The secretary of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) acts as the secretary to the NDC. It (NDC) is also provided with administrative and other assistance for its work by the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog).
Objectives
The NDC was established with the following objectives.
1. To secure cooperation of states in the execution of the Plan.
2. To strengthen and mobilise the efforts and resources of the nation in support of the Plan.
3. To promote common economic policies in all vital spheres.
4. To ensure balanced and rapid development of all parts of the country.
Functions
To realise the above objectives, the NDC is assigned with the following functions:
1. To prescribe guidelines for preparation of the national Plan.
2. To consider the national Plan as prepared by the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog).
3. To make an assessment of the resources required for implementing the Plan and to suggest measures for augmenting them.
4. To consider important questions of social and economic policy affecting national development.
5. To review the working of the national Plan from time to time.
6. To recommend measures for achievement of the aims and targets set out in the national Plan.
The Draft Five-Year Plan prepared by the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) is first submitted to the Union Cabinet. After its approval, it is placed before the NDC, for its acceptance. Then, the Plan is presented to the Parliament. With its approval, it emerges as
the official Plan and published in the official gazette.
Therefore, the NDC is the highest body, below the Parliament, responsible for policy matters with regard to planning for social and economic development. However, it is listed as an advisory body to the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) and its recommendations are not binding.
It makes its recommendations to the Central and state governments and should meet at least twice every year.
67th BPSC
Q. Who among the following is not a part of the National Development Council?
A. The Secretary of the NITI Aayog
B. The Secretary of the Planning and Programme Implementation Ministry
C. The Chairman of the Finance Commission of India
D. More than one of the above