The Planning Commission of India was established in 1950 through a resolution issued by the Government of India. The commission was an independent body responsible for formulating the country's five-year plans and other development policies. It played a crucial role in shaping India's economic and social policies for over six decades before it was disbanded in 2014.

Formation and Purpose of the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission was established with the aim of promoting economic growth and development in India. At the time of its establishment, India was grappling with the challenges of rebuilding its economy and improving the living standards of its people after gaining independence from British colonial rule. The commission was tasked with developing comprehensive plans for the country's economic and social development and ensuring that these plans were implemented effectively.

Functions and Responsibilities of the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission had a wide range of functions and responsibilities, including:

Formulating Five-Year Plans: The commission was responsible for developing and implementing the country's Five-Year Plans, which set specific goals and targets for economic and social development.

Allocating Resources: The commission was also responsible for allocating financial resources to various sectors and regions of the country based on their priorities and needs.

Monitoring Progress: The commission monitored the progress of various development projects and schemes to ensure that they were implemented effectively and achieved their intended goals.

Coordinating Efforts: The commission worked closely with various ministries and departments of the government, as well as with state governments, to coordinate development efforts and ensure that they were aligned with the country's overall development goals.

Disbanding of the Planning Commission

In 2014, the Government of India announced that the Planning Commission would be disbanded and replaced by a new institution called the National Institution for Transforming India, or NITI Aayog. The decision was based on the need to modernize and streamline India's development planning process, which was seen as outdated and bureaucratic.

Conclusion

The Planning Commission played a crucial role in shaping India's economic and social policies for over six decades. It helped to lay the foundation for India's economic growth and development, particularly during the post-independence period. While the commission is no longer in existence, its legacy continues to influence India's development policies and strategies. The country's continued progress and success will depend on its ability to adapt and evolve its development planning processes to meet the changing needs and challenges of a rapidly evolving global environment.