English PSSSB Practice 44

The Planning Commission was an important institution in India that was set up in 1950 by the Government of India to plan and guide the country's economic development. It was established by a resolution of the Government and was not mentioned in the Indian Constitution, which means it was created as an extra-constitutional body. The main purpose of the Planning Commission was to prepare Five-Year Plans and ensure their proper implementation to promote balanced and rapid development in the country. The Commission was responsible for assessing the country's resources, formulating plans for the most effective use of these resources, and allocating funds to different states and sectors. It worked under the Prime Minister of India and included members with expertise in economics, industry, agriculture, and planning. The Planning Commission played a key role in shaping India's development strategy after independence, focusing on self-reliance, poverty reduction, industrial growth, agricultural development, and social welfare. It introduced schemes and policies to improve infrastructure, education, health, and rural development. Each Five-Year Plan prepared by the Commission set clear targets for economic growth, employment generation, and improvement of living standards. Over the years, the Commission guided India through twelve Five-Year Plans, addressing issues such as food security, energy production, technology advancement, and reducing inequalities among states. However, in 2015, the Government replaced the Planning Commission with a new institution called NITI Aayog to make planning more flexible and cooperative with the states. The Planning Commission's legacy lies in its systematic approach to development and its role in transforming India's economy from an agricultural base to a growing industrial and service-oriented economy. Its work has shaped India's growth story and laid the foundation for modern planning strategies.