What is National Development Council (NDC)?
Q. Which of the following are correct regarding National Development Council (NDC)?
1) The NDC is a statutory body and not a constitutional one.
2) The NDC has Chief Ministers of all states.
3) NDC is the highest body, below the Parliament, responsible for policy matters with regards to planning.- Published on 15 Mar 17a. 1, 2
b. 2, 3
c. 1, 3
d. All of the above
ANSWER: 2, 3
- The National Development Council (NDC) is non-statutory and non-constitutional body.
- It was established in August 1952 by an executive resolution of the Government of India.
- It was on the recommendation of the first Five-Year Plan (draft).
- NDC act as a link between the Union Government, State Governments and Planning Commission, in the field of planning, to bring about coordination of programmes.
- The Draft Five-Year Plan prepared by Planning Commission is sent to the Union Cabinet.
- On approval, it is placed before the NDC, for its acceptance.
- Then, the plan is presented to the Parliament.
- With parliamentary approval, it becomes official plan and published in the official gazette.
- Thus, NDC is the highest body, below the Parliament, responsible for policy matters with regards to planning.
- But, it is an advisory body to the Planning Commission; its recommendations are not binding.
- It makes its recommendations to Union and State Governments.
- It should meet at least twice every year.
Composition -
The NDC has following members -
(a) Prime Minister of India (as its Chairman/head).
(b) All Union Cabinet Ministers (since 1967) (earlier only selected Cabinet Ministers).
(c) Members of the Planning Commission.
(d) Chief Ministers of all states.
(e) Chief Ministers/Administrators of all Union Territories.
- Secretary of the Planning Commission is secretary to the NDC.
- NDC is also given administrative and other assistance by the Planning Commission.
Objectives -
- Secure cooperation of states in the execution of Five-Year Plan.
- Promote common economic policies in all vital spheres.
- Strengthen and mobilize the efforts and resources to support the plan.
- Balanced and rapid development of all parts of India.
Functions -
(a) Prescribe guidelines for preparation of the National Plan.
(b) Consider National Plan prepared by Planning Commission.
(c) Assess resources needed to implement the Plan.
(d) Suggest measures to augmenting the resources.
(e) Recommend measures to achieve targets set in National Plan.
(f) Consider questions of social and economic policy affecting national development.
(g) Review working of National Plan periodically.
