UPSC Prelims 2013 · Question 19 of 99
UPSC Prelims 2013 question on National Development Council Planning
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2013
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicLocal Government (Panchayats and Municipalities)
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
Consider the following statements:
1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
3. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Verdict
Correct Answer: 2 and 3 only
Statements 2 and 3 are correct because planning is in the Concurrent List and Panchayats are constitutionally linked to local development planning, while NDC was not an organ of the Planning Commission.
Analysis
According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013, the correct option is 2 and 3 only.
This question tests planning institutions, the Seventh Schedule and local self-government. Economic and social planning is a Concurrent List subject, and Panchayats have a constitutional role in local planning.
Statement by statement
1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission — Incorrect
The National Development Council was not an organ or subordinate body of the Planning Commission.
It was an independent advisory and coordinating body set up in 1952.
It approved Five-Year Plans prepared by the Planning Commission and included the Prime Minister, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers.
2. Economic and social planning is kept in the Concurrent List — Correct
Economic and social planning is mentioned in Entry 20 of the Concurrent List under the Seventh Schedule.
This means both the Union and State governments can make laws and policies on this subject.
It reflects planning as a shared responsibility.
3. Panchayats are assigned the task of preparing plans for economic development and social justice — Correct
Article 243-G empowers State Legislatures to give Panchayats authority to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.
This provision was added by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
It supports decentralized planning at the grassroots level.
Extra UPSC info
* The National Development Council and Planning Commission were non-constitutional and non-statutory bodies.
* The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015.
* NITI Aayog follows a cooperative federalism and bottom-up planning approach.
* The Governing Council of NITI Aayog includes the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories.
* Article 243-ZD provides for District Planning Committees to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities.
* The Eleventh Schedule lists subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats.
More questions on Local Government (Panchayats and Municipalities)
- 2011: Metropolitan Planning Committee
- 2015: Panchayati Raj Objectives
- 2012: PESA Gram Sabha Powers
- 2016: Panchayat Membership Age
- 2013: Panchayat Scheduled Areas Act Objectives
- 2011: Seventy Third Amendment Panchayats
All 10 questions on Local Government (Panchayats and Municipalities) →