NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

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.

Like the Planning Commission, it is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body.

It is listed as an advisory body to the Planning Commission and its recommendations are not binding.

COMPOSITION:

1. Prime Minister of India (as its chairman/head)
2. All union cabinet ministers (since 1967)
3. Chief Ministers of all states
4. Chief Ministers/administrators of all union territories.
5. Members of Planning Commission.

The secretary of the Planning Commission acts as the secretary to the NDC. 

OBJECTIVES:

1. To secure the cooperation of states in the execution of the Plan
2. To strengthen and mobilize 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: 

1. To prescribe guidelines for preparation of the national plan.
2. To consider the National Plan as prepared by the Planning Commission
3. To make an assessment of the resources that are 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 the achievement of the aims and targets set out in the National Plan.

The Draft Five- Year Plan prepared by the Planning Commission 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. 

NDC makes its recommendation to the Central and State Governments and should meet at least twice every year.

NDC acts as a bridge and link between the Central Government, the State governments and the Planning Commission, especially in the field of planning, to bring about coordination of policies and programs of plans.

It has also served as a forum for Centre-State deliberations on matters of national importance, and also as a device for sharing responsibility between them in the federal political system.