UPSC Prelims 2013 Q69: Indian Polity – Local Government & Panchayati Raj
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?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Planning and the Constitution
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission | Incorrect | The NDC was a separate, higher body that approved the Commission's plans |
| 2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List | Correct | Entry 20 of the Concurrent List |
| 3. The Constitution prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice | Correct | Article 243G |
Planning at different levels:
| Level | Provision |
|---|---|
| Panchayats | Article 243G; Eleventh Schedule |
| Municipalities | Article 243W; Twelfth Schedule |
| District | District Planning Committee (Article 243ZD) |
| Metropolitan area | Metropolitan Planning Committee (Article 243ZE) |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The NDC was not an organ of the Planning Commission.
- (b) CORRECT. Planning is in the Concurrent List, and Panchayats are to prepare plans.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false.
Key point
Economic and social planning: Concurrent List, Entry 20. Article 243G: Panchayats prepare plans for economic development and social justice. NDC was above the Planning Commission.
Remember
Planning = Concurrent List; Panchayats plan too.
Common mistakes
- Treating the NDC as a part of the Planning Commission.
- Placing planning in the Union List.
- Forgetting Article 243G and the District Planning Committee.
Exam tip
NDC approved what the Planning Commission drafted. The approver is not an organ of the drafter.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Seventh Schedule (List III, Entry 20) and Article 243G
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity, chapter on National Development Council