Framework of Planning: The Prime Minister used to lead the Planning Commission, which operated with the guidance of the National Development Council. The Deputy Chairman and other full-time members of the Commission worked together to offer advice and guidance to various divisions. Their collective efforts aimed to formulate plans of different durations, such as Five Year Plans, Annual Plans, and State Plans. They also played a crucial role in monitoring various programs, projects, and schemes.

Members of the Planning Commission

Chairman – Prime Minister; presided over the meetings of the Commission

Deputy Chairman – de facto executive head (full-time functional head);

Was responsible for the formulation and submission of the draft Five-Year Plan to the Central cabinet.

Was appointed by the Central cabinet for a fixed tenure and enjoyed the rank of a cabinet minister.

Could attend cabinet meetings without the right to vote.

Part-time members – Some central ministers.

Ex-officio members – Finance Minister and Planning Minister.

National Development Council (1952)

It is the apex body for decision making and deliberations on development matters in India, presided over by the Prime Minister. It was set up on 6 August 1952 to strengthen and mobilize the effort and resources of the nation in support of the Plan, to promote common economic policies in all vital spheres, and to ensure the balanced and rapid development of all parts of the country. The Council comprises the Prime Minister, the Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all States or their substitutes, representatives of the Union Territories and the members of the Planning Commission. It is an extra-constitutional and non-statutory body.

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