Which of the following are associated with ‘Planning’ in India?

1. The Finance Commission
2. The National Development Council
3. The Union Ministry of Rural Development
4. The Union Ministry of Urban Development
5. The parliament

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

• The Finance Commission
  • It is constituted by the President under article 280 of the Constitution to give its recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States.
• The National Development Council
  • It is presided over by the Prime Minister. It is an executive body established in August 1952.
  • This body is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body.
  • It is the apex body to take decisions on matters related to approval of five-year plans of the country.
  • This council has been proposed to be abolished.
• The Union Ministry of Rural Development
  • It is entrusted with the task of accelerating the socio-economic development of rural India.
• The Union Ministry of Urban Development
  • This Ministry is known as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
  • It is entrusted with the formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws relating to the housing and urban development in India.
• The Parliament
  • It is the supreme legislative body of the Republic of India.
  • The is directly responsible to make laws for the welfare of the society.