:
- National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
- The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
- The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
Smart Elimination
The NDC includes the Prime Minister and all Chief Ministers. It is a very high-level group. It cannot be a small part (""organ"") of the Planning Commission, which is just a government office. The NDC is the boss.
Economic and social planning requires both Union and State Involvement. Keeping it in the Concurrent List ensures that both levels can legislate and Plans can be coordinated nationally and regionally
73rd Amendment (1992) mandates: Panchayats shall prepare plans for economic development and social justice. This is a constitutional prescription, not optional. Thus correct.
Potential Trap
Statement 1: NDC is independent, not an 'organ' of PC.
Answer Key & Explanation
Answer: BThe correct answer is Option B.
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The National Development Council (NDC) is an extra-constitutional and non-statutory body. It is not an organ of the Planning Commission. It was a higher body (headed by PM, with CMs) to approve plans drafted by the PC.
Statement 2 is Correct: 'Economic and Social Planning' is listed in the Concurrent List (Entry 20) of the Seventh Schedule.
Statement 3 is Correct: Article 243G (11th Schedule) provides that the Legislature of a State may endow Panchayats with powers to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.
Value Addition
- Planning Commission: Abolished in 2014, replaced by NITI Aayog.
- NITI Aayog Governing Council: Roughly replaces the function of NDC.
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Foundational question based on core concepts.