UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies
Question 75: Economy and Social Development
A Five Year Plan in India is finally approved by the
AnswerThe answer is (d).
In India's planning system the Planning Commission drew up the Five Year Plan, but the National Development Council (NDC), made up of the Prime Minister, Union ministers, Chief Ministers and Planning Commission members, gave the final approval, after which the plan was placed before Parliament. The Union Cabinet looked at the draft earlier. Remember the sequence: Planning Commission, Cabinet, NDC, Parliament.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The Union Cabinet considered the draft, but the NDC gave the final approval.
- (b) The President has no role in approving the plan this way.
- (c) The Planning Commission prepared the plan but did not give final approval.
- (d) Right: the National Development Council gave final approval.
Worth knowing: The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015, and Five Year Plans ended with the Twelfth Plan (2012-17), so this process no longer operates.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.