About
The National Development Council (NDC) was established in 1952 by a resolution of the Government of India, with the objective of providing a platform for Centre–State cooperation in national development and economic planning.
It was not a constitutional or statutory body; it was an executive body created to facilitate cooperative decision-making in the planning process.
Objectives
The major objectives of the NDC were:
- To strengthen Centre–State cooperation in the process of national development.
- To promote balanced and rapid economic development across the country.
- To mobilise and effectively utilise national resources for development.
- To promote common economic policies and coordinate development efforts between the Union and States.
- To ensure that the Five-Year Plans reflected the needs and priorities of different States and regions.
- To create a platform for consensus-building on major development policies.
Functions
· Consideration of the National Plan: The NDC considered the National Plan, including its objectives, priorities and broad strategies.
· Assessment of Resources: It reviewed the country’s economic and material resources and considered ways to increase them.
· Review of Plan Implementation: It periodically reviewed the progress of the National Plan and suggested measures to achieve its objectives.
· Consideration of Major Development Issues: The NDC considered important economic and social policy issues affecting national development.
· Centre–State Coordination: It provided a forum where the Prime Minister, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers could discuss development priorities and resolve differences.
· Promoting Balanced Development: It sought to ensure that development planning addressed regional disparities and the needs of less-developed States and regions.
Composition
The NDC was headed by the Prime Minister of India. Its composition included:
| Member | Role |
| Prime Minister | Chairperson |
| Union Cabinet Ministers | Members |
| Chief Ministers of all States | Members |
| Chief Ministers/Administrators of Union Territories | Members |
| Members of the Planning Commission | Members |
Key Point
The composition made the NDC an important forum for cooperative federalism, as the Union and State governments participated together in national development planning.
The NDC was particularly important during the era of centralised economic planning and Five-Year Plans. With the replacement of the Planning Commission by NITI Aayog in 2015, the institutional framework of Centre–State development coordination changed significantly, making the NDC’s role largely historical rather than an active contemporary planning institution.
FAQs
1. When was the National Development Council established?
Ans: The National Development Council (NDC) was established in 1952 as an apex body for deliberations on development matters and to strengthen cooperation between the Centre and the States.
2. Who is the Chairperson of the NDC?
Ans: The Prime Minister of India is the Chairperson of the National Development Council.
3. What was the main objective of the NDC?
Ans: Its main objective was to promote cooperative federalism, balanced development and national consensus on development policies and plans.
4. Who were the members of the NDC?
Ans: The NDC comprised the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories, and members of the Planning Commission.
5. What was the significance of the NDC?
Ans: The NDC provided a platform for the Centre and States to discuss development priorities, review the implementation of plans and build consensus on national development strategies.
