Describe the functions of the Planning Commission of India.

The Planning Commission in India: In the Cabinet resolution of March 15, 1950 emphasized that the need for comprehensive planning based on a careful appraisal of resources and on an objective analysis of all the relevant economic factors has become imperative and set up a Planning Commission to formulate and secure the execution of plans for the most effective and balanced utilization of the country’s resources. The organizational set up of the Commission is as follows:

The Commission commenced work on 28th March, 1950. Under its terms of reference, the Planning Commission had to perform the following functions:

Making an assessment of the material, capital and human resources of the country, including technical, personnel and investigate the possibilities of augmenting such of these resources as are found to be deficient in relation to the nation’s requirement.

Formulating a plan for the most effective and balanced utilization of the country’s resources.

Determining priorities, define the stages in which the plan should be carried out and purpose the allocation of resources for the due completion of each stages.

Indicating the factors which are tending to retard economic development, and determine the conditions which, in view of the current social and political situation should be established for the successful execution of the plan.

Determining the nature of the machinery which will be necessary for securing the successful implementation of each stage of the plan in all its aspect.

Appraise from time to time the progress achieved in the execution of each stage of the plan and recommend the adjustments of policy and measures that such appraisal may show to be necessary and

Making such interim or ancillary recommendations as appear to it to be appropriate either for facilitating the discharge of the duties assigned to it.