Planning Commission of Constitutional Bodies and Non Constitutional Bodies for CLAT - Practice Questions & MCQ

History and Establishment:

• The Planning Commission of India was established in 1950, shortly after India gained independence from British rule.
• It was a key institution responsible for formulating economic plans and policies for the country.

Functions and Significance:

• Economic Planning: The Planning Commission's primary function was to formulate Five-Year Plans for India's economic development. These plans set targets and outlined strategies for various sectors of the economy, such as agriculture, industry, infrastructure, and education.
• Resource Allocation: The Commission played a critical role in allocating financial resources among states and sectors. This helped ensure a balanced approach to development and bridge regional disparities.
• Policy Formulation: It advised the government on various policy matters related to economic and social development. This included recommendations on public expenditure, taxation, and regulatory policies.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The Planning Commission monitored the progress of ongoing programs and projects to assess their impact and effectiveness. This helped in making necessary adjustments and improvements.

Poverty Alleviation Programs started by the Planning Comission 

Poverty alleviation programs are government initiatives and policies designed to reduce and alleviate poverty by improving the economic and social well-being of vulnerable and marginalized populations.

These programs aim to address the root causes of poverty and provide assistance to those in need. In India, several poverty alleviation programs have been implemented over the years to uplift the living standards of the poor. 

Here are some key poverty alleviation programs in India:

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):

• MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households willing to do unskilled manual work.
• It aims to provide employment opportunities, enhance livelihood security, and create durable assets in rural areas.

2. National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM):

• NRLM, also known as Aajeevika, focuses on promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship among rural poor households.
• It provides financial assistance, skill development, and access to credit for income-generating activities.

3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):

• PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to economically weaker sections of society in both rural and urban areas.
• The program offers financial assistance and subsidies to help eligible beneficiaries build or buy homes.

4. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):

• ICDS is a comprehensive program that addresses the health and nutritional needs of children under six years of age and pregnant and lactating mothers.
• It provides services like supplementary nutrition, health check-ups, and preschool education.

5. National Food Security Act (NFSA):

• NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to eligible households through the public distribution system.
• It guarantees food security by ensuring access to essential food items for vulnerable populations.

6. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign):

• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan focuses on improving sanitation and promoting cleanliness across the country.
• It aims to eliminate open defecation and improve access to toilets, particularly in rural areas.

7. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):

• PMJDY is a financial inclusion program that aims to provide access to banking and financial services to all households.
• It encourages saving, access to credit, and financial security for the economically disadvantaged.

8. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY):

• DDU-GKY focuses on providing market-linked skill training to rural youth, enabling them to secure better livelihood opportunities.
• The program aims to reduce poverty by enhancing the employability of rural youth.

Transition to NITI Aayog:

• In 2015, the Planning Commission was replaced by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) through an executive order. This transition was driven by the need for a more flexible and decentralized approach to economic planning and governance.

NITI Aayog's Role:

• The NITI Aayog focuses on cooperative federalism, promoting competition among states, and fostering innovation and sustainable development. It acts as a think tank, providing strategic and technical advice to the government.