Question

Trace the evolution of economic planning in India.

Answer 1

The evolution of planning in India is stated below:

(1) Sir M. Vishveshwarya (1934):

• A prominent engineer and politician made his first attempt in laying the foundation for economic planning in India in 1934 through his book, “Planned Economy of India”. It was a 10-year plan.

(2) Jawaharlal Nehru (1938):

• Set–up “National Planning Commission” by a committee but due to the changes in the political era and Second World War, it did not materialize.

(3) Bombay Plan (1940):

• The 8 leading industrialists of Bombay presented the “Bombay Plan”. It was a 15 Year Investment Plan.

(4) S.N Agarwal (1944):

• Gave the “Gandhian Plan” focusing on the agricultural and rural economy.

(5) M.N. Roy (1945):

• Drafted ‘People’s Plan”. It was aiming at the mechanization of agricultural production and distribution by the state only.

(6) J.P. Narayan (1950):

• Advocated, “Sarvodaya Plan” which was inspired by Gandhian Plan and with the idea of Vinoba Bhave. It gave importance not only to agriculture but encouraged small and cottage industries in the plan.