Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

National Development Council (राष्ट्रीय विकास परिषद)

“A key institution for cooperative federalism in India, established to strengthen the framework of economic planning.”

Introduction

  • The **National Development Council (NDC)** was established on **6 August 1952** by an **executive resolution**.
  • It was not a constitutional or statutory body.
  • NDC was the **highest decision-making body** for planning in India.
  • It has not been reconstituted since the formation of **NITI Aayog** in 2015.

Composition of NDC

  • Prime Minister of India – Chairperson
  • All Union Cabinet Ministers
  • Chief Ministers of all States
  • Administrators of Union Territories
  • Members of the Planning Commission (before 2014)

Functions of the NDC

  • To give final approval to **Five-Year Plans** and other development programs.
  • To review the performance of national plans periodically.
  • To ensure cooperation between the Union and the States in planning.
  • To recommend measures for achieving balanced and rapid development.

Relation with Planning Commission

  • The Planning Commission formulated plans, and NDC **approved them**.
  • NDC helped align central planning with **state-level needs**.
  • NDC promoted **cooperative federalism** between Centre and States.

Status After NITI Aayog

  • After NITI Aayog was established in **2015**, the **NDC became inactive**.
  • Its functions were **subsumed** under the NITI Aayog’s **Governing Council**.
  • No formal resolution has yet abolished NDC, but it hasn’t met since 2012.

Previous Year Questions

  • SSC CGL 2020: National Development Council was established in?
  • 1952
  • HSSC 2018: Who is the chairman of the NDC?
  • Prime Minister
  • RRB NTPC 2019: Which body gives final approval to the Five-Year Plans?
  • National Development Council
Did You Know? The last meeting of the NDC was held in December 2012 under the chairmanship of Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Conclusion

The National Development Council played a crucial role in shaping India’s development path by facilitating consensus between the Centre and States. While it has been replaced in function by the NITI Aayog’s Governing Council, its legacy of cooperative federalism remains strong.

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