Consider the following statements:

1. The National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
2. The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
3. The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The National Development Council (NDC) was established in August 1952 by an executive resolution of the Government of India on the recommendation of the First Five Year Plan (draft outline).
• It is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body.
• The NDC was not an organ of the Planning Commission.

Statement 2 is correct

• According to the Constitution of India, “Economic and Social Planning” is listed under Entry 20 of the Concurrent List in the Seventh Schedule. This means both the Union and State governments can legislate on matters related to economic and social planning.

Statement 3 is correct

• Panchayat, being “Local Government” is a State subject and part of State list of Seventh Schedule of Constitution of India. Mandate for setting up of Panchayats is provided by Article 243 in Part IX of the Constitution of India.
• In terms of Article 243 G, the state legislatures, by law, may provide for devolution of powers and responsibilities upon panchayats, at the appropriate level, subject to specified conditions with respect to the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice and implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice as may be entrusted to them including those in relation to matters included in the eleventh schedule.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Hard