National Development Council (NDC)

Slides – for Teaching

Introduction

The National Development Council (NDC) of India, known as the Rashtriya Vikas Parishad, is the apex policy-making body established on August 6, 1952, to facilitate cooperation between the central and state governments for national development. Chaired by the Prime Minister, the NDC serves as a high-level forum for deliberations and decision-making on crucial development matters, particularly those related to the formulation and approval of Five-Year Plans. Comprising Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all states, representatives of Union Territories, and members of the NITI Aayog (formerly the Planning Commission), the Council’s principal aim is to ensure balanced, rapid, and inclusive growth across all regions of the country. Over the decades, the NDC has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic policies, acting as a bridge between the Union and State governments to foster coordinated and equitable national progress

Organization Structure

The structure of the National Development Council (NDC) brings together key policymakers from both the central government and the states, serving as a vital forum for national development deliberations. Below is a textual organogram reflecting its hierarchy and composition:

Position	Constituent/Authority
Chairperson	Prime Minister of India
Permanent Members	Union Cabinet Ministers
State Representatives	Chief Ministers of all States
UT Representatives	Administrators of Union Territories
Institutional Members	Members of NITI Aayog
Secretary	Secretary to Planning Commission/NITI Aayog
Special Invitees	Subject-matter experts (as required)

• The NDC structure underscores cooperative federalism by bringing the Union and all States/UTs to one table, making it a “super-cabinet” for developmental planning.
• Although the Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015, the NDC’s original hierarchical structure (above) remains the reference model.
• NDC has not met since 2012, and its functions largely overlap with the Governing Council of NITI Aayog; however, it has not been officially abolished

The National Development Council (NDC), established in 1952, has served as the apex policy-making body for development planning in India. It brings together the Prime Minister, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers of all states, administrators of Union Territories, and members of the now-replaced Planning Commission (currently NITI Aayog), ensuring a national consensus and fostering cooperative federalism in development efforts.

Key Roles and Functions

1. Formulation and Approval of National Plans

• Prescribes guidelines for the formulation of National Plans, including resource assessment.
• Considers and approves the Five-Year Plans prepared by the Planning Commission.
• Reviews plan implementation to recommend adjustments, ensuring targets are met.

Example: The NDC approved the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002–07), which set targets such as an average 8% GDP growth rate and doubling per capita income within ten years.

2. Policy Coordination and Advisory

• Acts as a high-level forum to discuss and resolve major national development issues.
• Builds consensus on common economic and social policies across the center and states.
• Encourages state governments’ participation in national planning, balancing regional disparities.

Example: The NDC played a significant role in coordinating policies during the Green Revolution, leading to an increase in food grain production across the country—crucial for food security and rural development.

3. Resource Assessment and Mobilization

• Evaluates the resources required for implementing development plans.
• Suggests measures for resource augmentation and efficient utilization to meet plan goals.

4. Review, Monitoring, and Recommendations

• Reviews the progress and performance of ongoing plans.
• Recommends corrective measures to achieve stated objectives and targets.
• Ensures active cooperation among Union, State, and local authorities in implementation.

5. Promoting Balanced and Inclusive Development

• Addresses issues concerning the development of less advanced regions and marginalized sections.
• Formulates strategies to reduce regional imbalances and improve living standards, per capita income, social amenities (education, health, etc.).

Achievements and Data Illustrating NDC Functions

Function	Example/Data
Approval of Plans	Over 12 Five-Year Plans and several Annual Plans approved, e.g., Tenth Plan targeting 8% GDP growth
Green Revolution	Policy consensus in NDC led to major agriculture reforms, resulting in a food grain surplus by the 1970s
Addressing Regional Imbalance	Launch of Integrated Rural Development Programme and investments in backward areas post-NDC recommendations
Cooperative Federalism	57 meetings held (1952–2012), with participation of all state CMs and Union Ministers fostering inclusive input
Sub-Committees for Reform	Tenth Plan: creation of empowered sub-committees for governance reform, investor environment, and Panchayati Raj

Summary

• The NDC ensured national unity in development policy and practice, acting as a bridge between the Union and State governments.
• It played a decisive role in approving and monitoring Five-Year Plans, facilitating the Green Revolution, building consensus on development policy, and addressing regional disparity.
• By integrating central and state perspectives, the NDC promoted balanced and sustainable economic growth throughout India.

Note: Since the formation of NITI Aayog in 2014, the NDC has become inactive but has not been formally abolished. Its legacy continues through the Governing Council of NITI Aayog