Learning Objectives

• Understand the concept of planning in the context of economic development.
• Identify the differences between centralized and decentralized planning in India.
• Explain the role of NITI Aayog in economic policy making.
• Distinguish between sectoral planning and regional planning.
• Analyze the importance of addressing regional imbalances in development.
• Evaluate the evolution of the concept of sustainable development.
• Discuss the implications of the Brundtland Report on sustainable development.

Chapter 6: Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context

Introduction to Planning

• Definition: Planning involves thinking, formulating a scheme or program, and implementing actions to achieve a goal.
• Context: In this chapter, planning refers to economic development, contrasting with traditional hit-and-miss methods.

Evolution of Planning in India

• Historical Context:
  • Centralized planning was adopted post-Independence.
  • Transitioned to decentralized multi-level planning.
• NITI Aayog:
  • Formed on 1 January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission.
  • Objective: Involve states in economic policy-making and provide strategic and technical advice.

Approaches to Planning

• Sectoral Planning:
  • Focuses on development in various sectors such as agriculture, irrigation, manufacturing, power, construction, transport, communication, infrastructure, and services.
• Regional Planning:
  • Addresses uneven economic development across regions, aiming to reduce regional imbalances.

Social Benefits of ITDP (Integrated Tribal Development Programme)

• Literacy Improvement:
  • Increase in literacy rate from 1.88% in 1971 to 65% in 2011.
• Gender Inequality:
  • Decline in gender disparity in literacy levels.
• Economic Changes:
  • Shift from subsistence agriculture to cultivation of pulses and cash crops in the Bharmaur region.

Concept of Sustainable Development

• Historical Context:
  • Post World War II, development was equated with economic growth (GNP, per capita income).
  • 1970s: Introduction of concepts like redistribution with growth and equity.
• Definition:
  • Sustainable development is defined as development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs (Brundtland Report, 1987).
• Dimensions:
  • Encompasses ecological, social, and economic aspects of development.

Conclusion

• Dynamic Nature of Development:
  • Development is a multi-dimensional concept involving irreversible transformation of economy, society, and environment.