NITI Aayog & Planning — Set 3
Economy Advanced · नीति आयोग और नियोजन · Questions 21–30 of 120
Which Five Year Plan introduced the concept of 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty)?
Correct Answer: B. Fifth Plan
The Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-79) introduced the famous slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Remove Poverty), associated with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The plan also launched the Minimum Needs Programme. The Fifth Plan was terminated a year early in 1978 when the Janata Party government came to power. The plan aimed at alleviating poverty and attaining self-reliance.
The concept of 'rolling plan' was introduced during which government's tenure?
Correct Answer: C. Janata Party government
The concept of 'Rolling Plan' was introduced by the Janata Party government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1978. Under this system, the plan could be revised annually based on changing circumstances. The Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-85) replaced the rolling plans when the Congress government returned. The rolling plan concept was based on recommendations of the Perspective Planning Division.
The NITI Aayog's 'Three-Year Action Agenda' covered which period?
Correct Answer: B. 2017-20
NITI Aayog's Three-Year Action Agenda covered 2017-20 as part of its medium-term planning exercise. This was released alongside a Seven-Year Strategy (2017-24) and a Vision 2032 document. Unlike the Planning Commission's Five Year Plans, NITI Aayog moved to shorter, more flexible planning horizons. The action agenda covered key sectors including agriculture, industry, services, and governance.
NITI Aayog's 'Vision 2047' document is also known as:
Correct Answer: B. Viksit Bharat 2047
NITI Aayog's Vision 2047 document is aligned with the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' (Developed India 2047) vision. This is India's aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of independence. The vision aims for India to be a $30 trillion economy by 2047. NITI Aayog coordinates multiple ministries to work toward this long-term vision.
Which of the following is NOT a function of NITI Aayog?
Correct Answer: A. Allocation of funds to states
NITI Aayog does NOT allocate funds to states — this was the key function of the Planning Commission that was abolished. The Planning Commission used to allocate Plan funds to states through the Gadgil formula. After its dissolution, the Finance Commission and centrally sponsored schemes handle fund devolution. NITI Aayog focuses on policy formulation, research, and monitoring.
The Gadgil Formula, which was used for allocating central assistance to states, was named after:
Correct Answer: A. D.R. Gadgil
The Gadgil Formula was named after D.R. Gadgil (Dhananjay Ramchandra Gadgil), the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission from 1967-71. It provided a formula-based method for allocating central plan assistance to states based on population, per capita income, tax effort, and special problems. A modified version called 'Gadgil-Mukherjee Formula' was used later. After the 14th Finance Commission, this formula became less relevant as tax devolution increased to 42%.
India's First Five Year Plan was primarily drafted by:
Correct Answer: B. K.N. Raj
India's First Five Year Plan was primarily drafted by K.N. Raj (Kakkadan Nandanath Raj), a prominent Indian economist. He worked closely with Prime Minister Nehru in formulating the plan. The plan was based on the Harrod-Domar model of economic growth. K.N. Raj later became known for his work on agricultural economics and was associated with the Delhi School of Economics.
The Planning Commission was a constitutional body. True or False?
Correct Answer: B. False, it was created by a government resolution
The Planning Commission was NOT a constitutional body — it was created by a Resolution of the Government of India on January 1, 1950. It had no constitutional or statutory backing. This is different from the Finance Commission, which is a constitutional body under Article 280. The lack of constitutional status made it easier to dissolve and replace with NITI Aayog.
The Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-74) was known for focus on:
Correct Answer: B. Growth with Stability and Progressive Achievement of Self-reliance
The Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-74) had the theme 'Growth with Stability and Progressive Achievement of Self-reliance'. It was the first plan to be formulated under the purview of the National Development Council after three annual plans. The plan period was marked by the 1971 Bangladesh war and the 1973 oil shock. Despite setbacks, the green revolution and bank nationalization occurred during this period.
National Development Council (NDC) was a body that approved Five Year Plans. It was chaired by:
Correct Answer: C. Prime Minister
The National Development Council (NDC) was chaired by the Prime Minister of India. It included all Union Cabinet ministers, Chief Ministers of all states, and members of the Planning Commission. The NDC approved Five Year Plans and national policies. It was the apex body for coordinating planning between the Centre and states. NITI Aayog's Governing Council now performs a similar role.