NITI Aayog & Planning — Set 4
Economy Advanced · नीति आयोग और नियोजन · Questions 31–40 of 120
NITI Aayog's Governing Council consists of:
Correct Answer: B. Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all states, and Lt. Governors of UTs
NITI Aayog's Governing Council consists of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, Chief Ministers of all states, and Lieutenant Governors (or Administrators) of Union Territories. It replaces the National Development Council as the apex forum for cooperative federalism. The Governing Council meets periodically to discuss national priorities and policies. It ensures that states have a voice in national policy formulation.
The term 'ICOR' used in Five Year Plans stands for:
Correct Answer: B. Incremental Capital Output Ratio
ICOR stands for Incremental Capital-Output Ratio. It measures the units of capital required to produce one additional unit of output. A lower ICOR indicates greater efficiency in capital use. India's ICOR has typically been around 4-5, meaning ₹4-5 of investment is needed to produce ₹1 additional output. ICOR was a key parameter in the Harrod-Domar planning model.
The 'Eleventh Five Year Plan' (2007-12) was launched with the theme of:
Correct Answer: B. Towards Faster and More Inclusive Growth
The Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) was launched with the theme 'Towards Faster and More Inclusive Growth'. It aimed for a GDP growth rate of 9% but achieved approximately 7.9%. The plan placed strong emphasis on reducing poverty, improving education through the Right to Education Act, and expanding healthcare. It was one of the most successful plans in terms of economic growth.
Which plan period saw the launch of MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme)?
Correct Answer: A. Tenth Plan (2002-07)
MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) was launched during the Tenth Five Year Plan period in February 2006 under the UPA government. It was initially called NREGS and renamed MGNREGS in 2009. The scheme guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households. It was based on the Employment Guarantee Scheme that Maharashtra had been running since 1978.
Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are established in schools under which initiative?
Correct Answer: C. Atal Innovation Mission
Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) are established in schools under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog. These labs provide students (Class 6-12) access to modern equipment like 3D printers, robotics, IoT devices, and electronics. The aim is to foster scientific thinking and problem-solving skills. Over 10,000 ATLs have been set up across India since the programme's launch.
The Third Five Year Plan (1961-66) was affected by which major events?
Correct Answer: B. Indo-China War 1962 and Indo-Pak War 1965
The Third Five Year Plan (1961-66) was badly affected by two major wars: the Sino-Indian War (Indo-China War) of 1962 and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. These wars diverted resources to defence spending. The plan also suffered from droughts and inflation. As a result, it was considered a failure and three annual plans (1966-69) replaced the Fourth Plan that should have followed.
The NITI Aayog publication that annually ranks states and UTs on governance indicators is:
Correct Answer: D. India Innovation Index
The India Innovation Index is published by NITI Aayog to rank states and UTs based on their innovation ecosystem. It covers factors like enablers (human capital, investment, knowledge workers) and outcomes (knowledge output, competitiveness). NITI Aayog publishes several other indices including SDG India Index, Composite Water Management Index, and Health Index. These indices use competitive federalism to encourage states to improve.
Which organization replaced the Planning Commission specifically for the purpose of giving grants to states for plan expenditure?
Correct Answer: C. No specific replacement; grants were subsumed
When the Planning Commission was dissolved, there was no direct replacement for its fund-allocation function. The 14th Finance Commission increased tax devolution to states from 32% to 42%, partly compensating for the loss of plan grants. Centrally Sponsored Schemes were reorganized and their funding norms were restructured. NITI Aayog was established as a policy think tank, not a fund-allocating body.
Who was the last Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission before it was dissolved?
Correct Answer: A. Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Montek Singh Ahluwalia was the last Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, serving from 2004 to 2014. He was a highly influential economist who had also served as Finance Secretary and worked with the IMF. Before Montek Singh Ahluwalia, K.C. Pant and others served as Deputy Chairmen. The first Deputy Chairman was Gulzarilal Nanda (1950-1963).
The concept of 'indicative planning' as opposed to 'directive planning' was introduced in which Five Year Plan?
Correct Answer: A. Eighth Plan
The concept of 'indicative planning' was introduced from the Eighth Five Year Plan (1992-97) onwards, following the 1991 economic liberalization. Under indicative planning, the government sets broad goals and creates an enabling environment, rather than directing investment through controls. This was a major shift from the earlier Soviet-style directive planning with licenses and quotas. The Eighth Plan was formulated by Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister.