THE PLANNING COMMISSION STATUS, CONSTITUTION & FUNCTIONS Aspect I 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

6. Status Extra-Constitutional Body Non-Statutory Body Advisory & Consultative Body Specialist Body Constituted by the executive fiat that is proposal of Union Cabinet Gets meaning from the term "socio-economic Planning" which finds as 20th item in concurrent list Aspect II Constitution Part - I PM is ex-officio chairman One Dy. Chairman having the rank of a Cabinet Minister Some Union Cabinet ministers Some specialist members having experience in the field of economic affairs One member secretary Part - II No fixed no. of members No eligibility condition No fixed tenure Appointment & removal are subject to discretion of PM Part - III Administrative organisation is based on various divisions There are two broad categories of divisions - (a) General Division, (b) Subject Division Entire administrative organisation is headed by Member Secretary Part - IV Certain other bodies are part of the constitution of the Planning Commission These bodies are : (a) National Planning Council, (b) Working Groups, (c) Advisory Groups, (d) Evaluation Committees. Aspect III

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 1. 2.

Functions 1. Assessment of Resource Potential Planning Commission initially engages itself in assessing the resource potentiality of the country. Before commencing formulation of any plan, commission has to assess the quantum of natural resources, physical resources, human resources, capital resources and other resources available in the country. Success of a plan to be launched depends upon correctness of this assessment about resource potential. Commission also has to suggest how the deficiency of a particular resource can be made good. 2. Plan Formulation After correctly assessing the resource potential a plan is formulated. An approach paper is prepared during plan formulation stage. States are also advised to prepare their approach papers. A plan is formulated keeping in view the economic development needs of the country on the one hand and efficient utilisation of country's resources on the other. 3. Identification of Priorities Every country is confronted with limited and constraint resources on the one hand and unlimited and increasing developmental needs on the other. In such a situation problem of choice arises. Planning Commission identifies the important priorities where resources will have their best productive use. 4. Resource Allocation After identification of priority areas, the planning commission allocates the scarce resources to each and every priority area determined by it resources are so allocated that areas of national interest and strategic importance get higher priority over other areas. Normally, welfare maximising resource allocation is exercised by the planning commission. 5. Setting-up Planning Machinery Planning machinery or mechanism is established in order to execute, implement, monitor and appraise the plan. National Development Council (NDC), Working Groups, Advisory bodies, Evaluation Committees, Research institutions, State Planning Commissions are a few institutions associated with planning machinery in India. 6. Appraisal and Evaluation of Plan In order to find out the progress achieved during plan, the planning commission appraise and evaluate the plan. Mid-term appraisal is done to know how far the objectives

and targets of the plan are being fulfilled. If there is any gap in mid-term appraisal it is tried to be bridged in rest of the period of the plan. 7. Advise and Recommendations The Planning Commission advises cabinet on the matters relating to economic policy and employment policy. It gives recommendations on matters relating to economic development of the country, Specific problems of centre and states are also solved by the planning commission. Economic Development and Economic Growth differ from each other 1. Generally, it is believed that Economic growth and Economic Development are the same terms but after an intensive studies we come to the conclusion that there is a difference between these two terms. It is inevitable that economic development may lead to economic growth too but it not necessary that an economic growth give way to economic development also. 2. Economic growth leads to an increase in the total production and National income while Economic development leads to an increase in percapita production and per capita income. 3. Increase in production and income is given due care in Economic growth while in economic development its distribution and benefits accruing to it are considered. 4. Economic development stresses on the welfare of public life while economic growth does not take care of it all 5. Population is a determining factor between economic growth and economic development. If there is economic growth in a country and the population remains the same, it will lead to economic development. But if the increase in population is more than that of economic Growth, there will no economic development but there will be a decline in it. 6. Economic growth has been distribution of income as well as economic development, if the distribution of national income is not to the principle of social justice and equality, the economic development cannot take place. 7. If there is economic growth in the country and factor of production-labour's share i.e. wage rate is not increased, the economic development cannot take place. 8. It is also inevitable for economic development that this should be in real terms. If there is economic growth as a result of increase in the expenditure of the Defence and Social Administration, It cannot lead to economic development. 9. The term economic growth is quite appropriate for such advanced countries which have abundance of resources and developed one the economic development can be attributed to Developing nations. Economic growth intends only to more production while economic development means a combination of more production, new technology and institutional reforms. The constant stage of development is all of a sudden and it changes the course of equilibrium which is established earlier too while economic growth is a change in a particular period of time which is quite normal as far as increase in saving and population is concerned. 10. In conclusion we say that economic growth is a quantitative term which emphasis on increase in production and income while economic development is a qualitative term which emphasis on Institutional, Structural and Technical development along with increase production and income. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO CHILDREN 1. Part III, (Fundamental rights) and part IV, (Directive Principles of state Policy), contains some provisions concerning children only. 2. Article 15(3) under Right to Equality empowered the states to intervene and formulate special enactment that would uplift the social and legal status of children. 3. Article 21 states that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. This Article given the gurantees to each child the protection of life and personal liberty. 4. 86th Constitution Amendment Act 2002 has inserted a new provision under Article 21A which gurantees free and compulsory education for the children belonging to the age group 6-14 years. 5. Articles 23 deals with the right against exploitation and seek to prevent exploitation of the weaker sections of society by unscrupulous individuals or by the state. Article 23 says that traffic in human being and begar and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this prohibition shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law. This Article prohibits not only slavery but also traffic in women and children for immoral and other purposes. The Article implies a citizenship

6.

7.

8. 9.

obligation not to indulge in any activity where violation of any of these rights of fellow citizens is involved. Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in any factory or mine or in any other hazardous job. To ensure compliance with the objectives of the Article is not responsibility only of the state. The enlightened citizens are expected to create an all-round awareness among the weaker sections, factory owners and others. The employers should also behave as responsible citizens, respect constitutional values and desist from employing children in hazardous jobs, ensure humane conditions of work and equal wages for all. In pursuance of the objective of economic justice, Article 39 (under the Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the state to try to secure-that women and children are not abused; that citizens are not forced by economic necessity into vocations unsuited to their age or strength; that the children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in freedom and dignity (Article 39(f) added through the constitution (42nd amendment) Act, 1976; and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation etc. Article 45 directs that the state shall endeavour to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years. (86th CAA, 2002) 86th CAA, 2002 inserts clause 'K' in article 51A that is who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward as the case may be between the age of six and fourteen years. ADVISORY JURISDICTION of the supreme court

1. The Supreme Court has an advisory jurisdiction under article 143. Article 143(1) provides for that if at any time it appears to the president that a question of law or fact has arisen or is likely to arise which is of such a nature and of such public importance that it is expedient to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court upon it, he may, refer the question to that court for consideration and the court may after such hearing as it deemed fit, report to the President its opinion thereupon. 2. Under clause (2) of the same Article the President might refer to the Supreme Court for opinion any matter which is under Article 131 and the Supreme Court shall, after such hearing as it deemed necessary, report to the President its opinion thereon. 3. While the Supreme Court is obliged to give its opinion on a reference made to it under clause (2) of Article 143 it was under no such obligation as regards a reference under clause (1) of the Article. The words may in clause (1) and shall in clause (2) led to such an inference. 4. In legal theory, the opinion of the Supreme Court is only advisory and is therefore not binding upon the President. 5. In actual practice, however, its opinion on serious controversies had a great binding force and constituted, insofar as the legal aspect concerned, the last authoritative word. Even if political and other considerations bares its acceptance by the government, the opinion of the Supreme Court has been held in high esteem. 6. The Supreme Court has given its advisory opinion several times since the inception of the Constitution Some recent examples being Issue of appointment & transfer of Supreme Court and High Court judges in 1999, and Issue of Gujarat Poll in 2002. EMERGENCE OF REVOLUTIONARY TERRORISM First Phase 1. Emergence of the Revolutionary Terrorists should be conceived in terms of the rise of an alternative political trend and line of action. This was an alternative for Moderates, politics of constitutional agitation and Militant's strategy of mass struggle and direct action. 2. Moderate's politics had already lost relevance as effective political strategy. It had already come under heavy criticism by the Extremists. On the other hand the Extremists too had come to a political dead end by the end of 1907. Their political programme could not find practical expressions, their aims and objectives remained unfulfilled. Their ideology which appeared initially very promising and inspiring remained only in the ideas. They could not give a positive lead to the movement. 3. On the other hand we find that official arrogance and repression continued unabated. The British attitude did not undergo any change. Chances of fulfillment of demands seemed remote. Partition of Bengal, even after a prolonged protest moment was not revoked. 4. The tendency towards use of force to stop force was at work. This was stimulated by certain elements like direct action, fight, radicalism, self-sacrifice by youth; inherent in militant ideology. Second Phase

1. The background of the emergence of the new generation revolutionaries in 1920's was prepared by the early Revolutionary Terrorists. Secret societies, anti-establishment journals and their heroic actions build up a plateform on which the movement of 1920's could grow. 2. More immediately it was the outcome of the Non-cooperation Movement and its impact. Almost all important members of the revolutionary movement had participated in the Non-cooperation Movement and shared immense exhilaration generated by the unprecedented popular upsurge and high hopes raised by Gandhi's promise of attaining independence within one year. But the way its abrupt suspension came as a shock and surprise to them. The idealist and radical youth could not find anything wrong with chauri-chaura nor could they appreciate the conception of integration of politics and morality adhered to by Gandhi which led the movement to a standstill. Their reaction found expression in a deep dissatisfaction and disillusionment. Their sense of gloom was heightened by disintegration of the HinduMuslim unity as well. 3. The alternative political action, the parliamentarian politics put forward by the Swarajists and Constructive Programme under Gandhian leadership did not make appeal to them. Deepening sense of pessimism and despair led them to seek an alternative eventually it led them to socialism on the one hand and revolutionary terrorism on the other. They accepted both. And the revolutionary terrorism with a distinct socialist tinge emerged. 4. A major influence in this connexion was of the Russian Revolution. The Russian Revolution marked the triumph of socialistic ideas. It gave birth to a new political system along socialistic lines. And in the new political order created, we find the consolidation of socialism. Moreover it stood for the victory of revolution by masses against heavy internal odds. It set an example for the success of revolution against powerful enemy. The impact on Indian minds was tremendous. The Russian Revolution acted as a great source of inspiration for them. It stirred the youth into action. 5. One more event to influence the Revolutionary Terrorists though very vaguely, was the upsurge of the working class. The revolutionaries could see the revolutionary potentialities of this new class and wished to harness it to the national revolution. ACCEPTANCE OF PARTITION BY THE CONGRESS 1. The Congress stood for a United India The nationalist leaders had all shared the vision of India encompassing both Hindus and Muslims besides others. 2. In fact, by the time Mountbatten reached India 'the Congress was making desperate efforts to preserve the unity of India' though half-heartedly, for they had already had the bitter experience of the activities of the Muslim League to frustrate such efforts of the Congress. 3. Direct Action Day had brought the country to the brink of a Civil war. It had resulted in a large scale bloodshed and killings. Cessation of such a communal carnage had become more an important issue than partition. 4. The experience in the interim government had also coloured their thinking and attitude. The realization that cooperation was not possible with the Muslim League was also total because of the policy of obstruction on the part of the Muslim League leaders. 5. The stubborn attitude of the Muslims League was also vividly exhibited in the formation of the Constituent Assembly. 6. The British were in a hurry to negotiate transfer of powers. It seemed that the freedom might slip through their fingers when it seemed almost within the grasp. 7. Partition was also an escape from the balkanisation of the country. There was apprehension of Indian undergoing split after split because of the attitude of the rulers of native states. 8. And finally the idea impressed upon the Congress leaders by Mountbatten that it was always better option to build a strong India giving a part to Muslims. It was always a better choice to get rid of violence & bloodshed by withdrawing from certain areas. 9. INDIAN REMOTE SENSING UTILISATION National Wasteland Mapping Maps have been prepared, identifying the types and extent of wastelands at village level, for 237 selected districts spread all over the country. These maps have been provided to the Department of Wasteland Development and district authorities for taking up wasteland reclamation measures. Landuse / Landcover Mapping Nationwide mapping for landuse/cover on 1:250,000 scale has been carried out for all the states. The data has been provided to the Planning Commission towards agro-climatic based regional

planning. National Drinking Water Technology Mission Hydrogeomorphological maps have been prepared for all the States, for identifying potential ground water prospect zones. Agricultural Drought Monitoring Using satellite based vegetation index data, drought reports are being generated to assess and monitor agricultural drought at district levels for ten drought prone States (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, karnataka, Haryana and Punjab). Forest Cover Mapping Based on the remote sensing data, biennial forest cover mapping to monitor forest cover changes is being carried out by the Forest Survey of India for the entire country. These maps provide information on the status of forests as well as help in identifying areas for afforestation and agroforestry. Crop Acreage and Production Estimation Satellite remote sensing based estimation of crop acreage and production forecast for major crops. Covering major parts of the country are being provided to the Department of Agriculture and State Agricultural Departments. This project provides information on Wheat, Rice and Sorghum in twelve States Oil seeds in 9 states and cotton crops in 5 states. These crop statistics are meant for agricultural planning purpose. Flood Mapping Using satellite data near real time mapping of flooded areas and estimation of damage is being carried out for all major river basins. The major river basins in Assam, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are covered. Project Vasundhra Mineral targeting has been carried out using satellite data, for Peninsular India covering Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The database is being used by Geological Survey of India (GSI) for further mineral prospecting studies. Ocean Resources : Costal zone maps for the entire country have been prepared and information provided to the Department of Ocean Development and State government. These maps give information on the status of wetlands, estuaries as well as identify prospective sites for aquaculture. Marine Resources Fishery potential charts are being generated using satellite data and the same being disseminated to all Maritime State Fisheries Departments. Command Area Development : Satellite-based remote sensing data has been used for monitoring crops / irrigation status in major command areas in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Mapping of Saline / Alkaline Soils Mapping of Saline / Alkaline soils and estimation o areas of different types of salt-affected land for all the States has been carried out using satellite data with the aim to take corrective measures. Environmental Impact Assessment Satlite remote sensing data has been used to assess the impact of minning, super-thermal power station, industries and urbanisation on environment. Specific areas covered are Kudremukh iron-

ore mining in Karnataka, mining in Goa, Korba Super-thermal Power Station Madhya Pradesh, coal mining in Jharia (Bihar), chemical industries in Karnataka etc. It also assesses the pollution level of Yamuna. Urban Studies With the availability of high resolution panchromatic data from IRS-IC and IRS-ID, many new applications in urban studies have been carried out, such as urban sprawl, structural plans for cities, guide maps for Delhi, Bangalore etc. as well as facility management. Reconnaissance and feasibility studies of possible routes for express highway and townships have been carried out for the proposed express highway between Bangalore and Mysore, Information system using IRS-IC data has been developed for the town planning department of Jodhpur. NUCLEAR MEDICINE 1. Application of radioisotopes and rediation technology in the field of health care is known as nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine helps in better and accurate diagnosis of diseases and their treatment. Also, with advancements in nuclear technology, nuclear medicine is becoming increasingly cheap. 2. Some of the most common radiosotopes being used in nuclear medicine include, Cobalt-60, Tecnitium99, Iodine-131, Chromium-53, Phopshorus-32, Iron-59, Caesium-137, Iridium-192 etc. 3. In India the Nuclear Medicine Centres and Radio Immune Assay (RIA) centres are being established under the Department of Atomic Energy. These centres use gamma cameras as well as conduct in-vitro and in-vivo diagnostic studies. Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), New Delhi works maily on gamma cameras. 4. Board of Radiation and Radioisotope Technology (BRIT) supplies annually over 45,000 consignments to different radiopharmaceuticals, cold kits and RIA Kits to nearly 120 nuclear medicine centres and 650 RIA laboratories in the country. It also supplies Cobalts-60 teletherapy services and Caesium-137 and iridum-192 brachytherapy sources for cancer treatment. 5. The activities of BARC's Radiation Medicine Centre (RMC) at Mumbai cover the fields of nuclear medicine and allied service, clinical diagnosis and treatement, in house development of radio-pharmaceuticals, RIA technology for thyroid hormones and tubular antigen and antibodies etc. 6. Radioisotopes for medical applications are also manufactured by using Variable Energy Cyclotron(VEC) at Kolkata. Centre for Advanced Technology (CAT) at Indore has developed lasers for medical applications. The surgical carbon dioxide laser system developed lasers for medical applications. The surgical carbon dioxide laser system developed by it is useful for a range of surgical modalities. ISSUES RELATED TO BIG DAMS Arguments Against Big Dams 1. The big dams involves huge environmental costs. The impact and consequences of such projects on ecology and environment can never be fully foreseen and hence, much less mitigated or compensated for. Big dams involve large scale submergence of forests and destruction of flora and fauna and thus loss of biodiversity. Deforestation in turn leads to soil erosion. At the same time, waterlogging and imbalances in water table leads to soild salinity and thus soil degradation. Also increased and continuous moisture presence breeds disease causing pests. Invariably, the dams cause reservoir induced seismicity by altering geostatic balance. 2. Often the big dams involve the displacement of rural and tribal population, affecting them culturally and economically. Also, faulty compensation plans and consequent unemployment leads to migration to urban centres, causing slums and sanitation related problems. Also the submergence of fertile, land has its own implications for food and nutritional-crisis. 3. Big dams require huge investment and have long gestation periods causing time and cost overruns. On the other hard, they eat away all the funds and thwart the development of small and traditional systems of water resources development, which proved very beneficial over time. 4. These dams have multi purposes (irrigation, power production and flood control) which conflict with each other. Flood control demands that the reservoir be kept as empty as possible, while the farmer requires

1. 2.

3. 4. 5.

that the reservoir be kept full. The result of these mutually conflicting objectives is that the projects often end up achieving much less than targetted. Also, soil erosion in upstream area, cause salutation of dams and combined with lack of proper maintenance,they cause increasing indigence of floods. Also, while potential created for irrigation is quite impressive, the actual area irrigated was much less due to delays construction of field channels and water routes. They have yielded low returns both in terms of yield and finance. Moreover, due to persistent delays in commissioning of hydro-peojects, hydro-power has not remained as cheap as envisaged. Then, they have served mostly the urban and industrial needs, often ignoring agricultural and rural needs, more so, during power-shortages. Arguments for Big Dams The proponents of big dams and mega project believe that given the projected magnitude of population growth, demand for food and water and requirement of energy, one cannot do without mega projects. Also, most of the arguments against big dams are more against the faulty implementation process than against big dams. It is argued that systematic afforestation programme in the entire catchment and watershed areas in a project region can not only compensate for the loss due to submergence but an actually provide the much needed seclusion to various species of wildlife whose protection has become a high priority to ensure continuance of bio-diversity. Then, proper environment impact assessment prior to commissioning of projects an mitigate reservoirinduced seismicity. Land degradation and depletion of land productivity can be checked if proper schemes of land development, soil and water conservation etc. be taken into consideration. Also, economc and social deprivation of displaced population can be mitigated through proper development of command areas. 6. For the integrated development of water resources for drinking irrigation, power generation, flood and drought control, navigation and industrial purposes, these projects are a must despite their huge costs because the country cannot do without them. About 80% of our surface water flows to the sea unutilised while the country continues to reel under the flood-drought-flood syndrome and to harness this water to its optimum potential on a large scale, the country needs such projects. 7. But such projects should be completed with minor projects and afforestation, as trees act as mini-dams. A pyramid of minor to major irrigation works is the need of the hour.