Objectives of India's Planning Commission in the 1950s

The establishment of the Planning Commission in India in March 1950 was a pivotal step towards structured economic development. Its primary role was to guide the nation's progress through planned initiatives. The question asks about the objectives behind its setup in the 1950s, specifically mentioning two potential goals.

Objective 1: Increasing Production and Offering Employment Opportunities

One of the fundamental aims of the Planning Commission was to accelerate India's economic growth. This involved boosting the production of goods and services across various sectors. Simultaneously, a key objective was to ensure that economic development translated into tangible benefits for the population, primarily through the creation of ample employment opportunities for all citizens. This dual focus on increasing output and providing jobs was central to the developmental strategy of the time.

Objective 2: Assessing National Resources

Effective planning requires a thorough understanding of the available means. Therefore, another critical objective of the Planning Commission was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all the resources available within the country. This included natural resources (like minerals, water, land), human resources (labor force, skills), and capital resources. Knowing the extent and nature of these resources was essential for allocating them efficiently and formulating realistic development plans.

Connecting Objectives to the Planning Commission's Mandate

Both points listed align directly with the core functions and mandate assigned to the Planning Commission. The Commission was tasked with:

• Formulating Five-Year Plans for the most effective and balanced utilization of the country's resources.
• Determining the stages and nature of administrative and executive action required for the implementation of the plan.
• Defining the measures necessary for the success of the plan on grounds of social and economic policy.
• Assessing the factors which stood in the way of economic development and determining the conditions which would need to be established for securing the boldest advance.
• Determining the resources of capital and human power which could be made available and recommending the allocation of resources.
• Identifying the nature of the machinery required for carrying out the plan and recommending the allocation of un-classified resources.
• Assessing the progress achieved in the execution of each stage of the plan and recommending necessary adjustments.

Clearly, "increasing production and offering opportunities to all for employment" falls under boosting economic development and ensuring social welfare. Likewise, "making assessment of all resources of the country" is fundamental to the planning and resource allocation process.

Conclusion

Based on the mandate and the historical context of India's post-independence economic planning, both stated points were significant objectives of the Planning Commission. The goal was comprehensive national development, encompassing both economic expansion and resource management, ultimately aimed at improving the lives of citizens through increased production and employment.