Understanding the Planning Commission of India

The question asks us to identify the statement that is NOT correct regarding the Planning Commission of India. Let's examine each statement provided in the options to determine its accuracy about the Planning Commission.

Analysis of Statements about the Planning Commission

• Statement 1: It was responsible for the 5-year plans.

  This statement is correct. The primary function of the Planning Commission was to formulate India's Five-Year Plans, setting goals and allocating resources for national development.

• Statement 2: It was a statutory body.

  This statement is NOT correct. A statutory body is an organization established by an Act of Parliament or a State Legislature. The Planning Commission was established by a Resolution of the Government of India in March 1950, based on the recommendation of the Advisory Planning Board constituted in 1946. Therefore, it was not created by law passed by the legislature, making it a non-statutory body.

• Statement 3: It was an extra-constitutional agency.

  This statement is correct. An extra-constitutional body is one that is not mentioned in the Constitution of India. The Planning Commission was created by an executive resolution and not by any provision of the Constitution. Hence, it was an extra-constitutional body.

• Statement 4: It worked as an advisory body.

  This statement is generally considered correct. While the Planning Commission wielded significant influence, its role was fundamentally advisory to the Union and State Governments regarding planning and resource allocation. It formulated plans and advised the government, but the final decision-making authority rested with the Cabinet and other government bodies.

Based on the analysis, the statement that is NOT correct about the Planning Commission of India is that it was a statutory body.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Planning Commission

Additional Information: Types of Bodies in India

Understanding the different types of bodies helps clarify the nature of the Planning Commission:

• Constitutional Bodies: These bodies are mentioned in the Constitution of India. Examples include the Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs), Finance Commission, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), etc. Their powers and functions are derived directly from the Constitution.
• Statutory Bodies: These bodies are created by an Act of Parliament or a State Legislature. Their powers and functions are defined by the specific Act that created them. Examples include the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), National Commission for Women (NCW), National Green Tribunal (NGT), University Grants Commission (UGC), etc.
• Extra-Constitutional or Non-Statutory Bodies: These bodies are created by an executive resolution or order of the government, without being mentioned in the Constitution or established by a specific statute. The Planning Commission was a prime example of such a body. Another example is NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission's status as an extra-constitutional, non-statutory body meant it derived its authority from the government's resolution, not from a constitutional provision or a legislative act.