The Nehruvian perspective of planning emphasized state-led economic development through centralized planning, public sector dominance, and mixed economy principles. Influenced by Fabian socialism and the Soviet model, Jawaharlal Nehru believed planned development was necessary to overcome colonial economic backwardness.

The First Five-Year Plan (1951–56) prioritized agriculture, irrigation, and community development. The Second Plan (1956–61), based on the Mahalanobis model, focused on heavy industries, infrastructure, and technological modernization. This laid the foundation for self-reliant industrialization.

Nehru also emphasized democratic planning, ensuring parliamentary oversight and public debate in the Planning Commission’s functioning. His approach combined social justice with growth, reflected in policies for land reforms, education, and science institutions like IITs and AIIMS.

Though criticized for neglecting agriculture and fostering inefficiencies in the license-permit system, Nehruvian planning created industrial capacity, scientific institutions, and infrastructure that sustained India’s later economic growth. It remains the cornerstone of modern India’s developmental trajectory.