Q. Critically examine the relevance of development planning in India ?

Model Answer:

Relevance of development planning in India

Development planning in India has been a cornerstone of its socio-economic policies since independence in 1947. Rooted in Nehruvian socialist ideals, India adopted Five-Year Plans to guide economic development, aiming to reduce inequality and promote social justice. From a sociological perspective, modernization theory supports such planning as a means to transition from traditional to modern societies.

However, development planning in India faces several criticisms:

• Critics argue that excessive centralization led to bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption, hindering growth.
• Dependency theorists critique development planning for perpetuating neo-colonial dependencies through reliance on foreign aid and technology.
• The liberalization policies of 1991 marked a shift toward market-oriented reforms, questioning the relevance of centralized planning in a globalized world.

Despite these challenges, planning remains crucial in addressing contemporary issues:

• It plays a vital role in addressing regional disparities and ensuring inclusive growth, as evidenced by targeted programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
• Planned interventions are essential in tackling contemporary challenges like climate change and sustainable development.
• Amartya Sen’s capability approach emphasizes the role of planning in expanding individuals’ freedoms and capacities.

Empirical evidence shows mixed outcomes; the Green Revolution boosted agricultural productivity, yet rural poverty persists. Thus, while the form of development planning has evolved, its relevance persists in guiding equitable and sustainable socio-economic progress.

Conclusion: Development planning remains relevant but requires reorientation to be more participatory and responsive to ground realities.