UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 82
Consider the following statements:
- National Development Council is an organ of the Planning Commission.
- The Economic and Social Planning is kept in the Concurrent List in the Constitution of India.
- The Constitution of India prescribes that Panchayats should be assigned the task of preparation of plans for economic development and social justice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Economic and social planning is in the Concurrent List, and Part IX envisages Panchayats preparing plans for development and social justice; the NDC was not part of the Planning Commission.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - The NDC was an apex intergovernmental policy forum, not an organ/internal department of the Planning Commission.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - Entry 20 of the Concurrent List covers economic and social planning.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Article 243G contemplates devolution of powers, including preparing plans for economic development and social justice.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes false item 1 and excludes true items 2, 3.
B: Correct - selects all and only the accurate statements/pairs.
C: Incorrect - includes false item 1 and excludes true item 2.
D: Incorrect - includes false item 1.
Review Note: Article 243G says state legislatures “may” endow Panchayats with such responsibilities; it is enabling, not an automatic mandatory assignment to every Panchayat.