6.2.1. Program Objectives and Background

The word ‘planning’ is not new to you as it is a part of everyday usage. It involves the process of thinking, formulation of a scheme or programme and implementation of a set of actions to achieve some goal.

Planning is a familiar term that encompasses a sequence of actions aimed at reaching a specific goal. It starts with thought and consideration, followed by creating a structured plan, and ultimately implementing actions to achieve the intended outcome. It’s a methodical approach rather than a haphazard one, making it essential, especially in economic development.

Think of planning as preparing for a road trip. You start by thinking about where you want to go, map out the best route, and then gather supplies before you hit the road. Similarly, in economic planning, we figure out where we want to be economically, how to get there, and what resources we need.

On 1 January 2015, the NITI Aayog was formed. India adopted centralised planning after Independence but subsequently graduated into decentralised multi-level planning. NITI Aayog has been set up with the objective of involving the states in economic policy making for India.

NITI Aayog was established to enhance the process of planning by decentralizing it, which means involving various states to create plans that best suit their individual needs. This allows for more tailored approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all central plan, facilitating better decision-making and strategy formulation.

Consider how a school dance committee plans an event. Instead of just a few leaders deciding everything, they gather input from students across different classes to find out what everyone wants, ensuring the event suits the tastes of all. This is similar to how NITI Aayog involves states in economic decisions to reflect local needs.

There are two approaches to planning: sectoral planning and regional planning. Sectoral planning means formulation and implementation of the sets of schemes or programmes aimed at the development of various sectors of the economy.

Sectoral planning focuses on specific sectors of the economy, like agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. This means devising plans that directly aim to improve each specific area. In contrast, regional planning looks at overall development within a geographical area, ensuring that all sectors receive the necessary attention for balanced growth.

If you think of a garden, sectoral planning is like deciding to focus on one part, like planting flowers, while regional planning considers the entire garden layout - ensuring flowers, herbs, and vegetables all thrive together. Both approaches are necessary for overall success.

There is no uniform economic development over space in any country. This uneven pattern of development over space necessitates that the planners have a spatial perspective and draw plans to reduce regional imbalance in development.

Countries often experience uneven development, where some areas thrive while others lag. This requires planners to take a wider view, ensuring that their plans address these disparities and promote balanced growth across regions.

Imagine a restaurant where some tables receive fast service while others wait long. The management would need to analyze the situation and adjust staff accordingly to ensure that all tables are treated fairly. Planners do something similar by addressing geographical imbalances.

The Planning Commission introduced the ‘target area’ and target group approaches to planning, focusing on specific regions and groups that need development.

Target area programs focus on specific regions that are lagging in development. This approach ensures that the unique challenges and needs of these areas are addressed more effectively. By concentrating efforts where they are most needed, planners can drive change and improvement in underdeveloped regions.

Think of a teacher who notices some students are struggling with math while others excel. Instead of giving the same lesson to all, the teacher might focus on one-on-one sessions with the struggling students, giving them the targeted help they need.

This programme was initiated during the Fourth Five Year Plan with the objectives of providing employment to the people in drought-prone areas and creating productive assets.

The Drought Prone Area Programme aims to create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of people living in regions that frequently face droughts. This involves implementing projects that create lasting benefits, like irrigation infrastructures that provide water when needed.

Consider a farmer who faces drought every year; instead of just giving him a few bags of grain, we would help him build a rainwater harvesting structure. This ensures he has a sustainable water supply for his crops in the future.

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