Programme Planning, Implementation and Evalution

PROGRAMME PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION 2(1+1)

Lesson 25 : Concept of Five Year Plans

Introduction

Planning is an important aspect of any change in a society and implies continuous changes in the policies, according to the objectives set. According to Planning Commission, “Planning is, not a once for all exercise for a five year period, it requires a continual watch on recent trends, systematic observation of technical, economic and social data and adjustments of programmes in the light of new requirements.

Planning in India was soon started after independence. The Government of India initially appointed a planning commission in 1950, with the Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as its Chairman, to prepare a blueprint for the development, taking into account the needs and resources of the country. The Planning Commission evolved a system of Five Year Plans which are developed, implemented and regularly monitored through it. These plans continue till date.

The defined objectives of any development policy have been to bring about rapid improvement in living standards of the people. It describes for full employment at an adequate wage and reduction of inequality arising from the uneven distribution of income and wealth. The formulation of Five Year Plans helps in the accomplishment of the tasks for development between the:

• Central Government and the States
• States and the local authorities
• Voluntary social service agencies involved in constructive work
• Administration and the people
• Among the people themselves

The guiding principles of India’s Five Year Plans are provided by the basic objectives of growth, employment, self reliance and social justice. Each five year plan takes into account the new constraints and possibilities faced during the period and attempt to make the necessary directional changes.

Need of planned development

1. To ensure careful consideration of what is to be done and why.
2. To have available in written form a statement for general public use.
3. To furnish a guide against which to judge all new proposals.
4. To establish objectives towards which progress can be measured and evaluated.
5. To have a means of choosing
• Should important from the individual problems
• The permanent from the temporary changes
6. To fulfill both felt (psychology) and unfelt (normative) needs.
7. To aid in the development of leadership.
8. To avoid wastage of resources
9. To promote general efficiency