Modi's decision to scrap the Planning Commission ( PC) is a welcome step.
Set up in 1950 by a GOI's resolution, the PC had lost its relevance and
utility. It was a drain on non-Plan expenditure. No wonder, the commission
was permitted by MOF to renovate the washroom of Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia,
its Dy Chairman in Yojana Bhavan costing Rs 35 lakhs (non-Plan). Later,
under Media pressure,it was thrown open to public.The Congress-led UPA
misused the Commission to rehabilitate its favourites as Members ,enjoying
status and privileges of MOSs.The quality of deliberations in PC leading to
allocation of Plan resources, had become lacklustre, arbitrary and
irresponsible. Decisions were taken on personal and political
considerations.Discussions were a charade and merit became the
casualty.Sheer waste of manpower. Empowering States with more say in Plan
allocation,will strengthen country's co-operative federalism.
The PMO should now spell out the format, Vision and Mission statements of
the replacement body .
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