Experts to deliberate on future of Planning Commission today

Views could be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The brainstorming session called on Tuesday by the government on the future of the Planning Commission of India will likely discuss its history, growth, what changes have been brought in its working over the years and the role its successor will play.

According to an official, a concept note has been prepared for the meeting detailing the above. It is expected to be circulated among participants. This will be followed by a presentation. The note is likely to seek views on whether the new body should have powers to allocate funds like its predecessor.

"Comments would be sought from the participants on their views about the Commission's present and future role, likely to be sent to the prime minister's office (PMO)," said the official.

Some officials said the note has been vetted by the PMO. Meanwhile, former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, has given his suggestions on the shape of the new planning agency.

The last Commission in its note to former prime minister Manmohan Singh had said that instead of re-inventing its role, the Commission should strive to effectively perform its mandate. Also, it should focus also on energy pricing issues, transport and logistics, education and skill development, health and nutrition, agriculture and rural development and water-related issues.

In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the 64-year Planning Commission, a vestige of the socialist era, would be soon replaced with a new institution to address current economic challenges and strengthen the federal structure.

"We need a new body with a new soul... We will have to think about giving a new shape to the Planning Commission... Very soon, this new institute will start working in place of the Planning Commission," Modi had said.

He had said it was set up to cater to the needs of earlier times and has participated in its own way in the development of the country.

Justifying the need to replace the Commission, Modi had said: "Sometimes, it becomes necessary to repair a house. It costs a lot of money. But it does not give us satisfaction. Then we feel it is better to make a new house."

On August 19, Modi had invited ideas from the people on the new institution. The government had also announced the creation of a special open forum on mygov.nic.in for suggestions on the new institution.