PlanCom to reorient itself with the changing needs of the economy

Drawing flak for its theoretical functioning, the Planning Commission has re-started a process of reforming its approach to the plan process. The Commission will start discussions with think-tanks and consultations with various stakeholders including businesses and labour unions. Besides, it will redefine its role as a mediator between various sectors, factions and deal with issues that pull down economic development and hamper smooth business operations.

Officials in the know said that the Commission in its last internal meeting sought suggestions from top officials and members to improve the functioning of the Commission in line with the changing needs.

“When the Commission was re-constituted in 2009, there was some activity as per the directives of the Prime Minister to transform it more into systems reform Commission, but it was left mid-way as most members and officials got bogged down with routine work related to preparing the 12th five-year plan," a senior Commission official, directly involved in the process said.

Now, that this process is over and the mid-term appraisal would start only after a new government takes over, the Commission has re-started the earlier left work, the official said.  

Giving examples of the work that Planning Commission wishes to do in the coming days, the official said it will try and facilitate discussions and interactions between stakeholders in the industry and labour unions to formulate just and amicable labour practices in the country.

Also, it will look at issues dogging the country’s pharmaceutical sector and find solutions for that. The best practices adopted by different states could also be shared with others.

However, it does not mean that the Commission would not do its regular work, but the emphasis would be more on process change, both within and outside the Commission.

To start with, the Commission is facilitating a discussion with labour unions in Germany and India to understand best labour laws and practices and formulate them in India.

“We already have too much committees and laws, but they have not served any purpose, the time is now to sort out the issues and work towards making Planning Commission a true reforms Commission," the official added.