Planning Commission as a Constitutional Body

Planning Commission as a Constitutional Body H K Paranjape THE question whether the Planning Commission should be merely a body created by an executive order of the government of India, or it should be established under a statute making use of the relevant constitutional provision in the concurrent list, was debated even before the initial appointment of the commission. The decision in favour of the former alternative was apparently taken mainly on the ground that it was a new experiment which was being undertaken, and therefore such a course would provide the necessary flexibility to facilitate changes and adjustments suggested by experience. As it happens, though 40 years have passed, much experience gained and considerable discussion on the matter conducted, there has been no change in the legal position of the commission. It continues to be a body created under an executive order as originally passed