Prelims 2013 · archive
EasyWho among the following constitute the National Development Council?
- 1.The Prime Minister
- 2.The Chairman, Finance Commission
- 3.Ministers of the Union Cabinet
- 4.Chief Ministers of the States
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
In 2013 the National Development Council (NDC) had the Prime Minister at its head. Its members were all Union Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Ministers of all States, representatives of Union Territories and the members of the Planning Commission. The Chairman of the Finance Commission was not a member.
- ✓ 1. The Prime Minister heads the NDC and presides over its meetings.
- ✗ 2. The Finance Commission is a separate constitutional body under Article 280, and its Chairman is not on the NDC. The members of the Planning Commission sat on the NDC; the Finance Commission's Chairman did not.
- ✓ 3. All Union Cabinet Ministers are members of the NDC.
- ✓ 4. The Chief Ministers of all States sit on the NDC, which gives States a direct voice in approving the Plans. So 1, 3 and 4 are correct.
Remember · NDC (1952) members: PM (chair), Union Cabinet Ministers, all State Chief Ministers, UT representatives, and Planning Commission members. The Finance Commission Chairman is not a member.
Sources
- Arthapedia (Indian Economic Service, Ministry of Finance): National Development Council ↗ “The Council is headed by the Prime Minister and all Union Cabinet Ministers, State Chief Ministers, representatives of Union Territories; Members of Planning Commission are its members.”
- Planning & Research Department, Government of Puducherry: National Development Council ↗ “presided over by the Prime Minister of India and comprising of Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all the States and UTs, Administrators of Union Territories and Members of Planning Commission.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2013, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·