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Synopsis The resource base of a country consists of (a) human resources, (b) non-renewable resources which are an endowment of nature and whose total size gets depleted with time and (c) renewable resources which can be continuously created and whose base can be expanded through human efforts.

The Planning Commission-set up in March 1950 by a resolution of the Government of India – makes an assessment of the material, capital and human resources of the country, including technical personnel and investigates the possibilities of augmenting such of these resources as are found to be deficient in relation to the nation’s requirements.  Further, it formulates a Plan for the most effective and balanced utilization of the country’s resources.

The objective of planning is to raise the standard of living of the people as a whole.  The attainment of this objective involves the development on scientific lines of the nation’s human and natural resources.  National Development Council (NDC) – set up in August 1952 – reviews the working of the National Plan from time to time, considers important questions of social and economic policy affecting national development and recommends measures for the achievement of the aims and targets of the National Plan.

NDC, being the apex body for economic matters, takes all final decisions as regards the size, contents, objectives, and strategies of the Plan.  The Planning Commission functions as an advisory body to NDC.  This book provides a vivid account of the various dimensions of human and natural resources of India and the issues associated with their utilization.