Explain the history of planning in India.

The history of planning in India is characterized by significant milestones and shifts in economic policies aimed at fostering development, reducing poverty, and achieving social justice. The evolution of planning can be traced through various phases, each reflecting changing economic ideologies and priorities.

1. Pre-Independence Era:
   Before India gained independence in 1947, economic planning was limited and focused primarily on addressing immediate challenges under British colonial rule. The colonial government's economic policies were aimed at extracting resources from India for the benefit of the British Empire rather than fostering indigenous development. However, during this period, several Indian leaders and thinkers like Dadabhai Naoroji, M. Visvesvaraya, and M.K. Gandhi advocated for economic self-sufficiency and local industrial development.

2. Planning Commission (1950s-2014):
   The formal era of economic planning in independent India began with the establishment of the Planning Commission in 1950 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Inspired by socialist ideals, India adopted a mixed economy model with a planned approach to economic development. The First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956) focused on agriculture, energy, and social sectors. Subsequent plans emphasized heavy industrialization through public sector investments, with an emphasis on reducing poverty and achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

3. Green Revolution and Economic Liberalization (1960s-1980s):
   The 1960s witnessed the Green Revolution, a period of rapid agricultural modernization characterized by the introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds, irrigation infrastructure, and agrochemicals. This led to significant improvements in food production and rural livelihoods. In the 1980s, India faced economic challenges, leading to the launch of economic liberalization measures under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to boost industrial growth and attract foreign investment.

4. Liberalization and Structural Reforms (1990s-2000s):
   The 1990s marked a paradigm shift towards economic liberalization and globalization under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. The introduction of economic reforms aimed at dismantling the License Raj, opening up the economy to foreign investment, and promoting market-oriented policies. The Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992-1997) emphasized market reforms, privatization, and export-led growth.

5. Focus on Inclusive Growth (2000s-Present):
   In the early 2000s, India adopted a more inclusive approach to development, focusing on poverty reduction, rural development, and social welfare. The Tenth (2002-2007) and Eleventh (2007-2012) Five-Year Plans prioritized human development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) in 2014, signaling a shift towards decentralized planning and cooperative federalism.

6. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
   India's current development agenda aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and innovation. The government's focus is on leveraging technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices to achieve balanced and equitable development across sectors and regions.

Throughout India's planning history, the approach to economic development has evolved from a centralized, state-led model to a more decentralized, market-oriented framework. Challenges remain, including regional disparities, environmental degradation, and social inequalities, requiring continuous adaptation and innovation in planning strategies to address emerging priorities and achieve inclusive and sustainable development goals.