Twentythird Meeting of the National Developmental Council Summary Record New Delhi August 20 and 21, 1966

Abstract

The Twenty-Third Meeting of the National Development Council, held in New Delhi on August 20–21, 1966 under the chairpersonship of Indira Gandhi with Asoka Mehta as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, marked a significant milestone in shaping the framework of the Fourth Five Year Plan. The deliberations focused on the draft outline of the Plan, principles governing the allocation of Central assistance to States, and a review of land reforms implementation, emphasizing the need for balanced regional development and coordinated federal action. A tentative allocation of Rs. 3,500 crores as Central assistance was proposed, with a major portion linked to population criteria while providing special consideration to strategically and economically disadvantaged states. The discussions underscored agriculture as the foundation of economic growth, highlighting irrigation expansion, electrification, and rural infrastructure as priority areas, alongside concerns regarding inflation, public skepticism toward planning, and resource constraints. Issues such as medium irrigation schemes, power generation capacity—including developments under the Damodar Valley Corporation—transport infrastructure, rural housing, and employment generation were examined within the context of financial discipline and implementation capacity. The Council also stressed the urgency of strengthening land reforms through improved tenure security and accurate land records, while advocating greater flexibility in planning to adapt to emerging challenges. Overall, the meeting reinforced the principles of cooperative federalism, scientific planning, and phased execution, aiming to align national objectives with state-specific needs and to ensure sustainable economic growth, social welfare, and regional equity during the Fourth Plan period.