Indian Economic Planning: From Five-Year Plans to NITI Aayog

How did India transform its agrarian economy into a global economic powerhouse? To understand India's modern economic landscape, you must first grasp the foundational planning strategies that guided the nation for over six decades. This text-based course offers a clear, structured exploration of the policies, institutions, and visions that shaped India's development. By reading through this course, you will acquire a thorough knowledge of India's economic history, moving from highly centralized resource allocation to decentralized, market-driven strategies. You will learn to evaluate policy decisions and understand the administrative bodies responsible for national development. What you'll learn: 1. Learn the fundamental concepts of economic planning and the role of the National Development Council (NDC). 2. Understand the key objectives, successes, and challenges of all twelve Five-Year Plans. 3. Analyze the structural and philosophical shift from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog. 4. Explore modern planning concepts, including cooperative federalism and the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 5. Practice evaluating economic policies through written analysis and conceptual exercises. The course begins with key terminology and foundational definitions before tracing the chronological evolution of India's planning eras, concluding with a deep dive into modern policy frameworks. It is designed entirely for beginners with no prior background in economics or public policy. Start reading today to build a comprehensive understanding of India's economic journey.