This book tries to bring to public domain an analysis of the role of Planning commission when continuation of same is under stake and preparation of fasten the same has already been under process. At the time when government is talking about cooperative federalism and state participation, this book helps students to understand development strategy adopted by India and the methodology followed to implement the same. It is pertinent to study same before adopting new methodology particularly to understand the loopholes in the strategy adopted by us particularly in the context of Human development and peoples participation and the result hence achieved. The debate regarding continuity of the institution started earlier (1990s) also when to tackle the financial crises of 1990-91, India embarked on the path of economic liberalization. Although this step was taken to tide over and address the immediate financial crisis faced by government and under pressure from international lending agencies like World Bank, IMF etc but it had a widespread impact on our system of governance and process of development. The biggest dilemma before our economist after adoption of policy of economic liberalization was, whether Planning Commission should be continued or it should be abandoned. Planning commission’s existence was not felt necessary as, from then onwards, major economic matters were to be left to be decided by market factors with least interference and regulation by government. This led to the emergence of a debate whether planning should be continued and if yes, what role I should play in future.

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Planning and development in a liberalized economy. 3. Planning for development of education and health sector. 4. Planning and human development in India. 5. People’s participation and development. 6. Education and health sector in the state of Jharkhand. 7. Education and health sector in the state of Chhattisgarh. Appendices. References. Index.