Question

Who among the following has played a crucial role in formulation of initial Five Year Plans and is also known as the Architect of Indian Planning.

• A. B N Kothari
• B. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
• C. Sukhamoy Chakravarty
• D. Ramavat Solanki

Hint:

Associate P.C. Mahalanobis with two key concepts: the \textbf{Mahalanobis model} and the \textbf{Second Five-Year Plan}. This plan's focus on heavy industry is a direct result of his model and is a frequent topic in exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Context:
India's post-independence economic model utilized Five-Year Plans, devised by the Planning Commission. The task is to identify the key intellectual figure behind these initial plans.

Step 2: Explanation:
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a noted Indian statistician and physicist, served on the Planning Commission from 1950 until his 1972 death.
His Mahalanobis model provided the mathematical basis for the Second Five-Year Plan (1956-61). This model prioritized rapid industrialization, emphasizing heavy industry and the public sector. Due to this central role in shaping India's economic strategy, he is recognized as the 'Architect of Indian Planning'.
The other listed individuals, while possibly economists or academics, lack the same foundational association and title as Mahalanobis.

Step 3: Answer:
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis is the Architect of Indian Planning.