NCERT Class 12 Geography India -People And Economy: Chapter 6 — Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context
This chapter, 'Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context,' introduces the concept of planning as a process of thinking, formulating schemes, and implementing actions to achieve goals, specifically in the context of economic development. It highlights the shift from centralized planning by the Planning Commission to a more decentralized, multi-level approach with the establishment of NITI Aayog in 2015. The chapter discusses two main approaches: sectoral planning, focusing on developing various economic sectors, and regional planning, aimed at reducing spatial imbalances. It further elaborates on target area planning, including programs like the Drought Prone Area Programme and Hill Area Development Programme, emphasizing the need to address backward regions and ensure sustainable resource utilization. The chapter concludes by stressing the importance of integrated watershed development and creating alternative employment opportunities to restore ecological balance and reduce disparities.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Book | India -People And Economy |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 5 minutes |
| Word count | 893 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept and importance of planning in economic development.
- Differentiate between sectoral and regional planning.
- Analyze the evolution of planning in India from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog.
- Identify and explain target area development programs like Drought Prone Area Programme and Hill Area Development Programme.
- Recognize the challenges and strategies for sustainable development in backward regions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Planning | The process of thinking, formulating a scheme or programme, and implementing actions to achieve a goal. |
| Sectoral Planning | Formulation and implementation of schemes aimed at developing various sectors of the economy. |
| Regional Planning | Planning to reduce regional imbalances in development by considering spatial perspectives. |
| Target Area Planning | Planning focused on developing specific economically backward areas. |
| NITI Aayog | National Institution for Transforming India, a policy think tank established to involve states in economic policy making. |
| Drought Prone Area Programme | A program initiated to provide employment and create productive assets in drought-affected regions. |
| Hill Area Development Programme | Programs designed for the development of hill areas considering their unique topographical and ecological conditions. |
| Sustainable Development | Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. |
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Practice questions
- What is the difference between sectoral planning and regional planning? Answer: Sectoral planning focuses on developing specific economic sectors, while regional planning aims to reduce imbalances between different geographical areas.
- When was NITI Aayog formed, and what is its main objective? Answer: NITI Aayog was formed on January 1, 2015, with the objective of involving states in economic policy making and providing strategic advice.
- Name two target area development programmes mentioned in the chapter. Answer: Two examples are the Drought Prone Area Development Programme and the Hill Area Development Programme.
- What was the initial emphasis of the Drought Prone Area Programme? Answer: Initially, it emphasized the construction of labour-intensive civil works.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which institution replaced the Planning Commission in India on January 1, 2015?
Explanation: NITI Aayog was established to replace the Planning Commission, aiming for a more collaborative approach to policy-making involving states.
Q2. Regional planning is primarily concerned with:
Explanation: Regional planning focuses on addressing uneven development across different geographical areas to reduce disparities.
Q3. The Drought Prone Area Programme was initiated during which Five Year Plan?
Explanation: The Drought Prone Area Programme was initiated during the Fourth Five Year Plan with the objective of providing employment and creating productive assets.
Q4. Which of the following is an example of a target group programme?
Explanation: The Small Farmers Development Agency (SFDA) and Marginal Farmers Development Agency (MFDA) are cited as examples of target group programmes.
Q5. The National Committee on the Development of Backward Area recommended treating hill areas above 600m as backward hill areas if they were:
Explanation: The recommendation was to consider hill areas above 600m as backward hill areas if they were not already included in the tribal sub-plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is planning in the context of economic development?
In economic development, planning is the process of thinking, formulating schemes, and implementing actions to achieve specific economic goals, moving beyond hit-and-miss methods.
What is the difference between the Planning Commission and NITI Aayog?
The Planning Commission was responsible for centralized planning, while NITI Aayog, established in 2015, aims for decentralized, multi-level planning and involves states in policy-making.
What is the main goal of regional planning?
The main goal of regional planning is to address and reduce the uneven pattern of economic development across different geographical areas or regions.
What are some examples of target area development programmes in India?
Examples include the Command Area Development Programme, Drought Prone Area Development Programme, Desert Development Programme, and Hill Area Development Programme.
What is the significance of the Drought Prone Area Programme?
It aims to provide employment and create productive assets in drought-prone areas, with a focus on irrigation, land development, afforestation, and restoring ecological balance.
What is the core idea behind the Hill Area Development Programme?
This programme focuses on harnessing the indigenous resources of hill areas through horticulture, plantation, and small-scale industries, while considering their unique topographical and ecological conditions.
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NCERT Class 12 Geography — India -People And Economy — Chapter 6 — Planning and Sustainable Development in Indian Context. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.