The National Development
Council (NDC) or the Rashtriya Vikas Parishad
is the apex body for decision making and
deliberations on development matters in India,
presided over by the Prime Minister. It was set
up on August 6, 1952 to strengthen and mobilize
the effort and resources of the nation in support
or the Plan, to promote common economic
policies in all vital spheres, and to ensure the
balanced and rapid development of all parts of
the country. The Council comprises the Prime
Minister, the Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief
Ministers of all States or their substitutes,
representatives of the union territories and the
members of the Commissions. It is an extra-
constitutional and non-statutory body. Its status
is advisory to planning commission but not
binding.