Question : COMMITTEE ON VISION 2020

(a) Whether it is a fact that with the initiation of economic reforms and liberalization and increase in the participation of private sector in the total investment, the role of planning in the country has been changed;

(b) if so, whether due to these factors, long term vision of the planning has been changed;

(c) if so, whether keeping this in view, Government constituted a Committee on Vision 2020;

(d) if so, the broad terms of reference of the Committee and the number of sittings so far held by the Committee since its inception and number of draft reports submitted; and

(e) the areas identified so far by the Committee for long term planning ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENTS OF ATOMIC ENERGY AND SPACE(SHRIMATI VASUNDHARA RAJE)


(a): With the initiation of economic reforms and liberalization and increase in the participation of the private sector in the total investment, the role of planning in the country has become more important but is different from that envisaged in the past. There are many areas, for example, the social sectors, where its role will clearly have to increase. There are other areas, for example, infrastructure development, where gaps are large and private sector cannot be expected to step in significantly. In all these areas, the role of planning in creating and maintaining a modern regulatory system for ensuring a fair deal for consumers, transparency and accountability, and a level playing field is extremely important.

(b): Every Five Year and Perspective Plans have formulated their own vision depending upon the emerging challenges and opportunities.

(c), (d) & (e): Yes, Sir. The Government constituted a Committee on Vision 2020 in May 2000. The committee has so far had eight sittings and has identified the following areas for long term planning.

1. Sustainability of Material Resources.

2. Physical Infrastructure 

3. Towards a Knowledge Society

4. Food and Nutrition

5. The State of an Indian
6. Economic Dimensions of Well Being

7 Social Justice and Empowerment 

8. The External Environment and

9. Governance and People`s Participation