[Letter to NG Ranga]

Summary

This typed copy of a letter dated June 3, 1968, from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Professor N. G. Ranga responds to Ranga’s decision not to participate in a parliamentary meeting on the “Approach to the Fourth Five Year Plan.” Gandhi explains that the government has convened a special committee including opposition leaders because it wants cooperation from all parties in the national planning effort.

Gandhi argues that Ranga’s Swatantra Party is not opposed to planning in principle and could therefore contribute to building a national consensus by taking part in discussions in Parliament and other forums. She notes that debate in the National Development Council reflected a wide range of opinion, assures Ranga that the Planning Commission’s proposals will be discussed throughout the country, and invites him to participate in subsequent committee meetings.

Key points

• Indira Gandhi acknowledges Professor Ranga’s refusal to participate in a meeting on the Fourth Five Year Plan.
• The government has created a special parliamentary committee including leading opposition members.
• Gandhi presents cross-party cooperation as necessary to the national planning effort.
• She states that the Swatantra Party is not opposed to planning as such.
• She urges Ranga to help build a national consensus through active participation in policy discussions.
• She says the Planning Commission’s approach will be debated across the country and that the concerns raised in Ranga’s letter will receive consideration.