15th Five-Year Plan: Former Keralam Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac slams Planning Board’s decision to empanel outside agencies

Former Keralam Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac has criticized the Planning Board's decision to involve external agencies in the preparation of the state's 15th Five-Year Plan (2027-2032). The CPI(M) leader argued that the move signals a shift in the government's approach, aiming to turn the Planning Board into a "think tank" similar to the NITI Aayog.

Isaac accused the V.D. Satheesan-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government of attempting to replicate the BJP-led Union government's transformation of the Planning Commission.

The Planning Board's October 3 notification seeks to enlist "nationally-reputed consulting firms, think tanks, research institutions and other professional organisations" to provide professional, research and technical support for the plan's preparation and other assignments. The board intends to create sectoral and thematic working groups, bringing together experts, government officials, academics, industry representatives and other stakeholders.

However, Isaac contends that this decision will undermine the Planning Board's autonomy and lead to the drafting process being curated by outside agencies.

In response to Isaac's allegations, Planning Board officials dismissed his claims as baseless. The board's notification clarifies that experts from the empaneled agencies will only "supplement" the expertise available within the government and the working groups. Planning Board Vice-Chairperson K.M. Chandrasekhar dismissed Isaac's criticism as an attempt to create controversy, stating that the board's goal is to benefit the people.