Who chairs the National Development Council?

• A. The President of India
• B. The Prime Minister of India
• C. The Chief Justice of India
• D. The Finance Minister of India

Answer: (B)

The National Development Council (NDC) is an important body in India that plays a crucial role in the country's planning process. It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India, which places the Prime Minister in a pivotal position to influence and coordinate the development policies and programs of various states.

This council is composed of the Chief Ministers of all the states and union territories, along with members of the Planning Commission (now the NITI Aayog), and other officials. The Prime Minister's leadership ensures that there is cohesive national planning and that state-level concerns are adequately accounted for in national development strategies. By chairing the NDC, the Prime Minister can facilitate dialogue among states and help align their development goals with national priorities, making it an essential forum for collaborative governance in India.

Other options do not hold the relevant position to chair this council, as each has specific roles that do not correlate with the responsibilities and function of the NDC in terms of national development planning.