Understanding the National Productivity Council and Recent Developments

Understanding the National Productivity Council

The Delhi High Court recently quashed the proceedings initiated by the Lokpal of India against Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer. This case involved allegations of irregularities concerning promotions within the National Productivity Council (NPC).

About the National Productivity Council

Founded in 1958, the NPC operates as an autonomous organization under the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is a multipartite, non-profit entity that ensures equal representation from employers' and workers' organizations, the Government, technical and professional institutions, among other stakeholders.

Headquarters

New Delhi serves as the headquarters of the NPC.

Objectives of NPC

• To raise awareness about productivity, focusing on concepts and techniques that enhance the microeconomic foundations of economic development.
• To act as a think tank for the Government regarding productivity enhancement measures.
• To establish itself as a leading productivity consultancy and training organization within India and extend its influence to the South & Southeast Asian region.
• To generate financial resources independently to sustain its operations continuously.

Functions of NPC

• Providing consultancy services to improve productivity within organizations.
• Training personnel across various levels to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Disseminating productivity information through seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Conducting productivity research and maintaining a comprehensive database.
• Publishing materials related to productivity enhancement.
• Awarding exceptional achievements in productivity.

The NPC employs professionals from a wide range of fields to deliver consultancy, capacity building, and Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) services. These services extend to various organizations, including Central Government Ministries and State Governments. Moreover, NPC is a member of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), a Tokyo-based inter-governmental body of which India is a founding member.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the National Productivity Council?
Answer: The National Productivity Council (NPC) is an autonomous organization in India, established to enhance productivity across various sectors through consultancy, training, and research initiatives.

Q2. What are the main objectives of the NPC?
Answer: NPC aims to increase productivity awareness, function as a government think tank on productivity enhancement, and provide consultancy and training services to organizations.

Q3. Where is the NPC headquartered?
Answer: The headquarters of the National Productivity Council is located in New Delhi, India.

Q4. How does NPC support organizations in improving productivity?
Answer: NPC provides consultancy services, conducts training programs, organizes seminars, and publishes research to help organizations enhance their productivity.

Q5. Is NPC associated with any international organizations?
Answer: Yes, NPC is a constituent of the Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), which is an inter-governmental organization focused on improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary role of the National Productivity Council?
A) To conduct elections in India
B) To enhance productivity across various sectors
C) To manage industrial disputes
D) To regulate trade policies
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: When was the National Productivity Council established?
A) 1950
B) 1955
C) 1958
D) 1960
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Where is the NPC headquartered?
A) Mumbai
B) New Delhi
C) Kolkata
D) Bangalore
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What type of organization is NPC?
A) Government body
B) Non-profit organization
C) Private company
D) International organization
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which of the following is a function of the NPC?
A) Conducting elections
B) Providing consultancy services
C) Regulating foreign trade
D) Issuing currency
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: What is one of the long-term goals of NPC?
A) To become a leading training organization in India
B) To manage government policies
C) To regulate the stock market
D) To increase tax revenue
Correct Answer: A

Question 7: Which inter-governmental organization is NPC a member of?
A) World Trade Organization
B) Asian Productivity Organisation
C) United Nations
D) International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: B