Economic Planning Models for India in the 1960s

Abstract

In the 1960s two major linear programming models were constructed to provide guidance for planning the economic development of India. These multi-sectoral, multiperiod models, although modest in size compared to present linear programming applications, were regarded as large according to the standards and computing capabilities of that time. We review the experiences with these two applications and discuss how they demonstrate the need for Geoffrion’s subsequent research in large-scale mathematical programming, data aggregation in models, and structured modeling.