Letter to Gleb Krzhizhanovsky, June 2, 1921

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There is a typewritten text of this document signed by Lenin.— Ed.Lenin

Comrade Krzhizhanovsky,

Gosplan Presidium

There are indications that the CLD, in issuing diverse partial assignments to Gosplan, has not always correctly allocated these assignments from the standpoint of the functions exercised by the planning commissions under the several People’s Commissariats.

In view of this, and also to arrange all Gosplan work in general in a more purposeful manner, there seems to be a need to individualise the current work and responsibility of all Gosplan members.

All Gosplan members, with exemptions to be specially established in every single case by decisions of its Presidium, shall be given assignments by the Presidium to make a systematic study of all the material relating to the exercise of specified economic functions from the standpoint of rational planning and actual fulfilment of plans (for example, fuel economies; transportation of fuel; under-loading on railways; closure of inessential enterprises; allocation of foodstuffs from the standpoint of their economies and boosting of labour productivity, etc., etc.).

One and the same assignment may be given to two or more members, where the interests of the job require a study and verification of the plan from different angles or by different methods.

Under such a system, the CLD will interrupt the whole Gosplan from its general work less frequently with its particular assignments, and this will also make for more productive Gosplan operations and for the establishment of more precise responsibilities of its members.

Please have this proposal put up for discussion by the Presidium, and inform me of its decision.[1]

  1. On June 2 and 3, 1921, the State Planning Commission (Gosplan) Presidium heard G. M. Krzhizhanovsky’s report on the content of Lenin’s letter and approved a draft circular to the chairmen of all sections and subcommissions of Gosplan, which was written by P. S. Osadchy on the strength of Lenin’s proposals. An extract from the minutes of the Presidium’s sitting was sent to Lenin.