The Gadgil formula was developed for allocating central assistance funds to states as part of India's fourth five-year plan. It was named after Dr. D.R. Gadgil, then deputy chairman of the Planning Commission. The formula aimed to distribute funds more objectively and promote balanced growth across states. It gave preference to special category states and allocated the remaining funds based on population (60%), tax effort (10%), per capita income below national average (10%), ongoing irrigation and power projects (10%), and special state problems (10%).