The correct answer is (b) P. C. Mahalnobis.
P. C. Mahalanobis was an Indian statistician and economist who is considered to be the father of Indian planning. He was the founder of the Indian Statistical Institute and the National Sample Survey Organisation. He was also the chairman of the National Income Committee appointed by the Government of India in 1949.
C. R. Rao was an Indian statistician who is considered to be one of the founders of modern statistics. He was the first Indian to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was also the recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
V.K.R.V. Rao was an Indian economist who is considered to be one of the pioneers of development economics. He was the first Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He was also the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
K.N. Raj was an Indian economist who is considered to be one of the leading experts on Indian economic development. He was the Director of the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi. He was also the recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.