FIVE YEAR PLANNING IN INDIA
Five-Year Plans in India are comprehensive roadmaps for economic development and growth. These plans outline the country's development objectives, allocate resources, and set targets for various sectors over a five-year period. Here is an overview of India's Five-Year Plans:
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First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956):
- The first Five-Year Plan aimed at rehabilitating and reconstructing the economy after gaining independence in 1947.
- It prioritized agricultural development and irrigation, as well as initiatives for industrialization.
- This plan was influenced by the Mahalanobis model, which emphasized heavy industry and capital goods production.
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Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961):
- The second plan continued the focus on industrialization and infrastructure development.
- This plan saw the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
- The plan was shaped by the Mahalanobis model.
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Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966):
- The third plan aimed at achieving self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign aid.
- The plan also focused on the Green Revolution in agriculture.
- India's defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 Indo-Pak War impacted the plan's execution.
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Three Annual Plans (1966-1969):
- These were interim plans after the suspension of the Five-Year Plans during a period known as the "Plan Holiday."
- The focus was on achieving self-sufficiency in food production and agriculture.
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Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969-1974):
- The fourth plan sought to address poverty, social justice, and improve living standards.
- The plan emphasized the development of rural and agricultural sectors.
- The "Garibi Hatao" (Eradicate Poverty) slogan was introduced during this period.
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Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-1979):
- The fifth plan aimed to achieve self-reliance and promote small-scale industries.
- It also focused on employment generation and poverty alleviation.
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Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-1985):
- The sixth plan focused on achieving social justice, reducing disparities, and promoting the public sector.
- This plan laid the foundation for several policy initiatives like Integrated Rural Development Programs (IRDP).
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Seventh Five-Year Plan (1985-1990):
- The seventh plan aimed at modernizing and upgrading industries and improving infrastructure.
- It also laid the groundwork for human development and environmental sustainability.
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Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992-1997):
- The eighth plan focused on economic liberalization, globalization, and reforms.
- It aimed to boost private sector growth and liberalize trade policies.
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Ninth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002):
- The ninth plan aimed at accelerating economic growth and enhancing human development.
- It emphasized social sectors like education, health, and rural development.
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Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-2007):
- The tenth plan focused on inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and promoting regional development.
- It aimed at achieving an average annual GDP growth of 8%.
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Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007-2012):
- The eleventh plan emphasized infrastructure development, human development, and inclusive growth.
- It aimed at addressing disparities and boosting rural development.
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Twelfth Five-Year Plan (2012-2017):
- The twelfth plan focused on faster, sustainable, and more inclusive growth.
- It aimed at achieving an annual average GDP growth rate of 8%.
It's worth noting that the Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog after the twelfth plan, and India's economic planning underwent a shift toward decentralized and more flexible approaches to development. The concept of traditional Five-Year Plans was succeeded by a more decentralized and cooperative approach to development.
Previous Year Questions 1.With reference to India's Five-Year Plans, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2019) 1. From the Second Five-Year Plan, there was a determined thrust towards substitution of basic and capital good industries. 2. The Fourth Five-Year Plan adopted the objective of correcting the earlier trend of increased concentration of wealth and economic power. 3. In the Fifth Five-Year Plan, for the first time, the financial sector was included as an integral part of the plan. Select the correct answer using the code given below A. 1 and 2 Only B. 2 Only C. 3 Only D. 1, 2, 3 Answer (A) |