Points to Remember:
- India’s Five-Year Plans aimed at achieving specific socio-economic goals.
- Each plan had a primary focus, though multiple objectives were pursued simultaneously.
- Identifying the central theme of each plan is crucial to answering the question.
Introduction:
India’s Five-Year Plans, initiated in 1951, represent a cornerstone of its economic and social development strategy. These plans, guided by the Planning Commission (later NITI Aayog), outlined prioritized objectives for a five-year period. While each plan addressed multiple facets of development, a central theme usually guided its overall approach. The question asks us to identify the plan that prioritized “faster and more inclusive growth.” This requires analyzing the stated objectives of the various Five-Year Plans.
Body:
Analyzing the Five-Year Plans:
The question requires a factual approach, focusing on the stated goals of the relevant Five-Year Plans. Let’s examine the primary focus of the 9th, 10th, and 11th Five-Year Plans:
-
9th Five-Year Plan (1997-2002): This plan focused on “faster and more inclusive growth.” It aimed to accelerate the pace of economic growth while ensuring that the benefits reached all sections of society, particularly the poor and marginalized. The plan emphasized poverty reduction, employment generation, and infrastructure development.
-
10th Five-Year Plan (2002-2007): The 10th plan built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. While continuing the pursuit of faster growth, it placed significant emphasis on “inclusive growth” with a focus on education, health, and rural development. However, “faster and more inclusive growth” wasn’t its singular, overarching theme.
-
11th Five-Year Plan (2007-2012): This plan focused on “faster and more inclusive growth” with an emphasis on accelerating agricultural growth, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting inclusive development. It aimed to reduce poverty and inequality while maintaining a high rate of economic growth.
Conclusion:
While both the 9th and 11th Five-Year Plans aimed for “faster and more inclusive growth,” the 9th Plan explicitly stated this as its primary goal. The 10th plan, while pursuing inclusive growth, did not make it the sole defining objective. Therefore, the most accurate answer is (A) 9th Five-Year Plan. The 9th plan’s emphasis on inclusive growth laid the groundwork for subsequent plans, demonstrating a commitment to a more equitable and sustainable development trajectory. This holistic approach, focusing on both economic expansion and social justice, aligns with the broader constitutional values of India, aiming for a future where prosperity is shared by all citizens.