Points to Remember:
- Indian Five-Year Plans and their objectives.
- The focus of each plan on economic growth and social justice.
Introduction:
India’s Five-Year Plans are a series of centrally-planned economic development programs that have guided the nation’s economic policy since 1951. Each plan has had a specific focus, evolving over time to reflect changing priorities and economic realities. While all plans aimed for economic growth, the emphasis on social justice and equity varied. This question requires identifying the plan that explicitly prioritized “Growth with social justice and equity.” This necessitates a factual approach, drawing upon the documented objectives of each plan.
Body:
Analyzing the Objectives of Relevant Five-Year Plans:
To answer the question accurately, let’s examine the stated objectives of the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Five-Year Plans:
Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-1985): This plan primarily focused on poverty alleviation, employment generation, and improved infrastructure. While social justice was a concern, it wasn’t the central theme in the same way as in later plans. The emphasis was on productivity and growth.
Seventh Five-Year Plan (1985-1990): This plan continued the focus on poverty reduction and employment but also emphasized technological advancement and self-reliance. Social justice was addressed, but not as the overarching principle.
Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992-1997): This plan marked a shift towards liberalization and globalization. While economic growth was prioritized, the plan acknowledged the need for social justice and equity, aiming to reduce regional disparities and improve human development indicators. However, the emphasis was still primarily on economic liberalization.
Ninth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002): This plan explicitly adopted the goal of “Growth with social justice and equity.” It aimed to accelerate economic growth while simultaneously addressing social inequalities through targeted interventions in education, health, and poverty reduction. The plan emphasized human development and inclusive growth.
Conclusion:
Based on the stated objectives of the various Five-Year Plans, the (A) Ninth Five-Year Plan most accurately reflects a focus on “Growth with social justice and equity.” While other plans addressed social justice to varying degrees, the Ninth Plan explicitly incorporated this as its central theme, aiming for inclusive growth that benefited all sections of society. This holistic approach aimed for sustainable development by addressing both economic progress and social equity simultaneously, aligning with the broader constitutional values of India. Future planning should continue to prioritize this integrated approach, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible improvements in the lives of all citizens.
JPSC Notes brings Prelims and Mains programs for JPSC Prelims and JPSC Mains Exam preparation. Various Programs initiated by JPSC Notes are as follows:-- JPSC Mains Tests and Notes Program 2025
- JPSC Prelims Exam 2020- Test Series and Notes Program 2025
- JPSC Prelims and Mains Tests Series and Notes Program 2025
- JPSC Detailed Complete Prelims Notes 2025