During which Five-Year Plan did India face the challenge of the influx of Bangladeshi refugees?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Fourth Plan.
India faced the challenge of the influx of Bangladeshi refugees during the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–1974). This occurred mainly in 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, when millions of refugees fled to India to escape political persecution and violence in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The sudden refugee crisis strained India’s economy, resources, and infrastructure, especially in states like West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura.
Other options:
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Second Plan (1956–1961) Focused on rapid industrialization and the establishment of heavy industries (Mahalanobis Model).
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The Fifth Plan (1974–1979) emphasized poverty removal and self-reliance.
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The Sixth Plan (1980–1985) targeted economic modernization.
Hence, the Fourth Five-Year Plan coincided with the 1971 refugee influx, marking a major humanitarian and economic challenge for India.