Hill Area Development Programmes were initiated during the ______________ Five-Year Plan covering 15 districts.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Fifth.
The Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) was launched during the Fifth Five-Year Plan with the aim of promoting the socio-economic development of hill areas while ensuring ecological balance. These regions, due to their geographical and environmental challenges, often lagged behind in infrastructure and economic growth. The programme initially targeted 15 districts across states like Tamil Nadu, Assam, Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), and others. It focused on improving agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, forestry, and rural infrastructure. HADP was later expanded and adapted for different hill regions, recognizing the need for region-specific development models for sustainable growth.