SSC CPO 2025 PYQ — Question 97

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:

• The Third Five-Year Plan (1961–1966) is considered one of the most unsuccessful plans in the history of Indian planning.
• Assertion (A) is true: The objective of this plan was to achieve an annual growth rate of 5.6%; however, the actual growth rate hovered between a mere 2.4% and 2.8%. It failed to achieve almost all of its major targets.
• Reason (R) is true and correctly explains (A): The primary reasons behind this failure were external and uncontrollable circumstances:
• India-China War (1962): This diverted resources away from development and towards defense.
• India-Pakistan War (1965): This placed further strain on the economy.
• Severe Drought (1965–66): Due to the failure of the monsoon, agricultural production plummeted, leading to a food crisis in the country.
• As a result of these shocks, the Fourth Five-Year Plan had to be postponed, and the government was compelled to declare a 'Plan Holiday' between 1966 and 1969.

Additional Points:

• Model: This plan was based on the model developed by Sukhamoy Chakravarty and J. Sandee.
• Priority: To achieve a self-reliant economy and a state of self-sufficiency.
• Outcome: At the conclusion of this plan, the currency had to be devalued, and the foundation for the Green Revolution was laid.

Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: After which Five-Year Plan was the 'Plan Holiday' declared?
Answer: After the Third Five-Year Plan.
Question: Who was the Prime Minister of India during the Third Five-Year Plan?
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru during the initial years of the plan, and subsequently, Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Question: What was the duration of the 'Plan Holiday' in India?
Answer: From 1966 to 1969 (comprising three annual plans).