SSC CPO 2025 PYQ — Question 98

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

• Assertion (A) is true: The primary objective of the Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–1974) was 'Growth with Stability' and the 'Progressive Achievement of Self-Reliance.' It was during this plan that significant steps were taken, such as the nationalization of 14 major banks (1969) and the promotion of the 'Green Revolution.'
• Reason (R) is true and correctly explains (A): The period immediately preceding the Fourth Plan (comprising the Third Plan and the subsequent three annual plan holidays) was extremely difficult for India. The Sino-Indian War of 1962, the Indo-Pak War of 1965, and the severe drought of 1965–66 had destabilized the economy. Due to these external shocks, inflation surged within the country, and dependence on foreign aid increased.
• Therefore, when the Fourth Plan commenced, the government's primary objective was to re-stabilize the economy and to achieve self-reliance (particularly in food grains) to guard against such shocks in the future. Thus, Reason (R) clarifies the underlying rationale behind the objectives of Assertion (A).

Additional Points:

• Gadgil Formula: The Fourth Plan is also known as the 'Gadgil Strategy.'
• Major Event: The Indo-Pak War of 1971 and the Bangladeshi refugee crisis also occurred during this plan period, which hindered the achievement of its objectives.
• Slogan: The slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Abolish Poverty) was coined during this plan period (during the 1971 elections).

Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: 'Growth with Stability' was the main slogan of which Five-Year Plan?
Answer: The Fourth Five-Year Plan.
Question: In which year and during which plan did the nationalization of 14 private banks take place? Answer: In 1969, during the Fourth Five-Year Plan.
Question: Who was the Prime Minister of India during the Fourth Five-Year Plan?
Answer: Indira Gandhi.