What was the main focus area of the First Five Year Plan (1951-56)?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is Agriculture and irrigation.
Explanation:
☛ The First Five-Year Plan (1951–1956) was launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
☛ This plan was based on the Harrod-Domar Model with a few modifications.
☛ The primary focus of the plan was on the development of the primary sector, especially agriculture, irrigation, and power projects, to address severe food shortages post-independence and partition.
☛ Major multipurpose river valley projects like the Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud, and Damodar Valley dams were initiated during this period.
☛ The plan achieved a growth rate of 3.6% against a targeted growth rate of 2.1%, making it a major success.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Industrialization: Rapid industrialization with a focus on heavy industries was the core objective of the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961), which was based on the P.C. Mahalanobis Model.
☛ Five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) were established as major technical institutions by the end of the First Plan in 1956.
☛ The University Grants Commission (UGC) was set up in 1953 to take care of higher education in the country.
☛ The Community Development Programme (CDP) was launched during this plan in 1952 for rural upliftment.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who was the first Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission? → Gulzarilal Nanda
☛ In which year was the Planning Commission of India established? → 15 March 1950
☛ Which economic model was the basis of the Second Five-Year Plan? → P.C. Mahalanobis Model
☛ When was the National Development Council (NDC) set up? → 6 August 1952
☛ Which institution replaced the Planning Commission on 1 January 2015? → NITI Aayog