Which of the following five year plan in India was thorough failure in reaching targets due to unforeseen events like Chinese aggression (1962)?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Explanation:
- The Third Five-Year Plan (1961–1966) is considered the most unsuccessful Five-Year Plan in Indian history. The primary reason for this was a series of unforeseen events that occurred during this period:
- Wars: During this plan, India had to confront two major wars—the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. As a result of these conflicts, the nation's precious resources had to be diverted away from developmental activities and channeled toward defense.
- Famine: In the years 1965–66, the country faced a severe drought, which triggered a food grain crisis.
- Outcome: Due to these factors, while the growth rate target was set at 5.6%, the actual growth achieved was merely 2.8%. Following this failure, the government was compelled to declare a 'Plan Holiday' spanning the period from 1966 to 1969.
Key Points:
- Plan Holiday: Following the failure of the Third Plan, three annual plans were implemented from 1966 to 1969.
- Bokaro Steel Plant: It was during the Third Plan period—specifically in 1964—that the Bokaro Steel Plant was established in Jharkhand with the assistance of the Soviet Union.
- Green Revolution: The failure of the Third Plan, coupled with the ensuing famine, laid the foundation for the 'Green Revolution' in India.
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: After which Five-Year Plan was a 'Plan Holiday' declared?
Answer: The Third Five-Year Plan.
Question: On which model was the First Five-Year Plan based?
Answer: The Harrod-Domar Model.
Question: Which sector was given primary emphasis during the Second Five-Year Plan?
Answer: Heavy Industries and the P.C. Mahalanobis Model.
Question: During which plan was the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' (Abolish Poverty) coined?
Answer: The Fifth Five-Year Plan.