Which plan gave prominence to the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956, emphasizing the ‘commanding heights’ doctrine?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Second Five Year Plan.
The Second Five Year Plan (1956–1961), based on the Mahalanobis Model, shifted India’s focus toward rapid industrialization and heavy industries. It integrated the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956, which categorized industries into three schedules. The ‘commanding heights’ doctrine aimed to give the public sector a leading role in the economy to ensure social justice and self-reliance, effectively making the state the primary driver of industrial growth and infrastructure development.
Other options:
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First Five Year Plan: Focused primarily on agricultural development and irrigation to address food shortages after independence.
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Third Five Year Plan: Aimed at making the economy self-reliant and self-generating, but was hampered by wars and droughts.
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Fourth Five Year Plan: Focused on "growth with stability" and progressive achievement of self-reliance, emphasizing the agriculture and family planning sectors.