Who is known as the architect of India's Five-Year Plans?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. P.C. Mahalanobis.
Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis is widely regarded as the architect of Indian planning. As a renowned statistician and a member of the Planning Commission, he developed the Mahalanobis Model, which formed the backbone of the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961). His strategy focused on rapid industrialization through investment in heavy industries and capital goods. He also founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), ensuring that India’s economic planning was rooted in robust statistical data and scientific methodology.
Other options:
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Sardar Patel: Known as the "Iron Man of India," his primary contribution was the political integration of princely states, not economic planning.
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Jawaharlal Nehru: As the first Prime Minister and Chairman of the Planning Commission, he championed the concept of planning, but Mahalanobis designed the technical framework.
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B.R. Ambedkar: Known as the "Architect of the Indian Constitution," his work focused on social justice, legal frameworks, and labor reforms rather than the Five-Year Plans.