After the Indian Five-Year Plans started, in which of the following three-year periods were the plans suspended? These three years are called 'Plan Holiday'.

Correct option is B

The Plan Holiday period (1966–1969) occurred after the failure of the Third Five-Year Plan (1961–1966). This suspension of the Five-Year Plans was due to economic challenges like the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, severe droughts, and the devaluation of the Indian Rupee. Instead, the government implemented annual plans during these three years to stabilize the economy.

Information Booster:

1. The Plan Holiday was introduced under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
2. It marked a shift in focus from long-term planning to addressing immediate economic and agricultural crises.
3. The Green Revolution was initiated during this time to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
4. The subsequent Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–1974) focused on agriculture and industrial growth.
5. The Third Plan failed due to wars (1962 with China, 1965 with Pakistan) and financial stress.
6. Annual Plans during 1966–1969 were implemented with short-term economic strategies.

Additional Knowledge:

• 1976–1979: Part of the Fifth Plan and beginning of the Sixth Plan under Indira Gandhi’s leadership.
• 1986–1989: Part of the Seventh Plan during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.
• 1956–1959: Second Five-Year Plan period focusing on industrialization.