During the early years post-Independence, which sector was prioritised for development in India?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) Primary sector.

Explanation:
In the early years after Independence, India prioritised the development of the primary sector, which includes agriculture and raw material extraction. This focus was due to the country’s dependence on agriculture for employment, food security, and economic stability. The government aimed to improve agricultural productivity and rural development to uplift the majority of the population.

Information Booster:

• The Primary sector includes agriculture, mining, fishing, and forestry, which were critical to India's economic foundation in the initial post-Independence years.

• The government implemented policies like land reforms and introduced green revolution techniques to enhance agricultural production.

• Economic planning in the early years (through the Five-Year Plans) focused on building the agricultural base and ensuring food security for the growing population.

• The Second Five-Year Plan later shifted focus to the secondary sector, particularly industrialisation, as the country began developing a robust manufacturing base.

• The Tertiary sector, which includes services, only gained significant importance later, particularly with the rise of information technology and globalisation.

Additional Knowledge:

• Quaternary sector: Involves knowledge-based activities such as research, development, and information technology but was not a priority immediately post-Independence.

• Secondary sector: Includes manufacturing and industrialisation, which became a focus during the later stages of India’s development.

• Tertiary sector: Consists of services like banking, insurance, and education, which grew significantly post-1990s.