During which Five-Year Plan did the focus shift towards industrialisation rather than agriculture?

Correct option is D

The Correct answer is (d) Second Five-Year Plan

Explanation:

The focus on industrialisation over agriculture began during the Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961). While the First Five-Year Plan focused largely on agricultural development, the Second Plan emphasized the development of industries, especially heavy industries and infrastructure, to boost economic growth. The shift was driven by the belief that industrialisation would lead to greater economic progress and self-sufficiency for India.

Information Booster:

1. The Second Five-Year Plan was formulated by the Planning Commission under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru and economist P.C. Mahalanobis.
2. The plan focused on the development of public sector enterprises and the establishment of core industries like steel, coal, power, and transportation.
3. The primary goal was to create a strong industrial base that would reduce dependency on foreign countries and increase self-reliance.
4. The shift towards industrialisation also aligned with the idea of promoting scientific and technological progress to aid economic growth.
5. The Second Plan laid the foundation for the development of heavy industries, which became central to India’s economic strategy in subsequent decades.

Additional Information:

•  Third Five-Year Plan : The focus on industrialisation had already started in the second plan. The third plan still carried forward this emphasis, but it did not represent the initial shift.
•  Fifth Five-Year Plan: It focused more on overall development, with special emphasis on social justice and poverty alleviation.
•  First Five-Year Plan: It focused primarily on agriculture and aimed at addressing the food shortage and poverty.