The Minimum Needs Programme was introduced in India in the _____ year of the Fifth Five-Year Plan.

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) first

Explanation:

The Minimum Needs Programme (MNP) was introduced in India in the first year of the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974–79). The MNP was aimed at improving the living conditions of the poor and providing basic services to the most underprivileged sections of society. It sought to address essential needs such as:

1. Education: Basic education facilities, especially in rural and underserved areas.
2. Health: Primary healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation.
3. Housing: Low-cost housing for the poor.
4. Drinking water: Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water.
5. Rural Employment: Providing employment opportunities to improve the standard of living.

Information Booster:

Key Features of India's Five-Year Plans:

1. Centralized Planning: The government played a central role in setting goals, allocating resources, and directing economic activities.
2. Public Sector Dominance: The public sector was given priority, particularly in key industries like energy, steel, and telecommunications.
3. Sectoral Focus: Plans were often based on specific sectors—agriculture, industrialization, education, health—reflecting the evolving priorities of the country’s development.
4. Poverty Reduction: Most plans included specific provisions for reducing poverty and improving the welfare of marginalized communities.