Which of the Five-Year Plans achieved high actual growth rate compared to its target?

Correct option is C

· The First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956) of India achieved a high actual growth rate compared to its target. The plan set a modest target growth rate of 2.1% per annum, as the primary focus was on the agricultural sector and infrastructure development after independence.

·  However, the actual growth rate achieved was an impressive 3.6% per annum, significantly exceeding the target.

Key Features of the First Five-Year Plan:

• Primary Focus: Development of agriculture, irrigation, and power to address the food crisis and rehabilitate refugees post-independence.
• Prominent Projects: Major irrigation projects like the Bhakra-Nangal Dam and Hirakud Dam were initiated.
• The success was attributed to favorable monsoons and effective policy implementation, which led to increased agricultural productivity.

Other Options:

• Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966): Aimed at achieving self-reliance in food and industry, but failed to meet its target due to economic constraints from the 1962 Indo-China war and the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
• Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969-1974): Targeted 5.7% growth but achieved only 3.3%, impacted by inflation and the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
• Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961): Focused on industrialization and targeted 4.5% growth, achieving 4.3% — slightly below the target.