Which of the following Five-Year Plans was interrupted due to the economic crisis and political instability in India and eventually shifted towards a focus on poverty alleviation programmes?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (C) Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-78).

Explanation:
The Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-78) initially aimed at economic growth and self-reliance, but it was interrupted due to economic crises and political instability during that period. The plan had to shift focus towards poverty alleviation programs, given the prevailing issues of unemployment, inflation, and the aftermath of political unrest. This shift led to the launch of initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the poor, such as the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP).

Information Booster:

• The Fifth Five-Year Plan was introduced by Indira Gandhi and marked a shift in the nation's focus from economic growth to addressing poverty and income inequality.

• The economic crisis in India during the mid-1970s, particularly due to the oil price shocks and rising inflation, forced the government to rethink the priorities of the plan.

• Poverty alleviation became a central focus, with various schemes introduced to uplift the underprivileged and rural population.

• IRDP was one such initiative that aimed to provide financial support and improve the standard of living in rural areas.

Additional Knowledge:

• Third Five-Year Plan (1961-66): Focused on economic growth and development but faced setbacks due to the China war (1962) and the India-Pakistan war (1965).

• Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969-74): Initially focused on growth but was later modified to emphasize poverty alleviation due to economic challenges, especially from war and drought.

• Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-85): This plan focused on growth with social justice, emphasizing poverty alleviation, and laid the groundwork for poverty reduction programs through education, health, and rural development.