Which of the following periods was declared ‘Plan Holiday’ by the government?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) 1966–1969
· The Plan Holiday period in India was from 1966 to 1969, between the Third and Fourth Five-Year Plans.
· It occurred due to economic crisis, food shortage, and wars (1962 and 1965).
· Instead of a formal plan, the government launched annual plans for 3 years.
· This allowed flexibility to deal with agriculture and industrial setbacks.
· It was a response to failure of the Third Plan.
· The Fourth Five-Year Plan began in 1969.
Information Booster:
• Devaluation of rupee and droughts impacted planning.
• The Green Revolution began during this time.
• Annual Plans were also used after 1978–1980 and 1990–1992.
• Managed by Planning Commission, now replaced by NITI Aayog.
• Five-Year Planning started in 1951.
• India adopted Mixed Economy model during Nehru era.
Additional Information:
• 1967–1969 – Does not cover full Plan Holiday span.
• 1966–1971 – Includes part of Fourth Plan.
• 1965–1968 – Misses the start of Plan Holiday officially.