Which sector witnessed the slowest growth during the period of 1947 to 1991?

Correct option is C

Correct Answer: (c) Agricultural sector

Explanation:

• During 1947 to 1991, the agricultural sector witnessed the slowest growth compared to industry and services.
• Despite being the largest employer, agriculture’s growth remained low and unstable, mainly due to dependence on the monsoon, outdated technology, fragmented land holdings, and slow adoption of modern inputs (except after the Green Revolution).

Information Booster:

• Industrial sector grew steadily through planned industrialization.
• Infrastructure developed gradually with public investment in transport, power, and communication.
• Service sector growth accelerated due to trade, banking, public administration, and education.
• Agriculture contributed significantly to GDP initially but its growth rate lagged behind other sectors.

Additional Knowledge :

• (a) Industrial sector:
• Grew faster due to Five-Year Plans promoting heavy industries, steel, power, engineering, fertilizers, etc.
• (b) Infrastructure sector:
• Though slow initially, witnessed steady development with government investment.
• (d) Service sector:
• Saw rapid expansion in banking, insurance, trade, tourism, and public administration.