Which sectors were emphasised in the Eighth Five-Year Plan for employment generation?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is: (D) Animal husbandry, fishery, horticulture and rural industries
Explanation:
● The Eighth Five-Year Plan focused on generating employment through labour-intensive rural sectors.
● Priority was given to animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture and small rural industries to boost income and self-employment.
● The plan aimed at expanding productive employment while reducing poverty through rural livelihood activities.
Information Booster:
● Eighth Plan duration: 1992–1997.
● Theme: “Employment generation and human resource development.”
● Agriculture and allied activities received major push.
● First plan after the 1991 economic reforms.
● Emphasis on poverty reduction through rural non-farm sectors.
Additional Knowledge:
● India adopted planned economic development after independence based on the Soviet model.
● A Planning Commission was set up in 1950 under PM Jawaharlal Nehru to formulate plans.
● The First Five-Year Plan began in 1951, focusing on agriculture and irrigation.
● A total of 12 Five-Year Plans were implemented between 1951 and 2017.
● In 2015, Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog, ending the plan system; the 12th Plan (2012–17) was the last.