Indian Five-Year Plans

The Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-79) saw the highest investment per enterprise in the public sector due to large-scale investments in heavy industries, infrastructure projects, and nationalization of key sectors like banking and insurance.

The mid-day meal scheme was formally launched as a centrally sponsored scheme during the 8th Five Year Plan (1992-1997). However, it had been operational in some states since the 1980s, including Tamil Nadu where it was introduced by K. Kamaraj in the 1960s.

Here, the word 'year' is preceded by a numerical figure (five) but succeeded by a noun (plan). In this case, the word 'year' will be written in singular. The phrase will be written as 'five-year plan'.

The XIth Five Year Plan covered the period 2007-2012. Indian Five Year Plans typically start in the year after the plan number (VIIIth was 1992-1997, IXth was 1997-2002, Xth was 2002-2007).

The Eighth Five Year Plan (1992-1997) achieved an actual growth rate of 6.8% against a target of 5.6%, significantly exceeding expectations. This was partly due to economic liberalization reforms initiated in 1991. Earlier plans typically fell short of targets or barely met them, making the Eighth Plan notable for overperformance.

This is the correct answer as the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations aim to reduce the number of people living below poverty line to half by 2015.

The 11th Five Year Plan of India covered the period 2007-2012. This plan emphasized 'faster and more inclusive growth' with focus on agriculture, industry, services, infrastructure, and social sector development. It was implemented during the UPA government's tenure.

P.C. Mahalanobis, a renowned statistician, was the principal architect of India's Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961). He emphasized heavy industrialization and the development of the public sector. The Mahalanobis model formed the basis of this plan, which focused on industrial growth.

The National Development Council (NDC) is the final approving body for Five Year Plans in India. While the Planning Commission drafted plans, the NDC, comprising the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and Chief Ministers, provided the final approval. The Union Cabinet and Ministry of Planning play different roles.

The Ninth Five Year Plan covered the period 1997-2002. This plan focused on agricultural growth, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation in the context of post-liberalization India.

The Mahalanobis Model, developed by P.C. Mahalanobis, emphasized heavy industry and capital goods production. It formed the basis of India's Second Five Year Plan (1956-61). This model focused on rapid industrialization through state investment in key sectors like steel, heavy machinery, and capital goods industries.

The 9th Five Year Plan (1997-2002) explicitly adopted 'growth with social justice and equity' as its core objective. This plan emphasized inclusive development, poverty reduction, and addressing regional disparities alongside economic growth targets.

The growth centre approach was adopted under the Fourth Five Year Plan.

NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) was established on July 12, 1982, which falls within the Sixth Five Year Plan period (1980-1985). It was created to separate rural credit functions from RBI and focus on agriculture and rural development. Options A (Fourth Plan: 1969-1974), B (Fifth Plan: 1974-1979), and D (Eighth Plan: 1992-1997) are incorrect.