Economics · General Awareness
Indian Five-Year Plans
480 Questions
Indian Five Year Plans form a critical component of Indian economic history, detailing objectives like poverty alleviation and industrial growth. Questions target specific timelines, agricultural targets, and industrial policies established across various plan periods. This topic is a staple in civil services and state preliminary examinations.
Plan objectivesAgricultural targetsIndustrial growthPoverty alleviationEconomic timeline
Indian Five-Year Plans Questions
C
Correct answer
Explanation
This happened during the period of 1975-78. Fifth Five Year Plan was in action during this period (1974-78).
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First Five Year Plan
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Third Five Year Plan
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Fifth Five Year Plan
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Seventh Five Year Plan
C
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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5th Plan
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6th Plan
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7th Plan
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8th Plan
D
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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2006-2010
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2007-2012
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2008-2012
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2007-2011
B
Correct answer
Explanation
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).
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Fifth Plan
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Fourth Plan
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Second Plan
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Eighth Plan
D
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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2004-2009
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2005-2010
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2006-2011
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2007-2012
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None of these
D
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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Gulzari Lal Nanda
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Jawahar lal Nehru
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Dr. C. D. Deshmukh
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Dr. K. C. Neogy
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None of these
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Jawaharlal Nehru, independent India's first Prime Minister, also served as the first Chairman of the Planning Commission (established in 1950). The Commission was responsible for formulating India's Five-Year Plans for economic development.
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B. N. Gadgil
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V.K.R.V. Rao
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P. C. Mahalanobis
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C. N. Vakil
C
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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Second plan
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Third plan
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Fourth plan
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fifth plan
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Planning commission
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union Cabinet
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National Development Council
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Ministry of planning
C
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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1995-2000
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1996-2001
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1997-2002
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1998-2003
C
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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First five-year plan
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Second five-year plan
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Third five-year plan
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Fourth five-year plan
B
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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7th Five Year Plan
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8th Five Year Plan
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9th Five Year Plan
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10th Five Year Plan
C
Correct answer
Explanation
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.
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First Five Year Plan
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Second Five Year Plan
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Third Five Year Plan
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Fourth Five Year Plan
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The growth centre approach was adopted under the Fourth Five Year Plan.
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I Plan (1951–56)
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III Plan (1966–71)
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VI Plan (1980–85)
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X Plan (2002-2007)
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Third Five Year Plan actually ran from 1966 to 1969, not 1966 to 1971. The question asks which pair is NOT correct, so option B is the right answer as it shows the wrong duration for the III Plan.