Five-Year Planning in India

Five-Year Plans in India are comprehensive roadmaps for economic development and growth. These plans outline the country’s development objectives, allocate resources, and set targets for various sectors over a five-year period. Here is an overview of India’s Five-Year Plans:

1. First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956):

   • The first Five-Year Plan aimed at rehabilitating and reconstructing the economy after gaining independence in 1947.
   • It prioritized agricultural development and irrigation, as well as initiatives for industrialization.
   • This plan was influenced by the Mahalanobis model, which emphasized heavy industry and capital goods production.

2. Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961):

   • The second plan continued the focus on industrialization and infrastructure development.
   • This plan saw the establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).
   • The plan was shaped by the Mahalanobis model.

3. Third Five-Year Plan (1961-1966):

   • The third plan aimed at achieving self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign aid.
   • The plan also focused on the Green Revolution in agriculture.
   • India’s defeat in the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 Indo-Pak War impacted the plan’s execution.

4. Three Annual Plans (1966-1969):

   • These were interim plans after the suspension of the Five-Year Plans during a period known as the “Plan Holiday.”
   • The focus was on achieving self-sufficiency in food production and agriculture.

5. Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969-1974):

   • The fourth plan sought to address poverty, social justice, and improve living standards.
   • The plan emphasized the development of rural and agricultural sectors.
   • The “Garibi Hatao” (Eradicate Poverty) slogan was introduced during this period.

6. Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974-1979):

   • The fifth plan aimed to achieve self-reliance and promote small-scale industries.
   • It also focused on employment generation and poverty alleviation.

7. Sixth Five-Year Plan (1980-1985):

   • The sixth plan focused on achieving social justice, reducing disparities, and promoting the public sector.
   • This plan laid the foundation for several policy initiatives like Integrated Rural Development Programs (IRDP).

8. Seventh Five-Year Plan (1985-1990):

   • The seventh plan aimed at modernizing and upgrading industries and improving infrastructure.
   • It also laid the groundwork for human development and environmental sustainability.

9. Eighth Five-Year Plan (1992-1997):

   • The eighth plan focused on economic liberalization, globalization, and reforms.
   • It aimed to boost private sector growth and liberalize trade policies.

10. Ninth Five-Year Plan (1997-2002):

    • The ninth plan aimed at accelerating economic growth and enhancing human development.
    • It emphasized social sectors like education, health, and rural development.

11. Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-2007):

    • The tenth plan focused on inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and promoting regional development.
    • It aimed at achieving an average annual GDP growth of 8%.

12. Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2007-2012):

    • The eleventh plan emphasized infrastructure development, human development, and inclusive growth.
    • It aimed at addressing disparities and boosting rural development.

13. Twelfth Five-Year Plan (2012-2017):

    • The twelfth plan focused on faster, sustainable, and more inclusive growth.
    • It aimed at achieving an annual average GDP growth rate of 8%.

It’s worth noting that the Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog after the twelfth plan, and India’s economic planning underwent a shift toward decentralized and more flexible approaches to development. The concept of traditional Five-Year Plans was succeeded by a more decentralized and cooperative approach to development.