Consider the following targets of the plan periods:

1. Rapid industrialisation with the development of basic and heavy industries
2. Quality of life and growth with social justice
3. Rapid and inclusive growth with a reduction of gender inequality
4. A direct attack on the problem of poverty by creating the conditions of an expanding economy

Which of the following is the correct chronological order of the targets given above?

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (a) 1-4-2-3

Explanation

The targets in the order of the plans:

1. Second Plan (1956–61): rapid industrialisation, with stress on basic and heavy industries (the Mahalanobis model);
4. Sixth Plan (1980–85): a direct attack on poverty by creating the conditions of an expanding economy (programmes such as the Integrated Rural Development Programme);
2. Ninth Plan (1997–2002): growth with social justice and equality, and a better quality of life;
3. Eleventh Plan (2007–12): faster and more inclusive growth, with targets to reduce gender inequality.

So the order is 1, 4, 2, 3.