12 CBSC NCERT Political Science 3 Politics of Planned Development
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Theme Analysis
Main ThemePolitics of Planned Development in Post-Independence India
Subject CategoryPolitical Science
Key Concepts
Question FocusThe assessment explores the historical context, key institutions, foundational debates, and initial implementation of India's planned economic development, focusing on the political dimensions and choices made by its leaders. Questions cover the rationale for planning, the differing approaches of early Five Year Plans, the role of the state, and the inherent conflicts in development choices.
What was identified as the 'third challenge' faced by independent India's leaders, following nation-building and establishing democracy?
Hint: Think about the primary focus mentioned after nation-building and democracy.
Answer
The text clearly states that economic development to ensure the well-being of all was the third challenge.
Explanation
The introductory paragraph of the chapter explicitly identifies the third challenge as 'that of economic development to ensure well-being of all,' following the challenges of nation-building and establishing democracy.
The example of Orissa's iron ore reserves illustrates which key aspect of development discussions?
Hint: Consider the diverse groups involved in the Orissa case and their differing perspectives.
Answer
The Orissa case highlights the conflicts arising from different groups having varied interpretations and priorities for 'development'.
Explanation
The Orissa example demonstrates that 'development' is not a universally agreed-upon concept. For an industrialist, it means setting up a steel plant; for an Adivasi, it means displacement and loss of livelihood; and for environmentalists, it means pollution. This illustrates that development has different meanings for different sections of the people, leading to contradictions and conflicts.
On the eve of Independence, India had two main models of modern development before it. What were they?
Hint: Recall the major global economic ideologies prevalent during the Cold War era.
Answer
The text explicitly states these two models were available.
Explanation
The text states: 'On the eve of Independence, India had before it, two models of modern development: the liberal-capitalist model as in much of Europe and the US and the socialist model as in the USSR.'
What was a broad consensus among nationalist leaders regarding the economic concerns of free India's government?
Hint: Think about the departure from the colonial government's economic role.
Answer
There was a consensus that the government had a central role in both growth and justice.
Explanation
The text explains, 'The nationalist leaders were clear that the economic concerns of the government of free India would have to be different from the narrowly defined commercial functions of the colonial government. It was clear, moreover, that the task of poverty alleviation and social and economic redistribution was being seen primarily as the responsibility of the government.'
When was the Planning Commission set up in India?
Hint: Look for the specific date mentioned for the commission's establishment.
Answer
The text specifies the establishment date of the Planning Commission.
Explanation
The text states: 'The Planning Commission was set up in March, 1950 by a simple resolution of the Government of India.'
What was the nature of the Planning Commission's role, as described in the text?
Hint: Recall how its decisions became effective.
Answer
The text clearly defines the Planning Commission's role as advisory.
Explanation
The text clarifies, 'The Planning Commission is not one of the many commissions and other bodies set up by the Constitution. The Planning Commission was set up in March, 1950 by a simple resolution of the Government of India. It has an advisory role and its recommendations become effective only when the Union Cabinet approved these.'
Who served as the Chairperson of the Planning Commission?
Hint: Consider who would lead a central government body of such importance.
Answer
The text explicitly states the Prime Minister's role.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Soon after India became independent, the Planning Commission came into being. The Prime Minister was its Chairperson.'
What was the 'Bombay Plan'?
Hint: Recall who proposed this plan and its core idea about state involvement.
Answer
The text describes the Bombay Plan as a proposal by industrialists for a planned economy.
Explanation
The text states, 'Rather, a section of the big industrialists got together in 1944 and drafted a joint proposal for setting up a planned economy in the country. It was called the Bombay Plan. The Bombay Plan wanted the state to take major initiatives in industrial and other economic investments.'
The concept of 'Five Year Plans' in India was inspired by which country's model?
Hint: Think about the socialist model of development that impressed many Indian leaders.
Answer
The text directly links India's Five Year Plans to the USSR.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'As in the USSR, the Planning Commission of India opted for five year plans (FYP).'
What was the primary focus of the First Five Year Plan (1951-1956)?
Hint: Recall which sector was hit hardest by Partition and needed urgent attention.
Answer
The First FYP prioritized agriculture and related infrastructure.
Explanation
The text states, 'The First Five Year Plan addressed, mainly, the agrarian sector including investment in dams and irrigation. Agricultural sector was hit hardest by Partition and needed urgent attention.'
Who was the young economist involved in drafting the First Five Year Plan who argued India should 'hasten slowly'?
Hint: Look for the economist associated with the 'hasten slowly' approach.
Answer
K.N. Raj is credited with this specific advice.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'K.N. Raj, a young economist involved in drafting the plan, argued that India should ‘hasten slowly’ for the first two decades as a fast rate of development might endanger democracy.'
What did the First Five Year Plan identify as the principal obstacle to agricultural growth?
Hint: Consider the structural reforms prioritized in the agrarian sector.
Answer
Land distribution was seen as the fundamental issue.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Plan identified the pattern of land distribution in the country as the principal obstacle in the way of agricultural growth. It focused on land reforms as the key to the country’s development.'
The Second Five Year Plan primarily stressed on the development of which sector?
Hint: Recall the major shift in focus from the First Plan.
Answer
The Second FYP marked a shift towards industrialization.
Explanation
The text notes, 'The Second FYP stressed on heavy industries.'
Who led the team of economists and planners that drafted the Second Five Year Plan?
Hint: Think of the renowned statistician and founder of the Indian Statistical Institute.
Answer
P.C. Mahalanobis is recognized as the architect of the Second Plan.
Explanation
The text states, 'It [the Second FYP] was drafted by a team of economists and planners under the leadership of P. C. Mahalanobis.'
What was the declared goal of the Congress party at its Avadi session, which was reflected in the Second Five Year Plan?
Hint: Consider the ideological leaning that influenced the Second Plan's emphasis on public sector and state control.
Answer
The 'socialist pattern of society' was a key ideological declaration.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Before this plan was finalised, the Congress party at its session held at Avadi near the then Madras city, passed an important resolution. It declared that ‘socialist pattern of society’ was its goal. This was reflected in the Second Plan.'
How did the government protect domestic industries during the Second Five Year Plan?
Hint: Think about trade policies that shield local production from foreign competition.
Answer
Tariffs were a protective measure for nascent domestic industries.
Explanation
The text states, 'The government imposed substantial tariffs on imports in order to protect domestic industries. Such protected environment helped both public and private sector industries to grow.'
What does the term 'Left' typically refer to in the politics of most countries, concerning economic policy?
Hint: Consider the role of the state in economic redistribution and control.
Answer
The 'Left' ideology is associated with greater state control and regulation.
Explanation
The text defines: 'Left often refers to those who are in favour of state control of the economy and prefers state regulation over free competition.'
What does the term 'Right' typically refer to in the politics of most countries, concerning economic policy?
Hint: Think about the belief in the efficiency of market mechanisms.
Answer
The 'Right' ideology emphasizes market forces and limited government intervention.
Explanation
The text defines: 'The Right refers to those who believe that free competition and market economy alone ensure progress and that the government should not unnecessarily intervene in the economy.'
What institution replaced the Planning Commission in India on January 1, 2015?
Hint: Look for the 'Fast Forward' section in the text about a new institution.
Answer
NITI Aayog is the successor to the Planning Commission.
Explanation
The 'Fast Forward' section states: 'The Government of India replaced the Planning Commission with a new institution named NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). This came into existence on 1 January 2015.'
What was the advantage of having a Five Year Plan, as mentioned in the text?
Hint: Consider the scope and duration of planning involved.
Answer
The long-term perspective was a key benefit of the Five Year Plans.
Explanation
The text states, 'A five year plan has the advantage of permitting the government to focus on the larger picture and make long-term intervention in the economy.'
Why did many Indian leaders, including Nehru, show deep impression for the Soviet model of development after Independence?
Hint: Recall the global events and economic successes that made planning attractive.
Answer
The USSR's rapid industrialization and growth under planning were significant influences.
Explanation
The text notes: 'The experience of Great Depression in Europe, the inter-war reconstruction of Japan and Germany, and most of all the spectacular economic growth against heavy odds in the Soviet Union in the 1930s and 1940s contributed to this consensus [for planning].' This context explains why the Soviet model impressed many Indian leaders.
What was the shared vision or model of economic development that bound together major decisions after Independence?
Hint: Remember the dual goals of development and the agreed-upon role of the government.
Answer
The consensus was on a state-led approach for both growth and justice.
Explanation
The text states: 'Almost everyone agreed that the development of India should mean both economic growth and social and economic justice. It was also agreed that this matter cannot be left to businessmen, industrialists and farmers themselves, that the government should play a key role in this.'
The First Five Year Plan document was released in which month and year?
Hint: Look for the release date of the First Plan document.
Answer
The text specifies December 1951.
Explanation
The text notes, 'The draft of the First Five Year Plan and then the actual Plan Document, released in December 1951, generated a lot of excitement in the country.'
What was a significant problem faced during the Second and Third Five Year Plans related to industrialization?
Hint: Consider the trade-off and resource allocation issues between industry and agriculture.
Answer
Technological dependence and potential food scarcity were key challenges.
Explanation
The text states: 'It [industrialization] however, had its problems as well. India was technologically backward, so it had to spend precious foreign exchange to buy technology from the global market. That apart, as industry attracted more investment than agriculture, the possibility of food shortage loomed large. The Indian planners found balancing industry and agriculture really difficult.'
According to the text, why can't questions about the 'kind of development Orissa needs' be answered by an expert alone?
Hint: Think about whose needs are being considered and the democratic process.
Answer
The text emphasizes the political nature of such decisions, involving trade-offs between competing interests.
Explanation
The text states: 'These questions cannot be answered by an expert. Decisions of this kind involve weighing the interests of one social group against another, present generation against future generations. In a democracy such major decisions should be taken or at least approved by the people themselves.'
What was the term used when the Fourth Five Year Plan, due to start in 1966, was postponed due to an acute economic crisis?
Hint: Look for the specific phrase used to describe the postponement of planning.
Answer
'Plan holiday' is the specific term mentioned.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Fourth Plan was due to start in 1966. By this time, the novelty of planning had declined considerably, and moreover, India was facing acute economic crisis. The government decided to take a ‘plan holiday’.'
What idea of 'development' was common in the first decade after Independence, often referring to the 'West' as a standard?
Hint: Recall how 'modern' was often defined in the post-colonial context.
Answer
Modernization, as exemplified by the West, was the prevalent view.
Explanation
The text explains, 'It was common then, as it is even now, for people to refer to the ‘West’ as the standard for measuring development. ‘Development’ was about becoming more ‘modern’ and modern was about becoming more like the industrialised countries of the West.'
What was the fundamental disagreement regarding the government's role in ensuring growth with justice after Independence?
Hint: Think about the questions posed in the text regarding the government's specific actions.
Answer
The debate centered on the specific mechanisms and extent of state intervention.
Explanation
The text states: 'There was disagreement, however, on the kind of role that the government must play in ensuring growth with justice. Was it necessary to have a centralised institution to plan for the entire country? Should the government itself run some key industries and business? How much importance was to be attached to the needs of justice if it differed from the requirements of economic growth?'
Which large-scale project was allocated huge funds during the First Five Year Plan?
Hint: Recall the major infrastructure projects related to agriculture and irrigation.
Answer
The Bhakra Nangal Dam is specifically mentioned as a major investment.
Explanation
The text states, 'Huge allocations were made for large-scale projects like the Bhakhra Nangal Dam' during the First Five Year Plan.
What was one of the basic aims of the planners in the First Five Year Plan, related to national income?
Hint: Consider the relationship between savings, investment, and economic growth.
Answer
Raising national income through increased savings was a core objective.
Explanation
The text explains, 'One of the basic aims of the planners was to raise the level of national income, which could be possible only if the people saved more money than they spent. As the basic level of spending was very low in the 1950s, it could not be reduced any more. So the planners sought to push savings up.'
How did the Second Five Year Plan aim to bring about 'quick structural transformation' compared to the First Plan's 'patience'?
Hint: Compare the pace and scope of change advocated by each plan.
Answer
The Second Plan's strategy was comprehensive and focused on rapid industrialization.
Explanation
The text contrasts the two plans: 'If the first plan had preached patience, the second wanted to bring about quick structural transformation by making changes simultaneously in all possible directions,' with a stress on heavy industries.
What was the significance of the growth of industries like electricity, railways, steel, and communication in the public sector during the Second Five Year Plan?
Hint: Consider the overall direction and ideology of the Second Plan.
Answer
This expansion of the public sector in key industries was a defining feature of India's early development path.
Explanation
The text highlights this as a pivotal moment: 'Indeed, such a push for industrialisation marked a turning point in India’s development.' The growth of these industries in the public sector aligned with the 'socialist pattern of society' goal.
According to the text, which of these ideas did NOT form part of the early phase of India's development policy?
Hint: Think about the dominant economic ideology and state's role in the initial decades.
Answer
Liberalisation, implying reduced state control and open markets, was not a characteristic of the early planned economy.
Explanation
The early phase was characterized by state-led planning, with goals like self-sufficiency, and discussions around cooperative farming (though not centrally implemented as a policy, it was part of the debate). Liberalisation, which involves reducing state control and opening up markets, came much later, in the 1990s.
The resolution setting up the Planning Commission guaranteed certain Fundamental Rights and enunciated Directive Principles. Which of these was NOT among the objectives mentioned in the resolution?
Hint: Carefully read the objectives related to wealth distribution.
Answer
The objective was to prevent, not result in, wealth concentration.
Explanation
The resolution stated that the State shall direct its policy towards securing, among other things, '(c) that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment.' Option C contradicts this directly.
The text states that decisions like the Orissa steel plant conflict 'cannot be answered by an expert' alone. What is the implied reason for this?
Hint: Think about the ultimate authority and responsibility in a democracy for major societal choices.
Answer
The text explicitly frames such decisions as political, involving trade-offs and democratic processes.
Explanation
The text says, 'Decisions of this kind involve weighing the interests of one social group against another, present generation against future generations. In a democracy such major decisions should be taken or at least approved by the people themselves... Yet the final decision must be a political decision, taken by people’s representatives who are in touch with the feelings of the people.'
The 'modernisation' idea of development was associated with which concepts?
Hint: Recall how 'modern' was defined in comparison to traditional societies.
Answer
Modernization was linked to Western industrial models and societal shifts.
Explanation
The text states, 'It was believed that every country would go through the process of modernisation as in the West, which involved the breakdown of traditional social structures and the rise of capitalism and liberalism. Modernisation was also associated with the ideas of growth, material progress and scientific rationality.'
What type of budget is spent on routine items on a yearly basis, as opposed to the 'plan' budget?
Hint: Think about the distinction between regular expenses and planned development expenses.
Answer
The text defines 'non-plan' budget in this context.
Explanation
The text explains the division of the budget: 'Accordingly the budget of the central and all the State governments is divided into two parts: ‘non-plan’ budget that is spent on routine items on a yearly basis and ‘plan’ budget that is spent on a five year basis as per the priorities fixed by the plan.'
Critics of the Second and Third Five Year Plans pointed out an 'unmistakable 'urban bias'. What does this imply?
Hint: Consider the primary focus of these plans (heavy industry) and its geographical implications.
Answer
Urban bias suggests a focus on urban-centric development at the expense of rural areas.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Critics pointed out that the plan strategies from this time around displayed an unmistakable “urban bias”.' This implies that the emphasis on heavy industry and large-scale projects, while aimed at national growth, tended to concentrate benefits and development in urban areas, potentially at the expense of rural development and agriculture.
What was the initial public and expert reaction to the launch of the First and Second Five Year Plans?
Hint: Recall the level of engagement from various sections of society.
Answer
The plans generated considerable enthusiasm and discussion across society.
Explanation
The text states, 'The draft of the First Five Year Plan and then the actual Plan Document, released in December 1951, generated a lot of excitement in the country. People from all walks of life – academics, journalists, government and private sector employees, industrialists, farmers, politicians etc. – discussed and debated the documents extensively. The excitement with planning reached its peak with the launching of the Second Five Year Plan in 1956...'
The passage by Francine Frankel describes a contradiction within the Congress party regarding economic policy. What was this contradiction?
Hint: Look for the 'two contradictory tendencies' mentioned in the Francine Frankel excerpt.
Answer
The contradiction lay in professing socialist ideals while also accommodating and incentivizing private capital.
Explanation
Francine Frankel notes: 'On the one hand, the national party executive endorsed socialist principles of state ownership, regulation and control over key sectors of the economy... On the other hand, the national Congress government pursued liberal economic policies and incentives to private investment...'
Why was the 'task of poverty alleviation and social and economic redistribution' seen primarily as the responsibility of the government after Independence?
Hint: Recall the shared vision among nationalist leaders regarding the state's role in development.
Answer
The consensus was that private actors alone could not achieve the desired social and economic justice.
Explanation
The text states, 'It was clear, moreover, that the task of poverty alleviation and social and economic redistribution was being seen primarily as the responsibility of the government.' Further, it notes, 'Despite the various differences, there was a consensus on one point: that development could not be left to private actors, that there was the need for the government to develop a design or plan for development.'
During the early 1960s till the early 1970s, what trend was observed regarding the proportion of savings in the country?
Hint: Look for the information about savings trends after the Third Five Year Plan.
Answer
The text notes a consistent drop in savings during this period.
Explanation
The text states, 'Later, from the early 1960s till the early 1970s, the proportion of savings in the country actually dropped consistently.'
The text argues that the process of development should be studied as part of the history of politics in India because:
Hint: Think about the interplay between economic choices and the democratic process.
Answer
The inherent political nature and consequences of economic decisions are emphasized.
Explanation
The text states: 'Each of the decision had political consequence. Most of these issues involved political judgement and required consultations among political parties and approval of the public. That is why we need to study the process of development as a part of the history of politics in India.'
The consensus for planning as a process of rebuilding the economy earned public support globally in the 1940s and 1950s due to which major events?
Hint: Consider the global economic challenges and successes that made planning attractive.
Answer
These historical events demonstrated the perceived effectiveness of planned economies.
Explanation
The text explicitly lists these factors: 'The experience of Great Depression in Europe, the inter-war reconstruction of Japan and Germany, and most of all the spectacular economic growth against heavy odds in the Soviet Union in the 1930s and 1940s contributed to this consensus [for planning].'
Why did the Bombay Plan, drafted by industrialists, advocate for the state to take major initiatives in industrial and other economic investments?
Hint: Consider the context of post-war reconstruction and the scale of development needed.
Answer
Industrialists understood the scale of investment required for foundational industries was beyond private capacity alone.
Explanation
The text clarifies, 'We commonly assume that private investors... are averse to ideas of planning: they seek an open economy without any state control... That was not what happened here. Rather, a section of the big industrialists got together in 1944 and drafted a joint proposal for setting up a planned economy in the country. It was called the Bombay Plan. The Bombay Plan wanted the state to take major initiatives in industrial and other economic investments.' This implies they saw the state's role as crucial for the initial, massive investments required.
Which of the following was NOT explicitly mentioned as a type of industry or infrastructure developed in the public sector during the Second Five Year Plan?
Hint: Review the examples of public sector industries listed for the Second Plan.
Answer
Electricity, railways, steel, machineries and communication were mentioned.
Explanation
The text lists: 'A bulk of these industries like electricity, railways, steel, machineries and communication could be developed in the public sector.' Textiles are not mentioned in this list.
What was the major criticism regarding the allocation of investment between agriculture and industry in the Second and Third Plans?
Hint: Recall the 'urban bias' criticism and the risk of food shortage.
Answer
Many critics felt agriculture was neglected in favor of industry.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Others thought that industry was wrongly given priority over agriculture. There were also those who wanted focus on agriculture-related industries rather than heavy ones.' This reflects the criticism of prioritizing industry over agriculture.
The phrase 'Indeed, whose need can be called Orissa’s need?' regarding the steel plant controversy suggests what about development decisions?
Hint: Consider the different groups with conflicting interests mentioned in the Orissa case.
Answer
This rhetorical question highlights the subjective and contested nature of defining societal needs in a diverse democracy.
Explanation
This question directly follows the discussion of conflicting interests (state government, tribal population, environmentalists, central government). It underscores that 'Orissa’s need' is not a monolithic concept but rather a political outcome of balancing and prioritizing diverse, often conflicting, demands and visions for development.
Why were there very few supporters of the American-style capitalist development in India after Independence?
Hint: Recall the nationalist leaders' vision for the economic role of independent India's government.
Answer
The strong nationalist sentiment favored a state-led approach to address poverty and injustice, which was not characteristic of pure capitalism.
Explanation
The text states, 'There were very few supporters of the American style capitalist development. This reflected a broad consensus that had developed during the national movement. The nationalist leaders were clear that the economic concerns of the government of free India would have to be different from the narrowly defined commercial functions of the colonial government. It was clear, moreover, that the task of poverty alleviation and social and economic redistribution was being seen primarily as the responsibility of the government.'
The planning process in India saw its excitement decline considerably by the time the Fourth Plan was due in 1966 due to:
Hint: Look for the reasons cited for the 'plan holiday'.
Answer
The text explicitly mentions both declining novelty and economic crisis.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Fourth Plan was due to start in 1966. By this time, the novelty of planning had declined considerably, and moreover, India was facing acute economic crisis. The government decided to take a ‘plan holiday’.'
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