Economic Plans of India 1966-1974

Questions and Answers

What were the two principal objectives of the Fourth Plan (1969-74)?

Growth with stability and the progressive achievement of self-reliance.

What major event in 1971 impacted funding for development projects in India?

The war with Pakistan and the subsequent Bangladesh War.

What was a key focus of the Fifth Plan (1974-79) regarding social issues?

Removal of poverty and growth with social justice.

What was the significance of the establishment of NABARD in 1981?

It was aimed at promoting rural development and providing credit and development support to agriculture. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Sixth Plan (1980-85) shift focus compared to the previous Janata Government's plan?

It returned to prioritizing poverty alleviation and the Nehru model of growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of harmonisation as described in the context of government actions?

The primary purpose of harmonisation is to facilitate coordinated actions across different layers of government, especially for cross-cutting and overlapping issues. Signup and view all the answers

How does the NITI Aayog function as a conflict resolution platform?

The NITI Aayog provides a platform for the mutual resolution of inter-sectoral, inter-departmental, inter-state, and centre-state issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of NITI Aayog in internal consultancy for governments?

NITI Aayog offers an internal consultancy function that assists Central and state governments on policy and programme design. Signup and view all the answers

What aspects of government operations does NITI Aayog focus on for capacity building?

NITI Aayog focuses on technology up-gradation and benchmarking with the latest global trends for capacity building across governments. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does NITI Aayog engage in monitoring and evaluation?

NITI Aayog monitors the implementation of policies and programmes and evaluates their impact through rigorous tracking of performance metrics. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Chairman of the NITI Aayog and what is their role?

The Prime Minister of India serves as the Chairman of the NITI Aayog, overseeing its functions and strategic direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog?

The Governing Council comprises Chief Ministers of all states and Lieutenant Governors of union territories. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Regional Councils within the NITI Aayog?

Regional Councils are formed to address specific issues and contingencies that impact more than one state or region. Signup and view all the answers

What additional roles should the Planning Commission adopt to remain relevant in India's growth process?

The Planning Commission should adopt roles that focus on stakeholder engagement and adaptation to local needs while promoting decentralized governance. Signup and view all the answers

How does the quote from Mahatma Gandhi relate to the government's approach in evolving its institutions of governance?

The quote illustrates the necessity of constant development and adaptation in governance to meet the dynamic needs of modern India. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways should NITI Aayog integrate traditional wisdom into its development strategies?

NITI Aayog should incorporate Bharatiyata by reflecting civilizational ethos and historical insights in its strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of extensive consultation in the formation of NITI Aayog?

Extensive consultation ensures that diverse perspectives and regional needs are considered in developmental policies. Signup and view all the answers

How does the NITI Aayog's approach embody the concept of decentralized governance?

It promotes collaboration among central, state, and local governments, reflecting a shift towards decentralized decision-making. Signup and view all the answers

What capacities should the Planning Commission build to ensure effective governance?

The Planning Commission should develop capabilities in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive policy-making. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of domain experts in the functioning of NITI Aayog.

Domain experts contribute specialized knowledge and insights that inform policy-making processes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a paradigm shift necessary for the Central government's approach to state and local governments?

A paradigm shift is necessary to accommodate the increased pluralism and regional diversity within India's governance framework. Signup and view all the answers

What distinct role does NITI Aayog serve in the governance of India?

NITI Aayog functions as a dedicated think tank, focusing on strategic planning and providing specialized inputs to the government. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of scenario planning for NITI Aayog.

Scenario planning allows NITI Aayog to design medium and long-term strategic frameworks by considering various possible futures and critical gaps. Signup and view all the answers

How does NITI Aayog assist in domain strategies for government ministries?

NITI Aayog builds a repository of specialized expertise to support government ministries in their development planning and problem-solving needs. Signup and view all the answers

What role does NITI Aayog play as a knowledge and innovation hub?

It accumulates and disseminates research and best practices in governance, acting as a Resource Centre for sharing knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of identifying critical gaps in NITI Aayog's strategic framework?

Identifying critical gaps helps NITI Aayog to focus on areas that require reform and development for national progress. Signup and view all the answers

How does NITI Aayog's role differ from traditional governance processes?

NITI Aayog separates strategy from usual processes and implementation by emphasizing long-term vision and innovation. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways does NITI Aayog contribute to the Prime Minister and government's decision-making?

NITI Aayog provides specialized strategic, functional, and technical inputs critical for fulfilling the national development agenda. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by untapped potentialities in the context of NITI Aayog's functions?

Untapped potentialities refer to resources or opportunities within the country that can be harnessed for growth and development. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of cooperative federalism as defined by the NITI Aayog?

The primary goal is to enable states to participate actively in the formulation of national policy and to implement targets through a partnership with the Centre. Signup and view all the answers

How does the NITI Aayog support states in addressing their challenges?

The NITI Aayog supports states by coordinating with ministries, promoting their ideas at the Centre, offering consultancy, and building capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the NITI Aayog emphasize in planning to empower local governments?

The NITI Aayog emphasizes a 'bottom-up model' for planning, where local governments are empowered to develop credible plans. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the function of the NITI Aayog in evolving a shared national agenda.

The NITI Aayog works to evolve a shared vision of national development priorities, involving states actively in the process. Signup and view all the answers

What changes are suggested to involve state governments and local bodies in development?

The suggested changes include understanding their developmental needs and incorporating local realities into national policies. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the NITI Aayog act as the 'State’s Best Friend at the Centre'?

The NITI Aayog acts as the 'State’s Best Friend' by providing support and resources that help states manage their unique challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of time-bound implementation of targets under NITI Aayog?

Time-bound implementation ensures that both quantitative and qualitative targets are achieved effectively and efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of the NITI Aayog in relation to local developmental needs.

The NITI Aayog plays the role of understanding and supporting the local developmental needs and aspirations of communities. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Planning Periods and Key Plans

Fourth Plan (1969-74): Focused on growth with stability and self-reliance, aimed for a 5.5% growth rate and poverty alleviation (Garibi Hatao).
Bank Nationalisation: Implemented in 1969 as part of economic reforms.
Green Revolution: Initiated to improve agricultural productivity.
Major Conflicts: The 1971 war with Pakistan and the Bangladesh war diverted funds from development projects.
Nuclear Tests (1974): Demonstrated India's capabilities and ambitions in nuclear technology.

Fifth Plan (1974-79)

Inflation Challenges: Triggered by the 1973 Petroleum shock, leading to economic instability.
Objectives: Focused on poverty alleviation and social justice, tackling unemployment.
Emergency Period (1975-77): Indicating a period of political instability impacting the fifth plan's execution.
Termination in 1978: Ended by the Janata Government led by Morarji Desai.

Sixth Plan (1978-83)

Critique of Earlier Planning: Recognition of unemployment and concentration of economic power criticized during this period.
Rolling Plan Concept: Introduced perspective planning for continuous development.
Focus Areas: Emphasized higher production and employment in agriculture and small-scale industries.

Sixth Plan Under Congress (1980-85)

Revival of Focus: Reoriented towards poverty alleviation and the Nehru growth model.
NABARD Establishment (1981): Aimed to facilitate rural credit and agriculture development.
Liberalization Era: Marked the beginning of economic liberalization globally.

NITI Aayog Principles

Mahatma Gandhi's Influence: Emphasized ongoing development and adaptation in governance.
Adaptive Governance: The need for institutions to evolve with India's changing dynamics while respecting constitutional principles.

Functions of NITI Aayog

Cooperative and Competitive Federalism: Establishes partnerships between central and state governments, promoting mutual participation in policy formulation.
Shared National Agenda: Develops a cooperative strategy for national development priorities involving states.
Decentralized Planning: Emphasizes a bottom-up model where local governments formulate development plans aggregating towards national goals.
Think Tank Role: Provides strategic direction and expert input to government on national development.
Vision and Scenario Planning: Designs frameworks for long-term development, addressing critical gaps.
Knowledge Hub: Acts as a center for research on governance and replication of best practices.
Conflict Resolution Platform: Facilitates resolution of inter-governmental and inter-departmental disputes.
Internal Consultancy: Offers policy and program design consultations based on established design principles.
Capacity Building: Enhances governmental capabilities through training and technology upgrades.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Implements tracking and assessments to gauge policy impacts.

NITI Aayog Structure

Chairman: The Prime Minister of India.
Governing Council: Composed of Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors of Union Territories.
Regional Councils: Target specific issues impacting multiple states.
Special Invitees: Domain experts nominated by the Prime Minister for relevant insight.
Organizational Framework: Includes a Vice-Chairperson, full-time and part-time members from academia and organizations relevant to NITI Aayog’s functions.

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Description

This quiz covers the major economic plans of India from 1966 to 1974, focusing on the objectives and impacts of the Third and Fourth Plans. Key events such as the Green Revolution, nationalization of banks, and socio-economic challenges during this period are also discussed. Test your knowledge on India's development strategies during this crucial era.