What was the major thrust of the First Five Year Plan? In which ways did the Second Plan differ from the first one?
The First Five Year Plan (1951–1956) sought to get the country’s economy out of the cycle of poverty. K.N. Raj argued that India should 'hasten slowly' to avoid endangering democracy. The plan mainly addressed the agrarian sector, including investment in dams and irrigation, as agriculture was hit hardest by Partition. Huge allocations were made for projects like the Bhakhra Nangal Dam, and it focused on land reforms as the key to development.
The Second Five Year Plan differed as it stressed on heavy industries. Drafted under the leadership of P. C. Mahalanobis, it aimed for quick structural transformation, unlike the First Plan's patience. This reflected the Congress party's goal of a 'socialist pattern of society' declared at the Avadi session.
The government imposed substantial tariffs on imports to protect domestic industries. This helped both public and private sectors grow. Consequently, industries like electricity, railways, steel, and communication were developed in the public sector. This marked a shift from the agrarian focus of the First Plan to rapid industrialization.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the provided textbook context. The first section details the First Plan's focus on the agrarian sector, land reforms, and the philosophy of 'hastening slowly'. The second section contrasts this with the Second Plan's emphasis on heavy industries, the Mahalanobis model, and the 'socialist pattern of society' adopted at the Avadi session.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the thrust of the First Plan from the text (agrarian sector, dams, land reforms, 'hasten slowly').
Step 2: Identify the thrust of the Second Plan from the text (heavy industries, quick structural transformation).
Step 3: Note the specific differences mentioned: leadership (P.C. Mahalanobis), policy shift (socialist pattern, tariffs), and sector focus (public sector industries).