Question

Describe any two objectives which were addressed by the First Five Year Plan.

Hint:

Think of the priority to agriculture and irrigation, and the aim of rebuilding the economy and raising national income.

Answer 1

Step 1: Recall the plan:
The First Five Year Plan ran from 1951 to 1956. It was drawn up by the Planning Commission, which was set up in 1950.
The plan was prepared at a time when India faced a food shortage, the pain of partition and a weak economy.

Step 2: Objective 1: Develop agriculture and irrigation:
The plan gave top priority to the agricultural sector, because the country needed more food grains.
Money was spent on irrigation and power projects such as the Bhakra Nangal and Hirakud dams.
Land reform also formed part of this effort.

Step 3: Objective 2: Rebuild the economy and raise income:
The plan aimed to rebuild the economy after partition, to settle refugees and to control rising prices.
It also wished to raise the level of national income and lay the base for later industrial growth.

Final Answer:
Two objectives of the First Five Year Plan were (1) the rapid development of agriculture and irrigation and (2) rebuilding the economy, with a rise in national income and control of prices.