Question

The focus of the Second Five Year Plan was:

• A. Agriculture
• B. Atomic Energy
• C. Heavy Industries
• D. Small Scale Industries

Hint:

The First Five Year Plan focused on agricultural growth (Harrod-Domar model), whereas the Second Five Year Plan shifted focus to heavy industrialization (Mahalanobis model) to achieve long-term structural self-reliance.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Background of the Five-Year Plans:
After gaining independence, India adopted the model of state-led economic planning through Five-Year Plans. The First Five Year Plan (1951--1956) prioritized agricultural development and irrigation to solve immediate food security challenges.

Step 2: The Shift in the Second Plan (1956--1961):
The Second Five Year Plan was drafted under the guidance of the eminent statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (often called the Mahalanobis Model). This plan advocated for rapid industrialization, specifically focusing on the public sector and the establishment of heavy and basic industries (such as steel, coal, chemical, electricity, and heavy engineering).

Step 3: Evaluating the Options:
The principal objective of the Second Plan was to build a strong industrial foundation to make the Indian economy self-reliant in capital goods. Thus, Option (C) is the correct answer.