Question

What was the consensus built on the question of development in the first decade of independence?

• A. Development could be done by private actors.
• B. The market forces should give direction to development.
• C. The colonial path of development would bring economic growth
• D. Government to develop a design or plan for development.

Hint:

The first decade agreed on planned development led by the state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
After 1947 India had to choose a path of development. The question asks what most leaders agreed on in the first ten years.

Step 2: Key Fact:
There was a broad agreement that the state must play a leading role. The government would prepare a plan and guide the economy. This led to the Planning Commission in 1950 and the First Five Year Plan in 1951.

Step 3: Check option (1).
Private actors did have a role, but the consensus was not that development could be left to them. So option (1) is wrong.

Step 4: Check option (2).
Leaders did not want market forces to decide the direction. They wanted planning. So option (2) is wrong.

Step 5: Check option (3).
Leaders rejected the colonial path because colonial rule had kept the country poor. So option (3) is wrong.

Step 6: Check option (4).
This matches the consensus on planning. So option (4) is TRUE.

Final Answer:
The consensus was that the government should develop a design or plan for development. This is option (4). \[ \boxed{\text{Option 4}} \]