Five Year Plans.

First Five Year Plan (1951-1956)

This plan focused on agricultural development, with irrigation projects being a key priority. It was influenced by the Harrod-Domar model, emphasizing capital accumulation. The plan achieved a growth rate of 2.1% and laid the foundation for future development. It was largely successful due to relatively peaceful conditions post-independence and significant external aid (primarily from the US under the Point Four Program).

Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961)

This plan emphasized industrialization, particularly heavy industries like steel and power. It was based on the Mahalanobis model, prioritizing capital goods production. The plan achieved a growth rate of 4.8%, but faced challenges due to increased import costs and the Korean War impacting resource availability.

Third Five Year Plan (1961-1966)

Aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and increasing national income, this plan focused on agriculture and irrigation. However, the Indo-China War of 1962 and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 disrupted the plan, leading to its failure to achieve the targeted growth rate. It’s often called the “Gadgil Plan” after the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, P.V. Gadgil.

Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-1974)

This plan adopted the ‘Garibi Hatao’ (Eradicate Poverty) slogan and focused on self-reliance, social justice, and agricultural production. Nationalization of banks was a key feature. The plan faced challenges due to the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War and drought conditions, resulting in a lower growth rate than anticipated.

Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-1979)

This plan emphasized self-reliance, reducing poverty, and achieving social justice. It focused on infrastructure development and employment generation. However, political instability and the oil crisis of 1979 hampered its progress.

Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-1985)

This plan focused on increasing food grain production and improving the living standards of the poor. It achieved a higher growth rate of 5.2% due to favorable weather conditions and increased agricultural output. It also emphasized technological advancements.

Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-1990)

This plan aimed at improving the quality of life, increasing employment opportunities, and reducing regional disparities. It focused on food, energy, and water. It achieved a growth rate of 6.0%, but faced challenges due to the balance of payments crisis in 1991.

Eighth Five Year Plan (1992-1997)

This plan was launched in the context of economic liberalization and globalization. It focused on rapid economic growth, modernization of industries, and employment generation. It achieved a growth rate of 6.8%.

Ninth Five Year Plan (1997-2002)

This plan aimed at accelerating economic growth, reducing poverty, and ensuring social justice. It focused on agriculture, infrastructure, and education. It faced challenges due to the Asian financial crisis and natural disasters.

Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007)

This plan focused on achieving a growth rate of 8% and reducing poverty by 5 percentage points. It emphasized education, health, and infrastructure development. It achieved a growth rate of 7.7%.

Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012)

This plan aimed at inclusive growth, focusing on reducing poverty, improving education and health, and addressing climate change. It targeted a growth rate of 9% but achieved 8.2% due to the global financial crisis of 2008.

Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-2017)

This plan focused on faster, sustainable, and more inclusive growth. It aimed to address issues like skill development, infrastructure deficits, and environmental sustainability. However, it was the last Five Year Plan as the Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog.

Plan	Focus	Growth Rate (%)
First (1951-56)	Agriculture	2.1
Second (1956-61)	Heavy Industry	4.8
Eleventh (2007-12)	Inclusive Growth	8.2