In the context of India’s Five Year Plans, a shift in the pattern of industrialization, with lower emphasis on heavy industries and more on infrastructure begins in

The Eighth Five Year Plan 1992 to 1997 marked a significant turning point in India's economic strategy following the 1991 Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization reforms. During the earlier plans, especially starting from the Second Plan, the focus was heavily on state led development of basic and heavy industries.

However, the Eighth Plan shifted this focus towards infrastructure development, such as energy, transport, and communication, to support a growing market economy. It moved away from centralized industrial planning and gave more space to the private sector, emphasizing that the government's role should be to create a supportive environment through infrastructure rather than just managing heavy industries. This plan is also known for prioritizing human resource development.