CBSE Class 12 Political Science NCERT Solutions: Chapter 12 - Politics of Planned Development

Solution: The statement that is incorrect about the Bombay Plan is (a) "It was a blueprint for India's economic future." While the Bombay Plan did propose a vision for India's economic development, the statement that it was *the* blueprint is debatable and not its primary characterization. The plan was indeed formulated by leading industrialists (c) and strongly supported the concept of economic planning (d). However, it did not advocate for state-ownership of industry (b); rather, it emphasized private sector initiative within a planned framework. Therefore, the most inaccurate statement is (a) in the context of its overall reception and nature.

Solution: The idea that did not form part of the early phase of India's development policy was (b) Liberalisation. India's initial development strategy, adopted after independence, was characterized by state-led planning, emphasis on self-sufficiency, and promotion of cooperative farming. Liberalisation, which involves reducing government controls and opening up the economy to market forces and foreign investment, became a significant policy shift much later, primarily in the 1990s.

Solution: The idea of planning in India was drawn from multiple sources, making (iv) All of the above the correct answer. The Bombay Plan (a) provided a significant framework for industrial planning. The experiences of the Soviet bloc countries (b) demonstrated the potential of centralized economic planning. While not explicitly stated as a direct source for the *mechanics* of planning, the Gandhian vision (c) influenced ideas about rural development and equitable distribution. Furthermore, various social movements and demands, including those from peasant organizations (d), contributed to the broader discourse on development priorities that planning aimed to address.

Solution: The correct matching of the items is as follows:

• (a) Charan Singh is associated with (iii) Farmers, as he was a prominent political leader who advocated for the interests and development of the agricultural sector and rural communities.
• (b) P.C. Mahalanobis was a key architect of India's industrialization strategy, particularly influencing the Second Five Year Plan, hence matching with (i) Industrialization.
• (c) Bihar Famine is related to (ii) Zoning, as zoning policies were implemented to manage food grain distribution and prevent hoarding, especially during times of scarcity like the Bihar famine.
• (d) Verghese Kurien is renowned for his role in the dairy sector and establishing milk cooperatives, leading to the White Revolution, thus matching with (iv) Milk Cooperatives.

Therefore, the complete match is (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iv).

Solution: At the time of India's independence, there were significant differences in the approach towards development. The overarching goal was modernization, which was understood as achieving economic growth, material progress, and adopting scientific rationality, akin to the industrialized Western nations. However, two primary models of development were considered:

1. The liberal capitalist model, exemplified by countries like Europe and the USA.
2. The socialist model, inspired by the Soviet Union.

A considerable debate ensued regarding which model to adopt. While leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, communists, and socialists favored the socialist model, reflecting a broad consensus developed during the national movement, there were differing views on the specific priorities. Some argued for prioritizing industrialization, while others emphasized agricultural development or the immediate alleviation of rural poverty. This debate has not been entirely resolved, as different governments and economic policies over the decades have oscillated between these priorities, reflecting ongoing discussions about the best path for India's socio-economic progress.

Solution: The First Five Year Plan, which commenced in 1951, had a major thrust on poverty alleviation and aimed for a gradual, steady growth. Its key priorities included:

• Investing in the agricultural sector through dams and irrigation projects to improve productivity. Significant allocations were made for large-scale projects like the Bhakra-Nangal Dam.
• Focusing on land reforms to bring about development in rural areas.
• Increasing the national income.

The Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961) differed significantly from the first one in its approach and emphasis:

• Industrialisation: The Second Plan strongly stressed heavy industrialization, aiming to build a robust industrial base for the country.
• Structural Transformation: It sought to bring about a quicker and more comprehensive structural transformation in the economy, moving away from the slow and steady growth strategy of the First Plan.

In essence, while the First Plan laid the groundwork by focusing on agriculture and basic infrastructure, the Second Plan aimed for a more ambitious industrial leap forward.

Solution: The Green Revolution refers to a period of revolutionary changes in agriculture, particularly in the production of food grains like wheat and rice, aimed at significantly increasing yields. This was achieved through the adoption of modern agricultural techniques, including high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and scientific irrigation facilities. The government actively supported farmers by providing these inputs at subsidized prices and fixing minimum support prices for their produce.

Two Positive Consequences:

1. Increased Food Production: The most significant positive outcome was a substantial increase in the production of food grains, which helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food and reduce its dependence on imports.
2. Economic Growth in Agriculture: Farmers, especially in regions where the Green Revolution was successful, experienced increased incomes and improved economic conditions, contributing to overall agricultural growth.

Two Negative Consequences:

1. Increased Disparities: The benefits of the Green Revolution were unevenly distributed. Large farmers with access to resources and credit benefited more, leading to increased disparities between small and large landholders, and between different regions.
2. Environmental Concerns: The intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides led to environmental degradation, including soil depletion, water pollution, and potential health risks associated with pesticide residues.