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

Solution: The statement that is incorrect about the Bombay Plan is (a). While the Bombay Plan was a significant document outlining a vision for India's economic future, it was not the sole blueprint. It was formulated by a group of prominent Indian industrialists in 1944, who strongly advocated for state-led industrialization and planning. They proposed a significant role for the state in developing key industries, but the statement that it was *the* blueprint for India's economic future is an oversimplification and thus incorrect in this context.

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

Solution: The idea of planning in India was drawn from (iv) All of the above. India's approach to planning was multifaceted. The Bombay Plan (a) provided a framework for industrial development. The experiences of the Soviet bloc countries (b) offered a model of centrally planned economies. While not a direct source of planning mechanisms, the Gandhian vision (c) influenced ideas about rural development and equitable distribution. Additionally, various social movements and organizations, including peasant organizations (d), contributed to the discourse on development priorities.

Solution: The correct matching is:

(a) Charan Singh - (iii) Farmers: Charan Singh was a prominent political leader who advocated for the interests of farmers and agricultural development.

(b) PC Mahalanobis - (i) Industrialization: P.C. Mahalanobis was a key architect of India's Second Five Year Plan, which heavily emphasized rapid industrialization.

(c) Bihar Famine - (ii) Zoning: The Bihar Famine of 1966-67 highlighted issues related to food distribution and agricultural policy, leading to discussions on 'zoning' or regional controls on food grain movement.

(d) Verghese Kurien - (iv) Milk Cooperatives: Verghese Kurien is renowned for his role in establishing and expanding the milk cooperative movement in India, particularly through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

Solution: At the time of Independence, India faced a significant debate regarding the path to development. The major differences in approaches were:

1. Modernization vs. Tradition: One perspective viewed development as modernization, characterized by economic growth, material progress, scientific rationality, and adopting Western industrial models. This often implied a break from traditional social structures.
2. Development Models: India considered two primary models: the liberal capitalist model, exemplified by Europe and the USA, and the socialist model, inspired by the USSR.
3. Priorities: There was a debate on whether the priority should be industrialization, agricultural development, or direct alleviation of rural poverty.
4. Role of State: While there was a broad consensus on the need for state intervention and planning, the extent and nature of this intervention were debated.

The debate has not been fully resolved. While India adopted a mixed economy with significant state planning initially, subsequent policy shifts, especially in the 1990s, introduced more market-oriented reforms. However, the tension between rapid economic growth, equitable distribution, poverty reduction, and the role of the state continues to be a subject of ongoing discussion and policy adjustments.

Solution: The major thrust of the First Five Year Plan (1951-1956) was primarily on agriculture and rural development. Key objectives included:

• Improving the agricultural sector through investments in dams and irrigation projects (like the Bhakra-Nangal Dam).
• Implementing land reforms to address rural inequalities.
• Increasing the national income and alleviating poverty.

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

• Focus on Industrialization: The Second Plan strongly emphasized rapid industrialization, particularly in heavy industries, with P.C. Mahalanobis playing a key role in its formulation.
• Structural Transformation: It aimed for a quicker and more comprehensive structural transformation of the economy, moving away from the slower, steady growth focus of the First Plan.
• Resource Allocation: It involved larger allocations for industrial projects compared to the First Plan's focus on agriculture and infrastructure.

In essence, the First Plan laid the groundwork by focusing on basic needs and agriculture, while the Second Plan aimed to accelerate industrial growth and modernize the economy more aggressively.

Solution: The Green Revolution refers to a period of significant increase in agricultural production, particularly in food grains like wheat and rice, achieved through the adoption of new agricultural technologies. This involved the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation facilities. The government supported this by providing these inputs at subsidized prices and fixing minimum support prices for produce.

Two Positive Consequences:

1. Increased Food Production: It led to a substantial increase in the production of food grains, helping India achieve self-sufficiency in food and avert widespread famine.
2. Economic Growth in Agriculture: Farmers who adopted the new technologies often saw increased incomes, contributing to economic growth in rural areas and strengthening the agricultural sector.

Two Negative Consequences:

1. Increased Disparities: The benefits of the Green Revolution were unevenly distributed. Wealthier farmers with larger landholdings and access to resources benefited more, leading to increased economic disparities between small and large farmers, and between 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. It also increased dependence on external inputs.