question_answer 8)

 How was the economic development of India visualised in the early decades after independence?  

Answer:

 Planning for Economic Development: Lifting India and Indians out of poverty and building modern technical and industrial base were among the major objectives of the new nation. In 1950, the government set up a Planning Commission to help design and execute suitable policies for economic development. The First Five Year Plan worked from 18th April 1951 to 31 March 1956. In this plan more stress was given on agricultural de- development, as India is an agricultural country. From 1950 to 1990-91, India followed 'mixed economy' model. In 1956, the Second Five Year Plan was formulated. This focused strongly on the development of heavy industries such as steel, and on the building of large dams. These sectors would be under the control of the State. This focus on heavy industry, and the effort at state regulation of the economy was to guide economic policy for the next few decades. This approach had many strong supporters, but also some vocal critics. Since independence our country has made great progress in all spheres of life.. Its agriculture and industry have made a significant development. Technologically also India is on path of continuous development as rapidly growing power has been recognised. After independence a number of steps were taken by the government to make the balanced growth of all the regions of the country. Undoubtedly, our states have made significant development socially, economically after independence but in spite of the best efforts on the part of the government inequality in regional development still exists. People raises their voice against it. This feeling of grievance against the injustice gives rise to several movements. The development of regions or states have not been same due to multiple kind of variations and diversities, ethnic division, social customs, cultural patterns and religions. Land of some states are very fertile while others are less fertile such as Rajasthan. Some states have rich in natural resources while some are very poor in this regard. Some regions or states like Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra etc. have developed fast. Many other regions have remained backward due to lack of facilities or funds. It has led to regional backwardness. People living in regions which are far from the national capital felt neglected or ignored. The government of a party at the centre makes available more of funds to its governments in the states in comparison to the governments of other parties in the states. The green revolution introduced in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh has made these states more developed agriculturally comparing to other states.