UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies
Question 98: Economy and Social Development
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
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Up to the Fifth Plan the strategy stressed heavy and basic industries (steel, machinery, power). From the Sixth Plan (1980-85) planning moved away from heavy industry: more weight went to infrastructure, especially energy and transport, alongside poverty alleviation and modernisation of industry. The Fourth Plan (1969-74) still aimed at growth with stability, and the Eighth and Tenth Plans came after liberalisation. Remember: the Sixth Plan marks the first major shift towards infrastructure.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The Fourth Plan still aimed at growth with stability and self-reliance.
- (b) Right: the shift to infrastructure began in the Sixth Plan.
- (c) The Eighth Plan (1992-97) came after the 1991 reforms.
- (d) The Tenth Plan (2002-07) was much later.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.