In this article, we will talk about Five-Year Plans of India and other related details with key facts to remember for exams.
India’s Five-Year Plans were a series of economic programs that guided the country’s development for more than 60 years.
The main aim was to use resources properly, reduce poverty, and improve industries, agriculture, education, and health.
These plans were prepared, executed, and monitored by the Planning Commission of India (now replaced by NITI Aayog in 2015).
When Did It Start?
- The First Five-Year Plan started in 1951, just after independence.
- Inspired by the Soviet Union model, India adopted central planning to develop the economy step by step.
- In total, India had 12 Five-Year Plans before the system was stopped in 2017.
List of Five-Year Plans (1951–2017)
| Plan | Period | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Plan | 1951–1956 | Agriculture, irrigation, community development |
| 2nd Plan | 1956–1961 | Industries, especially steel, heavy machinery |
| 3rd Plan | 1961–1966 | Self-reliance, agriculture, defense |
| 4th Plan | 1969–1974 | Growth with stability, removal of poverty |
| 5th Plan | 1974–1979 | Garibi Hatao (Remove Poverty), employment |
| 6th Plan | 1980–1985 | Poverty reduction, modernization |
| 7th Plan | 1985–1990 | Productivity, technology, food & energy security |
| 8th Plan | 1992–1997 | Economic reforms, liberalization, privatization, globalization (LPG model) |
| 9th Plan | 1997–2002 | Growth with justice, social & economic equality |
| 10th Plan | 2002–2007 | Faster development, poverty reduction, education |
| 11th Plan | 2007–2012 | “Inclusive Growth” – health, education, women empowerment |
| 12th Plan | 2012–2017 | “Faster, More Inclusive and Sustainable Growth” |
Why It Stopped?
- In 2015, the Planning Commission was replaced by NITI Aayog.
- Government decided to end Five-Year Plans and instead focus on “Three-Year Action Agenda” and long-term strategies.
- The last plan was the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012–2017).
Importance of Five-Year Plans
- Helped India move from an agriculture-based economy to a diversified economy.
- Built strong industries, dams, power plants, schools, and hospitals.
- Reduced poverty (though challenges remain).
- Created a path for economic reforms and globalization.
In Short
The Five-Year Plans of India were the backbone of the country’s economic planning for decades. They played a huge role in shaping modern India — from farming and industries to education and technology.
Though now replaced by NITI Aayog’s new methods, these plans remain an important part of India’s economic history and GK.
Five-Year Plans of India – Key Slogans, Goals & Facts
Five-Year Plans with Slogans/Focus
| Plan | Period | Main Focus / Slogan | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Plan | 1951–1956 | Focus on Agriculture & Irrigation | Inspired by Harrod-Domar Model, “Community Development Program” started |
| 2nd Plan | 1956–1961 | Focus on Industries (Steel, Power, Transport) | Based on Nehru-Mahalanobis Model, promoted heavy industries |
| 3rd Plan | 1961–1966 | Self-reliance, Agriculture & Defense | Plan failed due to 1962 & 1965 wars, and 1965–66 drought |
| 4th Plan | 1969–1974 | “Growth with Stability and Progress” | Focused on poverty removal & Green Revolution |
| 5th Plan | 1974–1979 | “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty) | National Programme of Minimum Needs, Self-Reliance |
| 6th Plan | 1980–1985 | Poverty eradication, modernization | Introduction of Family Planning Program |
| 7th Plan | 1985–1990 | Food, Work & Productivity | Focus on agriculture, social justice, productivity |
| 8th Plan | 1992–1997 | Economic Reforms (LPG: Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization) | Delayed due to political instability, launched in 1992 |
| 9th Plan | 1997–2002 | Growth with social justice | Focus on agriculture & rural development |
| 10th Plan | 2002–2007 | Target: 8% Growth Rate | Emphasis on reducing poverty & literacy improvement |
| 11th Plan | 2007–2012 | “Inclusive Growth” | Education & health, Women Empowerment, NREGA strengthened |
| 12th Plan | 2012–2017 | “Faster, More Inclusive & Sustainable Growth” | Last Five-Year Plan, replaced by NITI Aayog framework |
Key Facts for Exams
- First Five-Year Plan (1951–56) – Focused on agriculture, based on Harrod-Domar model.
- Second Plan (1956–61) – Known as Nehru-Mahalanobis Plan; focus on heavy industries.
- Third Plan (1961–66) – Failed due to Indo-China war (1962), Indo-Pak war (1965), drought (1965–66).
- Plan Holiday (1966–69) – No regular plan; instead annual plans due to economic crisis.
- Fifth Plan (1974–79) – Famous for “Garibi Hatao” slogan by Indira Gandhi.
- Rolling Plan (1978–80) – Introduced by Janata Government (ended 5th plan mid-way).
- Eighth Plan (1992–97) – First plan after economic reforms (1991 LPG model).
- Eleventh Plan (2007–12) – Emphasis on “Inclusive Growth”.
- Twelfth Plan (2012–17) – Last plan before abolition of Planning Commission.
- NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission in 2015.
Summary (One-Liners for Quick Revision)
- First Five-Year Plan: 1951–56 (Agriculture)
- Last Five-Year Plan: 2012–17 (Sustainable Growth)
- Model used in 1st Plan: Harrod-Domar Model
- Model used in 2nd Plan: Mahalanobis Model
- Plan Holiday: 1966–69
- Rolling Plan: 1978–80
- Garibi Hatao: 5th Plan
- LPG Reforms: 8th Plan
- Inclusive Growth: 11th Plan
- NITI Aayog replaced Planning Commission: 2015
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