Which Five-Year Plan in India emphasised the concept of 'Inclusive Growth' focusing on social equity and rural development?

The correct answer is Sixth Plan.

Key Points

• The Sixth Five-Year Plan of India (1980-1985) emphasized the concept of 'Inclusive Growth' by addressing social equity and rural development.
• It focused on poverty alleviation, employment generation, infrastructure development, and reducing income disparities.
• This plan introduced several programs for the upliftment of rural areas, such as the Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP).
• It emphasized a growth-oriented strategy with a focus on social justice and the distribution of benefits to marginalized sections of society.
• The Sixth Plan marked a shift towards addressing the needs of weaker sections, especially women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and landless laborers.

Additional Information

• Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP):
  • Launched during the Sixth Plan, IRDP aimed to provide employment opportunities, asset creation, and skill development for the rural poor.
  • This program was designed to uplift families below the poverty line by providing them with productive assets and credit support.
• Inclusive Growth:
  • It is a development approach aimed at reducing poverty and inequality while ensuring that the benefits of growth are equitably distributed among all sections of society.
  • Focuses on improving access to basic services such as health, education, and infrastructure in underdeveloped regions.
• Social Justice in the Sixth Plan:
  • Addressed the needs of weaker sections through targeted welfare programs like Tribal Area Development and Women and Child Development programs.
  • Special emphasis was placed on minimum needs programs, including access to safe drinking water, primary healthcare, and rural roads.
• Shift in Planning Approach:
  • The Sixth Plan marked a transition from centralized planning to a growth strategy that combined economic growth with social equity.
  • It adopted a mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches to ensure the participation of local communities in development initiatives.