Important Questions: Politics of Planned Development | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1. What is meant by planned development?
Ans: Planned development is a systematic strategy for growth, ensuring efficient resource allocation and sustainable progress. It focuses on structured economic planning to meet social and economic goals.

Q2. Who was P.C. Mahalanobis?
Ans: P.C. Mahalanobis (1893-1972) was an Indian statistician and founder of the Indian Statistical Institute (1931). He played a crucial role in India's Second Five-Year Plan, emphasizing industrialization and economic planning.

Q3. What was the ‘Bombay Plan’?
Ans: The Bombay Plan (1944) was an economic proposal by Indian industrialists advocating state-led industrial investment, planned development, and government intervention for economic growth.

Q4. Differentiate between the main objectives of the First and the Second Five-Year Plans.
Ans: First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956) focused on agriculture, irrigation, and land reforms with investments in projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam. Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961) emphasized rapid industrialization, heavy industries, and economic transformation.

Q5. Which are the two models of development? Which model of development was adopted by India?
Ans: The two models of development are: 1. Capitalist model – Encourages private sector growth and free markets. 2. Socialist model – Focuses on state-controlled planning and public welfare. India adopted a Mixed Economy, combining elements of both models.

Q6. Mention any two merits of the Green Revolution.
Ans: 1. Increased Production: Led to a major boost in wheat and rice production. 2. Changed Crop Patterns: Transformed agricultural practices with high-yielding variety seeds.

Q7. How was Kerala’s plan based on decentralized planning?
Ans: Kerala’s development model emphasized decentralized planning by involving local bodies, community organizations, and grassroots participation in decision-making and governance.

Q8. Who was the founder of Indian Statistical Institute?
Ans: P.C. Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931. He significantly contributed to India’s economic planning and played a vital role in the Second Five-Year Plan.

Q9. What is ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ in politics?
Ans: Left ideology supports social equity, government intervention, and state control over the economy. Right ideology advocates free-market policies, minimal government interference, and competition-driven progress.

Q10. What is ‘Development’?
Ans: Development refers to improving living standards, economic growth, and modernization. It involves industrialization, infrastructure expansion, and overall societal progress.

Q11: Mention the primary responsibilities of India immediately after independence.
Ans:  Primary responsibilities of India after independence:

• Development of agriculture
• Poverty alleviation of rural and urban level both.
• Social and economic redistribution.

Q12. Why did India adopt planning?
Ans: India adopted planning to manage resources efficiently, accelerate socio-economic development, and reduce disparities through structured economic strategies.

Q13: What is composition of Planning Commission of India?
The Planning Commission of India is chaired by the Prime Minister. It includes key ministers handling economic portfolios and members with high public stature, administrative experience, and educational backgrounds.

Q14. Mention the various interests associated with Orissa Reserved Iron Resource.
Ans: Orissa’s iron reserves attract investment but raise concerns over tribal displacement and environmental impact. The government aims to balance industrial growth with social and ecological sustainability.

Q15. What are the key conflicts associated with Orissa reserved Iron Resources?
Ans: 1. Displacement Concerns: Tribal communities fear losing homes and livelihoods. 2. Environmental Impact: Mining activities may lead to pollution and ecological damage. 3. Investment Pressure: Industries push for resource exploitation, creating conflicts.

Q16. What was Bombay Plan?
Ans: The Bombay Plan (1944) was proposed by Indian industrialists, advocating state-led industrialization, planned economic growth, and government intervention to drive development.

Q17: What are the objectives of planning?
Ans:  Objectives of Planning are as follows:

• To make economy self reliant and self generating through planned strategies.
• To activate distributive justice among various sectors of economy.

Q18: Differentiate between the main objectives of the First and Second Five Year Plans.
Ans.The First Five Year Plan focused on land reforms and agricultural development to increase national income. The Second Five Year Plan prioritized heavy industrialisation and aimed for rapid structural transformation in contrast to the slow and steady growth approach of the first plan.

Q19. Differentiate between the capitalist and socialist models of development.
Ans: Capitalist Model encourages private sector growth, free markets, and competition with minimal government control. Socialist Model emphasizes state-controlled planning, public sector expansion, and wealth redistribution for equality.

Q20. What is meant by decentralized planning?
Ans: Decentralized planning involves local governance where community groups, panchayats, and district bodies participate in decision-making for development policies.

Q21. Highlight the two areas on which the First Five-Year Plan focused.
Ans: 1. Agricultural Development: Major investments in irrigation projects like the Bhakra Nangal Dam. 2. Land Reforms: Addressed land distribution to improve agricultural productivity.

Q22. Which are the two models of development? Which model of development was adopted by India?
Ans: The capitalist and socialist models exist. India adopted a Mixed Economy, combining public sector planning with private sector participation.

Q23. What were the fears of the tribal population of Orissa and environmentalists about setting up industries in tribal areas?
Ans: Tribal Concerns: Fear displacement and loss of livelihood due to industrialization. Environmental Concerns: Mining and industries may lead to pollution and ecosystem destruction.

Q24. What is the meaning and importance of economic planning in the Indian context?
Ans: Economic planning is a government-led strategy to manage resources efficiently, ensure balanced development, and achieve national socio-economic goals.

Q25. What was Kerala Model?
Ans: The Kerala Model emphasizes decentralized planning, prioritizing education, healthcare, land reforms, and poverty alleviation to improve living standards.

Q26. Which state was prone to food crisis in the early years of independence?
Ans: Bihar faced severe food shortages post-independence, leading to malnutrition and famine-like conditions due to restricted food trade policies.

Q27. What is Plan Holiday?
Ans: Plan Holidays (1966-69) were periods between Five-Year Plans due to economic and political instability, leading to short-term annual plans instead of long-term strategies.

Q28. What results were revealed by Planned Economy?
Ans: Planned economy led to industrialist and landlord benefits but failed to implement land reforms effectively, despite achieving some economic progress.

Q29. Which methods were used to implement the development process in a mixed economy?
Ans: 1. Government Regulation: Licensing, subsidies, taxation. 2. Public Sector Expansion: Controlled prices, infrastructure growth. 3. Market Participation: Encouraged private sector investment under state guidelines.

Q30. What is ‘Mixed Economy’?
Ans: A mixed economy combines public and private sectors, balancing government regulation with market-driven growth to ensure both efficiency and social welfare.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q31. How did Indian lay down the foundation of future economic growth?
Ans: During this period, India laid the groundwork for its future economic growth through several significant initiatives:

• Construction of major dams like Bhakra-Nangal and Hirakud for irrigation and power generation.
• Establishment of heavy industries in the public sector, including steel plants, oil refineries, and defence production.
• Improvements in infrastructure and communication systems.

These efforts were crucial in setting the stage for India's economic development.

Q32. Describe the strategy adopted by the Government of India to promote the Green Revolution.
Ans: In the 1960s, India faced a significant food crisis due to various factors, including heavy dependence on the USA for food supplies. To overcome this, the Indian Government aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. This led to the adoption of a new agricultural strategy. The key elements of this strategy included:

• Transitioning from traditional farming methods to modern technology.
• Introducing high-yielding variety seeds to boost crop production.
• Increasing the use of fertilisers and irrigation systems.

As a result of the Green Revolution:

• The area cultivated with improved seeds rose from about 15 million hectares in 1970-71 to nearly 75 million hectares by 1995-96.
• Farmers began to grow multiple crops per year, moving from one crop to as many as three.

Q33. Write a note on the mixed economy.
Ans: A mixed economy combines elements of both capitalism and socialism. It features:

• Co-existence of public and private ownership of production.
• Production aimed at both welfare and profit.
• Private sector focuses on profit, while the public sector prioritises welfare.

This economic model is common in many developing countries, allowing for a balance between individual initiative and social responsibility.

Q34. State any two differences between the First Five Year Plan and the Second Five Year Plan.
Ans: Differences between the First Five Year Plan and the Second Five Year Plan:

• Focus Areas: The First Five Year Plan (1951-1956) prioritised the development of agriculture, aiming to increase food production by expanding cultivated land. In contrast, the Second Five Year Plan (1956-1961) emphasised establishing a socialistic pattern of society through industrialisation, particularly in basic and heavy industries.
• Economic Outcomes: The First Plan succeeded mainly due to favourable harvests in its final years. However, during the Second Plan, prices rose by 30%, compared to a 13% decline in the First Plan.

Q35. Critically examine the major outcomes of the Indian model of a mixed economy.
Ans: The Indian model of a mixed economy has led to several significant outcomes:

• The groundwork for India's future economic growth was established.
• Major projects, such as the Bhakhra-Nangal and Hirakud dams, were developed for irrigation and power generation.
• The colonial Zamindari system was abolished, improving land rights.
• Tenants gained enhanced legal security against eviction from the land they worked on.

Q36. Explain any two merits and two demerits each of the Green Revolution.
Ans: Merits of the Green Revolution

• The Green Revolution significantly boosted the production of major cereals, particularly wheat and rice.
• It transformed the crop pattern in India, leading to greater agricultural diversity.
• The movement stimulated the local manufacturing sector, creating new jobs and enhancing the country’s GDP.
• India achieved self-sufficiency in food, enabling it to repay loans from the World Bank.

Demerits of the Green Revolution

• The Green Revolution widened the gap between poor small farmers and wealthy landlords.
• It primarily benefited medium-sized peasants, who acted as intermediaries between small farmers and rich landlords.

Q37. List any two merits and two demerits of Green Revolution.
Ans: Green Revolution aimed to transform agriculture, particularly in food grains like wheat and rice, to boost production. Key strategies included:

• Utilising high-yielding varieties of seeds.
• Implementing scientific irrigation and fertiliser use.

Merits of Green Revolution:

• The government provided various irrigational facilities at subsidised prices.
• It led to the emergence of a politically influential Middle Peasant Section.

Demerits of Green Revolution:

• Created a stark divide between poor peasants and landlords.
• Increased polarisation between classes and regions, benefiting areas like Punjab and Haryana while leaving others behind.

Q38. How was Planning Commission of India  set up? Mention its scope of work.
Ans: The Planning Commission of India was established in March 1950 through a simple resolution by the Government of India. It serves an advisory role, with its recommendations requiring approval from the Union Cabinet. Key Features of the Planning Commission:

• Led by the Prime Minister as its Chairman.
• Composed of ministers responsible for economic portfolios.
• Members are chosen for their strong public image and background in administration and education.

Scope of Work:

• Promote socio-economic change.
• Facilitate controlled and rapid growth.
• Address contradictions within society.

Q39. Describe the main functions of planning commission of India.
Ans: The Planning Commission of India, established in 1950, serves several key functions:

• Acts as an advisory body to the government, influencing economic policy.
• Prepares a comprehensive plan for income and expenditure over five-year periods.
• Develops strategies to ensure adequate livelihood for all citizens.
• Aims to prevent the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few.

Q40. What was the protest against Posco plants in Orissa?
Ans: In Orissa, the proposed POSCO steel plant faced significant opposition due to concerns about displacement. Key points include:

• The Orissa government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Korean company to establish the plant.
• This agreement led to the displacement of many local workers.
• Protests were organised by the Rashtriya Yuva Sangathan and Nabamirmana Samiti, demanding the cancellation of the MoU.
• Demonstrators argued that the plant's establishment would jeopardise their lives and livelihoods.

More than 100 protesters from local villages attempted to enter the company's office but were blocked by police.

Q41. Which part of constitution helps the planning commission to ensure socioeconomic justice?
Ans: The Directive Principles of State Policy play a crucial role in promoting socioeconomic justice in India. They aim to create a fair and just society by:

• Ensuring that all citizens, both men and women, have the right to adequate means of livelihood.
• Preventing the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few.
• Promoting the equal distribution of resources for the common good.

These principles guide the government in its efforts to secure social, economic, and political justice for all.

Q42. What do you know about land reforms in India during planning period?
Ans: Land reforms in India during the planning period included:

• The abolition of the zamindari system, which freed land from large landlords who were often uninterested in agriculture.
• Consolidation of land to combine small plots, thereby increasing farm size.

Drawbacks:

• Despite a ceiling on land ownership, some individuals with excess land found ways to bypass the laws.
• Tenants working on others' land were granted greater legal security, but this was rarely enforced.
• Landowners held significant political power and influence.

Q43. What is meant by White Revolution in Gujarat?
Ans: The White Revolution in Gujarat was initiated by Verghese Kurien, often referred to as the Milkman of India. This movement led to the establishment of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk and Marketing Federation Ltd., which introduced Amul.

• Amul is a dairy cooperative based in Anand, Gujarat.
• It serves as a successful model for rural development and poverty alleviation.
• The initiative transformed the dairy industry in India.

Q44: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
Decentralized Planning: It is not necessary that all planning always lias to be centralised; nor is it that planning is only about big industries and large projects. The ‘Kerala modle’ is the name given to the path of planning and development charted by the Stats of Kerala .There has been a focus model on education, health, land refoiin, effective food distribution, and poverty alleviation. Despite low per capita incomes,
and a relatively weak industrial base, Kerala achieved nearly total literacy,long life expectency ,low infant and female mortality, low birth rates and Mgb access to medical care. Between 1987 and 1991, the government launched the New Democratic Initiative which involved campaigns for development (including total literacy especially in science and environment) designed to involve people directly in development activities through voluntary citizens’ organisations. The State has also taken initiative to involve people in making plans at the Panchavat, block and district level.
1. What is meant by decentralisation?
2. Which state is the best example for this?
3. Which methods were used by state of Kerala for decentralisation?
Ans:
1. Decentralisation shares the powers even among the states and its subordinate units to run the administration in efficient manner i.e. at the Panchayats, blocs and district level.
2. Kerala which is known as ‘Kerala Model’ also.
3. 
(i) Campaigning for development especially in Science and environment.
(ii) To involve people in making plans at Panchayat, blocs and district level.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q45: Elaborate any three arguments are given by the critics against the mixed model of the economy adopted by India.
Ans: India's mixed economy combined state-controlled enterprises with private businesses to promote balanced growth. However, critics raised several concerns:

1. Insufficient Support for the Private Sector
Critics argue that the License Raj and bureaucratic hurdles stifled private businesses. High taxes, limited access to loans, and resource constraints hindered entrepreneurial growth and innovation, leaving private enterprises struggling against dominant public sector undertakings.

2. Public Sector Interests Overpowered Private Enterprises
The expansion of public sector undertakings (PSUs) led to inefficiencies and corruption. Many PSUs prioritized their survival over innovation, creating barriers for smaller private enterprises. These state-run industries often enjoyed monopolies, making it difficult for private players to compete.

3. Restrictive State Policies Limited Economic Growth
Excessive government intervention, protectionist policies, and high tariffs restricted trade and foreign investment. While the aim was to aid the poor, critics contend that the state’s economic policies primarily benefited a new “middle class” of government employees and bureaucrats, rather than the broader population.

The mixed economy was intended to harness the strengths of both the public and private sectors, but it resulted in bureaucratic inefficiency, limited private sector growth, and social inequality. These challenges contributed to the eventual shift toward economic liberalization in the 1990s.

Q46: What was Green Revolution? Mention its any two positive and two negative consequences.
Ans: The Green Revolution was an agricultural transformation in India that began in the 1960s to increase food grain production, especially wheat and rice. It introduced high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced irrigation techniques, significantly boosting agricultural output.

Positive Consequences:

1. Increased Agricultural Productivity – The Green Revolution led to a substantial rise in food grain production, reducing dependency on imports and improving food security.
2. Rise of Middle Peasant Sections – Farmers with medium-sized landholdings gained economic strength and emerged as a significant political force, influencing rural policies.

Negative Consequences:

1. Widening Socio-Economic Disparities – The benefits were unevenly distributed, favoring rich landlords with access to technology, while small and marginal farmers struggled.
2. Regional Imbalances – States like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh became agriculturally prosperous, whereas regions like Eastern India and rain-fed areas saw little improvement.
   While the Green Revolution helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food grains, it also deepened economic inequalities and regional disparities, necessitating further agrarian reforms.

Q47: Explain the main arguments in the debate that ensued between industrialisation agricultural development at the time of second five year plan.
Ans: During the Second Five Year Plan, a significant debate emerged regarding the focus on industrialisation versus agricultural development. Key arguments included:

• The plan prioritised industry over agriculture, neglecting rural India.
• J.C. Kumarappa, a Gandhian economist, proposed a model that emphasised rural industrialisation.
• Chaudhary Charan Singh, a leader of the Bharatiya Lok Dal, argued that the plan favoured urban and industrial prosperity at the expense of rural welfare.

Conversely, some critics contended that without a robust industrial sector, poverty could not be effectively addressed:

• Indian planning lacked a clear strategy to enhance food grain production.
• While the plan included community development and irrigation projects, failures were attributed to poor implementation influenced by landowning politics.
• Even increased funding for agriculture would not resolve the deep-rooted issues of rural poverty.

Q48: Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. What message does the cartoon convey?
2. Name the person who is making efforts to balance both the sectors.
3. How was both these sectors balanced?
Ans:
1. Cartoon is trying to make balance between the private and public sector to maintain the growth of an economy adopted by India.
2. Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India.
3. Pt. Nehru made a balance between both the sectors by adopting the model of mixed economy to co-exist the private and public sector.

Q49: Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. About which state the clipping is talking about?
2. What is food-crisis?
3. What were the main reasons for food- crisis?
4. Is India now sufficient in food production?
Ans:
1. Bihar
2. Food crisis is unavailability of sufficient food or food shortage.
3. 
(i) High prices of food items.
(ii) Zoning policy of government.
4. Yes, due to Green Revolution foodgrain production has been increased upto maximum extent.

Q50: On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise them as indicated:

1. The state prone to food crisis during independence days!
2. The state adopted decentralisation.
3. The state where people protested against POSCO plants.
4. The state where White Revolution took place.
Ans:
1. Bihar 
2. Kerala
3. Orissa 
4. Gujarat