The chapter "Politics of Planned Development - Politics in India Since Independence" explores the strategic approaches taken by India to achieve economic growth and development through planned initiatives. It highlights the rationale behind economic planning, the implementation of Five-Year Plans, and the key debates and policies that shaped India's developmental trajectory post-independence.
Introduction to CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter "Politics of Planned Development - Politics in India Since Independence"
The chapter “Politics of Planned Development – Politics in India Since Independence” in CBSE Class 12 Political Science examines the inception of planning in India, the key objectives of various Five-Year Plans, the Green Revolution, and the debates surrounding industrialization versus agricultural development. It also discusses the role of the Planning Commission and the impact of planned development on Indian society.
Inception of Planning:
- The idea of planning in India was influenced by the Bombay Plan, Soviet experiences, Gandhian vision, and demands by peasant organizations.
- The Planning Commission was established in 1950 with the Prime Minister as its chairman, comprising ministers and experts to formulate economic policies.
Objectives of Five-Year Plans:
- First Five-Year Plan (1951-1956): Focused on poverty alleviation, land reforms, and investments in dams and irrigation to boost agricultural production.
- Second Five-Year Plan (1956-1961): Emphasized heavy industrialization, structural transformation, and quick economic growth.
Green Revolution:
- Introduced to increase food production through high-yielding varieties of seeds, fertilizers, and scientific irrigation.
- Positive Consequences: Ensured food sufficiency, created a politically influential middle peasant class.
- Negative Consequences: Increased polarization between classes and regions, with some states like Punjab and Haryana becoming agriculturally prosperous while others lagged.
Debates on Development:
- Industrialization vs. Agricultural Development: The Second Five-Year Plan prioritized industrialization, leading to debates on whether this approach neglected rural welfare and agricultural growth.
- Role of State vs. Private Sector: India adopted a mixed economy, balancing state intervention and private sector participation. Critics argued that excessive state control led to inefficiency and corruption.
Decentralized Planning:
- The “Kerala Model” emphasized decentralized planning, focusing on education, health, land reforms, effective food distribution, and poverty alleviation.
Key Conflicts:
- The debate over the relevance of heavy industrialization versus agricultural development and rural welfare.
- The conflict between state control and private sector growth in achieving economic development.
Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter “Politics of Planned Development – Politics in India Since Independence”
- Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of the Green Revolution on different regions in India, focusing on the disparities it created.
- Research Project: Investigate the role of the Planning Commission in formulating and implementing Five-Year Plans, highlighting key achievements and challenges.
- Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on the effectiveness of India’s mixed economy model in achieving socio-economic development.
- Chart Creation: Create a timeline of India’s Five-Year Plans, outlining their main objectives and outcomes.
- Role Play: Conduct a mock planning session where students represent members of the Planning Commission, discussing and formulating strategies for a new Five-Year Plan.
Conclusion
The chapter “Politics of Planned Development – Politics in India Since Independence” in CBSE Class 12 Political Science provides an in-depth understanding of India’s strategic approach to economic development through planning. It highlights the key debates, policies, and outcomes of various developmental initiatives, offering insights into the complexities of balancing industrialization, agricultural growth, and socio-economic welfare.
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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter "Politics of Planned Development - Politics in India Since Independence"
Q1: What were the main objectives of the First and Second Five-Year Plans?
ANS: The First Five-Year Plan focused on poverty alleviation, land reforms, and investments in dams and irrigation. The Second Five-Year Plan emphasized heavy industrialization and structural transformation for quick economic growth.
Q2: What was the Green Revolution, and what were its positive and negative consequences?
ANS: The Green Revolution aimed to increase food production through high-yielding varieties of seeds, fertilizers, and scientific irrigation. Positive consequences: Ensured food sufficiency and created a politically influential middle peasant class. Negative consequences: Increased polarization between classes and regions, with some states becoming agriculturally prosperous while others lagged.
Q3: How did the Planning Commission of India function, and what was its scope of work?
ANS: The Planning Commission, established in 1950, was chaired by the Prime Minister and included ministers and experts. It formulated economic policies, prepared Five-Year Plans, and ensured socio-economic justice through planning and regulation.
Q4: What were the main arguments in the debate between industrialization and agricultural development?
ANS: The debate centered on whether industrialization should take precedence over agricultural development. Proponents of industrialization argued it was necessary for economic growth, while others emphasized the need for agricultural development to alleviate rural poverty.
Q5: How did the “Kerala Model” exemplify decentralized planning?
ANS: The “Kerala Model” focused on decentralized planning, involving people in making plans at the Panchayat, block, and district levels. It emphasized education, health, land reforms, effective food distribution, and poverty alleviation.
Q6: What were the fears of the tribal population and environmentalists regarding the setting up of industries in Orissa?
ANS: The tribal population feared displacement from their homes and livelihoods, while environmentalists were concerned about pollution and environmental degradation due to mining and industrial activities.
Q7: What is a mixed economy, and how did India adopt this model?
ANS: A mixed economy involves the coexistence of private and public sectors. India adopted this model to balance state intervention and private sector participation, aiming for socio-economic development and industrial growth.
Q8: Describe the major functions of the Planning Commission of India.
ANS: The Planning Commission prepared economic policies and Five-Year Plans, ensured socio-economic justice, and regulated the economy to achieve controlled and faster growth. It aimed to resolve societal contradictions and promote equitable development.
Q9: What were the key conflicts associated with Orissa’s reserved iron resources?
ANS: The conflicts included fears of displacement among the tribal population, environmental concerns about pollution, and debates over the balance between industrial development and social welfare.
Q10: How did India’s planned development strategies lay the foundation for future economic growth?
ANS: India undertook large developmental projects like mega dams for irrigation and power generation, established heavy industries in the public sector, and improved infrastructure and communication, laying the foundation for future economic growth.
