Question

Explain any two differences between the First Five Year Plan and Second Five Year Plan.

Answer 1

1. Focus: The First Five Year Plan (1951–1956) mainly concentrated on agriculture, investing heavily in irrigation and major projects such as the Bhakra Nangal Dam. On the other hand, the Second Five Year Plan (1956–1961) focused on fast industrial growth, especially in heavy industries like steel, electricity, and railways.
2. Approach to Development: The First Five Year Plan followed a careful and gradual approach to development so that democracy was not put at risk. In contrast, the Second Five Year Plan aimed for rapid structural change and promoted strong industrial growth, in line with the objective of building a “socialist pattern of society.”