Understanding Garibi Hatao and India's Five Year Plans

The question asks about the Five Year Plan during which the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' was incorporated. 'Garibi Hatao', meaning 'Abolish Poverty', was a prominent political slogan and a key focus area in India's economic planning during a specific period.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the options provided related to the Five Year Plans of India:

• Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-1974)
• Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-1979)
• Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-1985)
• Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-1990)

To determine which plan incorporated the call for Garibi Hatao, we need to recall the history and objectives of these plans.

The Garibi Hatao Slogan and its Context

The slogan 'Garibi Hatao Desh Bachao' (Abolish Poverty, Save the Country) was given by Indira Gandhi of the Indian National Congress during the 1971 general election campaign. It was a central theme of her political agenda and government policy during the early 1970s.

Following the political mandate and focus on poverty reduction, specific strategies and programs aimed at poverty alleviation were integrated into the subsequent economic plans.

Garibi Hatao and the Fifth Five Year Plan

While the slogan emerged before the Fifth Five Year Plan officially began, the policies and programs derived from the 'Garibi Hatao' mandate were fundamentally incorporated into the objectives and strategies of the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-1979). This plan specifically focused on two main objectives:

• Poverty Eradication (Garibi Hatao): Implementing programs and policies directly aimed at reducing poverty levels across the country.
• Self-Reliance: Reducing dependence on foreign aid and increasing domestic production, especially in key industries.

The Fifth Plan introduced several programs focused on the poor, employment generation, and basic needs, aligning directly with the Garibi Hatao agenda. The plan was drafted with the explicit goal of combating poverty and achieving self-sufficiency.

Comparison with Other Plans

• The Fourth Five Year Plan (1969-1974) focused on 'Growth with Stability and Progressive Achievement of Self-Reliance'. While poverty was a concern, 'Garibi Hatao' became the central focus theme primarily after the 1971 elections, impacting the subsequent plan more directly.
• The Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-1985) continued efforts towards poverty alleviation and employment generation but was framed in a different economic context following a period of political instability.
• The Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-1990) focused on 'Food, Work, and Productivity'. It aimed to accelerate foodgrain production, increase employment opportunities, and raise productivity.

Based on the historical context and the stated objectives of the plans, the call for Garibi Hatao was most prominently incorporated as a foundational goal in the Fifth Five Year Plan.

Summary Table: Key Focus of Five Year Plans

Therefore, the call for Garibi Hatao was centrally incorporated into the Fifth Five Year Plan.

Revision Table: India's Five Year Plans

Additional Information: Garibi Hatao Legacy

The 'Garibi Hatao' campaign was significant because it brought poverty to the forefront of India's policy agenda. While the Fifth Plan incorporated this goal, the implementation and success of poverty eradication programs have been continuous challenges addressed in subsequent plans as well.

The focus on Garibi Hatao in the Fifth Plan led to increased allocation for social welfare programs and rural development schemes aimed at directly benefiting the poorer sections of society. It marked a shift towards more targeted interventions compared to earlier plans that focused more broadly on economic growth and industrial development, with an assumption that benefits would trickle down.