Mahalanobis Plan: The Second Five Year Plan Explained

The question asks to identify which specific Indian Five Year Plan is also known by the name 'Mahalanobis Plan'. This alternative name is deeply connected to the economic strategy and the key figure behind its formulation.

The Second Five Year Plan and P.C. Mahalanobis

The plan widely recognized as the Mahalanobis Plan is the Second Five Year Plan of India. This plan period was from 1956 to 1961.

• Key Architect: The plan's strategy was heavily influenced by the work of the prominent Indian statistician and scientist, Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. He is considered the father of statistical work in India.
• Mahalanobis Model: Professor Mahalanobis developed a specific economic development model, often referred to as the Mahalanobis model. This model emphasized the importance of capital goods industries for long-term economic growth.
• Focus Areas: Based on this model, the Second Five Year Plan prioritized rapid industrialization. The main thrust was on the development of basic and heavy industries such as steel, coal, iron ore, heavy engineering, and machine tools. The goal was to lay a strong foundation for industrial development and achieve self-reliance in crucial sectors.
• Contrast with First Plan: This was a significant shift from the First Five Year Plan (1951-1956), which had focused primarily on agriculture, irrigation, and infrastructure.

Significance of the Mahalanobis Approach

The Second Five Year Plan's strategy aimed to:

• Accelerate the rate of economic growth.
• Expand basic industries.
• Create large-scale employment opportunities.
• Increase national income and reduce disparities.

Due to Professor Mahalanobis's central role in designing and advocating for this industrial-focused strategy, the Second Five Year Plan became popularly known as the Mahalanobis Plan.

Other Plans Mentioned

The other options represent different phases of India's planned development:

• Third Five Year Plan (1961-1966): Focused on achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture and defense, alongside continuing industrial development.
• Sixth Five Year Plan (1980-1985): Emphasized poverty reduction, rural development, and economic liberalization.

Thus, the unique focus on heavy industrialization based on the Mahalanobis model makes the Second Five Year Plan the correct answer.