Correct Option
The correct option is 2 only.
Explanation
The planning process in India was guided by four long-term goals: Growth, Modernisation, Self-reliance, and Equity. These objectives were intended to ensure comprehensive economic development while addressing social disparities.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Modernisation does not refer exclusively to the adoption of new technology. While technological upgradation (e.g., new agricultural techniques or machinery) is a key component, modernisation in the context of Indian planning also encompasses changes in social outlook, such as the recognition of equal rights for women and the modernization of social institutions.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The goal of Equity focuses on ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are not concentrated in the hands of a few but are shared among the broader population. It aims to enable the poor to meet basic needs like food, housing, education, and healthcare, thereby reducing inequality in wealth distribution.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect. The first seven Five Year Plans explicitly emphasized the goal of Self-reliance. This strategy focused on avoiding imports of goods that could be produced domestically (import substitution) to reduce dependence on foreign countries for capital, technology, and food supplies.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The four central goals of India's Five Year Plans were Growth (increase in GDP), Modernisation (technology and social change), Self-reliance (reducing foreign dependence), and Equity (reducing inequality and ensuring basic needs).