A plan aims to bring automatic looms into textile mills to raise output. The same plan also aims to create more jobs. How should this be seen, as per the idea of planning in India?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Modern technology may conflict with more jobs if it reduces the need for labour.
Automatic looms are modern technology. If they need fewer workers, they work against the goal of more jobs. Planners have to balance such goals.
Option (1) There is no conflict, as the higher output from the new looms will need more workers. — Incorrect. Labour-saving machines can cut jobs, so a conflict can arise.
Option (2) Self-reliance conflicts with growth, as the new looms raise output within the country. — Incorrect. Self-reliance means avoiding imports. Nothing here is about imports.
Option (3) Modern technology may conflict with more jobs if it reduces the need for labour. — Correct. This is the clash in the case.
Option (4) Equity conflicts with growth, as only the mill owners gain from the higher output. — Incorrect. The case says nothing about who gains. The clash is between new technology and jobs.
NCERT (2026-27): “Box 2.2: What is a Plan? … It will be unrealistic to expect all the goals of a plan to be given equal importance in all the plans. In fact the goals may actually be in conflict. For example, the goal of introducing modern technology may be in conflict with the goal of increasing employment if the technology reduces the need for labour. The planners have to balance the goals, a very difficult job indeed. …” |