Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): In addition to growth, modernisation and self-reliance, equity is also an important goal of planning.
Reason (R): It is important to ensure that the benefits of economic prosperity reach the poor sections as well instead of being enjoyed only by the rich.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Assertion (A): In addition to growth, modernisation and self-reliance, equity is also an important goal of planning. — True. Equity is the fourth goal of the plans.
Reason (R): It is important to ensure that the benefits of economic prosperity reach the poor sections as well instead of being enjoyed only by the rich. — True. Every Indian should be able to meet basic needs such as food, housing, education and health care.
Why R explains A?
Growth, modernisation and self-reliance can rise while most people stay poor. R says the gains must reach the poor, and that is why equity is needed as a goal.
NCERT (2026-27): “2.2 The Goals of Five Year Plans … Equity: Now growth, modernisation and self-reliance, by themselves, may not improve the kind of life which people are living. A country can have high growth, the most modern technology developed in the country itself, and also have most of its people living in poverty. It is important to ensure that the benefits of economic prosperity reach the poor sections as well instead of being enjoyed only by the rich. So, in addition to growth, modernisation and self-reliance, equity is also important. Every Indian should be able to meet his or her basic needs such as food, a decent house, education and health care and inequality in the distribution of wealth should be reduced. …” |