Which of the following steps was avoided by the Indian nationalists to ensure rapid industrialisation of the economy as the path towards both growth and social equity?

Promotion of foreign goods

The correct answer is Option (3) → Promotion of foreign goods

Indian nationalists, especially in the period leading up to and after independence, emphasized self-reliance and economic independence. To ensure rapid industrialisation with growth and social equity, they focused on:

• Building heavy and machine-making industries to support infrastructure and self-sufficiency.

• Expanding the public sector to drive core industries and prevent monopolistic control. A  large public sector was envisioned to lead industrialization, particularly in core and heavy industries, and to ensure social equity by controlling key resources and services.

• Encouraging a large cooperative sector to involve people directly in production and distribution.

However, promotion of foreign goods was avoided as it was seen as counterproductive to the goal of self-reliance and economic nationalism.