A country’s GDP is rising fast, but most of the gains go to the rich. Which pair of steps would both serve the planning goal of equity?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Benefits of prosperity reaching the poor; inequality in the distribution of wealth reduced
Equity means the gains of prosperity reach the poor too, basic needs are met and inequality in wealth is reduced. Only Option (1) has two equity steps; each other option mixes one equity step with a step from another goal.
Option (1) Benefits of prosperity reaching the poor; inequality in the distribution of wealth reduced — Correct. Both steps serve equity.
Option (2) Benefits of prosperity reaching the poor; women’s talents used in the work place — Incorrect. Using women’s talents at work is part of modernisation.
Option (3) Inequality in the distribution of wealth reduced; imports of goods made at home avoided — Incorrect. Avoiding such imports is self-reliance.
Option (4) Basic needs such as food and housing met for all; new technology adopted by producers — Incorrect. Adopting new technology is modernisation.
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. …” |