What marked a turning point in India's development during the Second Five-Year Plan?

Push for industrialization

The emphasis of the Second Five Year Plan was on the development of heavy industries. It was formulated by a team of economists and planners led by P. C. Mahalanobis. Unlike the first plan, which advocated patience, the second plan aimed for rapid structural transformation by implementing changes in various directions simultaneously. Prior to finalizing this plan, an important resolution was passed by the Congress party during its session in Avadi, near the then city of Madras, declaring the goal of a "socialist pattern of society." This objective was reflected in the Second Plan's policies. To safeguard domestic industries, the government imposed significant tariffs on imports, creating a protected environment that fostered the growth of both public and private sector industries. With increasing savings and investment during this period, numerous industries such as electricity, railways, steel, machinery, and communication flourished in the public sector. This push for industrialization marked a significant turning point in India's development.