What was the broad consensus that had developed during the national movement among the leaders regarding development in India?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The task of poverty alleviation and social and economic redistribution was the primary responsibility of the government
Option (1) To follow the American model of development — Incorrect. There were very few supporters of the American style capitalist development; the Soviet model of planning attracted many leaders.
Option (2) The economic concerns of the government of free India would have to be similar to commercial functions of the British government — Incorrect. The leaders were clear that they would have to be different from the narrowly defined commercial functions of the colonial government.
Option (3) The task of poverty alleviation and social and economic redistribution was the primary responsibility of the government — Correct. This was part of the broad consensus that had developed during the national movement: the task of poverty alleviation and social and economic redistribution was seen primarily as the responsibility of the government.
Option (4) The development of agriculture would lead to liberalisation — Incorrect. The leaders debated only whether industry or agriculture should come first; liberalisation, which means removing state controls on the economy, was the opposite of the planned, state-led path they agreed on.
NCERT (2025-26): “Ideas of development … There were very few supporters of the American style capitalist development. This reflected a broad consensus that had developed during the national movement. The nationalist leaders were clear that the economic concerns of the government of free India would have to be different from the narrowly defined commercial functions of the colonial government. It was clear, moreover, that the task of poverty alleviation and social and economic redistribution was being seen primarily as the responsibility of the government.…” |