Briefly discuss growth as an important …

Some major achievements of the Five Year Plans are:

1. Increase in National Income: The National Income of India increased at the rate of 0.5% per annum prior to planning. The average annual growth rate in India had been around 5% during the period of planning
2. Growth and Diversification of Industry: During the period of planning, the growth rate of industrial production has been around 7% per annum. Basic and capital goods industries have shown tremendous growth. In consumer goods industries, the country has become self-sufficient. Industrial sector has been diversified and modernised.
3. Increase in Per Capita Income: Per Capita Income increased at the rate of 2.9% per annum during the planning period
4. Institutional and Technical Changes in Agriculture: Planning has contributed tremendously towards the development of agriculture in our country. During the period of planning, the average growth rate of agricultural produce was 2.8% per annum.
5. Economic and Social Infrastructure: During the period of planning, economic infrastructures such as means of transport and communication, irrigation facilities and power, banking and insurance facilities have shown significant growth. Health and educational facilities have recorded a significant rise.
6. Employment: Concentrated efforts have been made to increase employment opportunities during the plan period. The government fixed the target of creating 58 million jobs In the Eleventh Five Year Plan. The Twelfth Plan aims at creating 70 million jobs.
7. International Trade: India’s international trade has also grown at a phenomenal rate. In 1948-49, the value of foreign trade was Rs. 792 crore. In 2011-2012, it stood at Rs. 38,11,422 crore.
   So, we can say that our economy showed considerable progress during the plan period.