Previous Year Question

The Twelfth Five Year Plan covered the period from 2012 to 2017. Its central objective was Faster, More Inclusive and Sustainable Growth. In the options, this objective is expressed as “faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth.”

This objective had three interconnected dimensions.

Faster Growth referred to a higher rate of expansion in production, investment, infrastructure and productive employment. The Twelfth Plan targeted an average annual GDP growth rate of approximately 8%. It emphasised addressing constraints relating to energy, transport, communication, manufacturing, agriculture and skill development.

More Inclusive Growth meant that the benefits of economic growth should not remain confined to high-income groups or developed regions. They were expected to reach the poor, women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, rural populations and backward regions.

Inclusive Growth emphasised:

• Reduction of poverty;

• Productive and quality employment;

• Access to healthcare and education;

• Drinking water and sanitation;

• Rural and urban infrastructure;

• Reduction of regional and social inequalities;

• Livelihood support and social protection for vulnerable groups.

Sustainable Growth meant economic expansion that did not excessively exploit natural resources or damage the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It emphasised energy efficiency, water-resource management, environmental protection, pollution control and prudent use of natural resources.

The principal theme of the Eleventh Five Year Plan was Faster and More Inclusive Growth. The Twelfth Plan added a clearer emphasis on sustainability and jointly focused on the quality of development, social inclusion and environmental stability.

The Twelfth Five Year Plan was India’s last complete Five Year Plan. Following the replacement of the Planning Commission by NITI Aayog in 2015, the conventional Five Year Plan system was discontinued.