Question

Explain the rationale behind choosing 'Self-reliance' as a central planning objective in India's development strategy.

Answer 1

'Self-reliance' was adopted as a central planning objective in India's development strategy by the policymakers due to the following reasons:

• To reduce the dependence on foreign nations, the stress was laid on mobilising domestic resources.
• It was feared that the dependence on imported food supplies, foreign technology, and foreign capital may increase foreign interference in our policies.