Question

Discuss briefly the rational behind adopting 'Self Reliance' as a planning objective for the India Economy. 

Answer 1

The main rationale behind choosing “self-reliance” as a planning objective for the Indian economy was:

1. To eliminate foreign dependence: The planning goal of “self-reliance” is intended to foster economic growth and modernisation. The Indian five-year plans in the early post-independence era emphasised the utilisation of home resources to lessen our reliance on foreign countries.
2. To avoid foreign interference: In the post-independence era, it was believed that our reliance on imported food supplies, foreign technology, and foreign cash would lead to more foreign influence in our country's politics.