The focus of the Second Five Year Plan was: (a) establishment of a self-reliant and self-generating economy with emphasis on agriculture. (b) rapid industrialization with emphasis on the development of basic and heavy industries. (c) removal of poverty and attainment of self-reliance. (d) acceleration of food-grain production and increase in employment opportunities and overall productivity.

The Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961), also known as the Mahalanobis Plan, shifted India's economic focus from agriculture to rapid industrialization [1][3]. Its primary objective was the development of basic and heavy industries, such as iron, steel, chemicals, and heavy engineering, to build a self-reliant industrial base [2][5]. This strategy was based on the P.C. Mahalanobis model, which prioritized the capital goods sector to drive long-term growth and reduce import dependency [1]. During this period, major steel plants were established at Bhilai, Durgapur, and Rourkela, and the Industrial Policy Resolution of 1956 was adopted to promote a socialist pattern of society [1][4]. While the First Plan focused on agriculture, the Second Plan deliberately accorded it lower priority to accelerate industrial expansion [3][5]. Other options describe the Third Plan (self-reliant economy), Fifth Plan (poverty removal), or Seventh Plan (food-grain production) [4].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 6: Indian Economy [1947 – 2014] > 2nd Five Year Plan (1956 - 61) > p. 207
2. [3] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 6: Indian Economy [1947 – 2014] > Five Year Plans > p. 223
3. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 15: Regional Development and Planning > Second Five-Year Plan (1955–56 to 1960–61) > p. 4
4. [5] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > Second Five-Year Plan (1956–61) > p. 2
5. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 15: Regional Development and Planning > Third Five-Year Plan (1960–61 to 1965–66) > p. 5