Nehruvian Planning emphasised

Nehruvian planning, particularly embodied in the Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961), was defined by the Nehru-Mahalanobis model which prioritized rapid industrialization through heavy and core industries [c1][c4]. This strategy focused on the public sector's development of capital goods, such as iron, steel, heavy engineering, and chemicals, to achieve self-reliance and overcome capital constraints [c3][t1]. Influenced by the Soviet model, Nehru believed that establishing a strong industrial base was essential for long-term economic independence [c5][t6]. While science and technology were critical tools in his vision [t3], the primary structural emphasis of the planning process was the creation of 'mother industries' like the steel plants at Bhilai, Durgapur, and Rourkela [c1][c3]. This approach often came at the expense of immediate investment in agriculture and consumer goods, leading to what critics termed an 'urban bias' in early Indian planning [c2][t4].

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. [2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 6: Economic Planning in India > Nehru–Mahalanobis Model (adopted in the 2nd FYP) > p. 135
3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > Second Five-Year Plan (1956–61) > p. 2
4. [4] https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Statistical_year_book_india_chapters/ch7.pdf
5. [5] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Envisioning a New Socio-Economic Order > Jawaharlal Nehru > p. 116
6. [6] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Concept of Planning for Economic Development > p. 645