Which of the following years were considered plan holidays in Independent India?

The correct answer is 1966 - 1969.

Key Points

• Period: Plan Holidays occurred from 1966 to 1969.
• Reason: The failure of the Third Five-Year Plan due to economic crises like wars and drought.
• Focus: Emphasis was placed on agriculture and price stabilization instead of long-term planning.
• Result: Short-term plans were implemented to address immediate economic issues before resuming regular Five-Year Plans.

Additional Information

• Context: The Plan Holidays were introduced after the Third Five-Year Plan (1961–1966) failed to meet its objectives due to multiple setbacks like the Indo-China War (1962), Indo-Pak War (1965), and severe droughts in 1965 and 1966.
• Economic Impact: These events caused food shortages, inflation, and a balance of payments crisis, forcing the government to temporarily halt long-term planning.
• Interim Plans: During the Plan Holidays, the government implemented Annual Plans focusing on critical sectors like agriculture, irrigation, and employment creation to stabilize the economy.
• Resumption: The Fourth Five-Year Plan (1969–1974) resumed after these Plan Holidays, aiming to promote growth and self-reliance in the economy.