The Mahalanobis model stressed upon the establishment of :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

The Mahalanobis Model, formally known as the **Four-Sector Model** or the **Nehru-Mahalanobis Model**, was the primary framework for India's Second Five-Year Plan (1956–1961). Developed by statistician P. C. Mahalanobis, this model laid strong emphasis on rapid industrialization, particularly focusing on **heavy industries** and capital goods. The core idea was that for long-term self-sustaining growth, the economy must first build a robust capacity to produce capital goods (machinery, steel, etc.)—these are essentially the **Core Sector Industries**. This capital goods sector, once established, would supply the necessary inputs to expand all other sectors, leading to a higher growth trajectory in the future. The plan deliberately prioritized investment in these sectors, even if it meant sacrificing immediate consumption growth.

The incorrect option is 2:

Consumer goods industries were not the primary focus of the Mahalanobis model. While they were necessary, the model explicitly aimed to restrict imports of capital goods and channel scarce resources into core, heavy industries rather than immediate consumer production.

The incorrect option is 3:

Export oriented industries were not the main thrust of this model. The Second Five-Year Plan focused largely on an import substitution policy, aiming for self-sufficiency by producing heavy industrial goods domestically, rather than relying on global markets or export promotion.

The incorrect option is 4:

Agro sector industries, while essential, did not receive the primary stress in the Second Five-Year Plan compared to the massive investment allocated to core industries. This prioritization led to some criticism regarding the neglect of the agricultural sector during that period.