Question

During which among the following plan period Indian GDP had registered the highest growth?

• A. Sixth Plan
• B. Seventh Plan
• C. Eighth Plan
• D. Ninth Plan

Hint:

Think about which plan period came right after the 1991 economic reforms; growth usually picks up after opening the economy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Each Five Year Plan in India has a recorded average annual GDP growth rate. We need to pick the plan among the four given that grew the fastest.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Recall that the 1991 economic reforms, which opened India's economy to liberalisation, fall right before the Eighth Plan. A boost in growth right after major reforms is a well known pattern in India's economic history.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The Sixth Plan (1980 to 1985) and Seventh Plan (1985 to 1990) both grew at a moderate pace, close to 5.7% and 6.0% a year. The Eighth Plan (1992 to 1997) came right after the 1991 liberalisation reforms, and the opening up of trade, industry, and investment pushed average growth up to about 6.8% a year, the best of the four periods listed. The Ninth Plan (1997 to 2002) then slowed to about 5.4% a year because of the Asian financial crisis and other global setbacks. Comparing all four, the Eighth Plan clearly stands out as the fastest growing period.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Indian GDP registered its highest growth during the Eighth Plan.
\[ \boxed{\text{Eighth Plan}} \]