Before the economic liberalization of 1991, India adopted a planned development approach to address poverty. Anti-poverty programs were integrated into Five-Year Plans and focused on rural development, employment generation, and improving living standards.

Five-Year Plans

Community Development Programs:

The First Five-Year Plan (1951–56) laid the foundation for rural development through the Community Development Programme (CDP) in 1952, which sought to promote participatory rural development.

Key Features

Focused on agriculture, irrigation, education, health, housing, and rural infrastructure.

Emphasized community participation and self-reliance.

Achievements