Question : The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) was launched in India during the:
Option 1: First Five-Year Plan
Option 2: Fourth Five-Year Plan
Option 3: Sixth Five-Year Plan
Option 4: Ninth Five-Year Plan
Correct Answer: Sixth Five-Year Plan
Solution : The correct answer is (c) Sixth Five-Year Plan.
The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) was introduced in 1978 as a centrally-sponsored poverty alleviation program in India. It aimed to provide financial assistance and self-employment opportunities to the rural poor, particularly those below the poverty line, to enhance their income and improve their overall quality of life.
The IRDP was implemented through various measures such as providing subsidized loans, training, and technical support for income-generating activities, as well as facilitating access to essential inputs and resources for rural development. The program was designed to address the multifaceted dimensions of rural poverty and promote integrated development at the grassroots level.
It's important to note that the IRDP was launched during the Sixth Five-Year Plan, which covered the period from 1980 to 1985.