Preliminary Memorandum on the Fourth Five-Year Plan Government of West Bengal

Abstract

The objective of economic planning in the country for the period of 15 years beginning from the Third Plan has been “to lay sound foundations for self-sustaining economic growth, to provide avenues and opportunities of employment to all those who seek it and, while narrow- social and economic disparities, to ensure a minimum level of living to every family in the country”. This objective has obviously been dictated by the directive principles embodied in the Constitution. The broad strategy, basic approach and priorities have been determined by the circumstances prevailing throughout the country—circumstances common to a depressed economy with a rising population resulting in a low standard of living, low pace of capital formation, fast-rising price level, etc. In West Bengal the strategy and approach adopted during the first three Plans has conformed generally to the all-India pattern with such modifications as have been necessary by special features of the economy of this State.