Growth oriented approach was based on the expectation that the effects of economic growth will spread over to the poor section of the society as well. It was expected that rapid industrialisation and transformation of agriculture through green revolution will benefit backward regions as well. But it could not happen because:

1. Overall growth rate of industry and agriculture was quite low.
2. Population growth made per capita income to rise at further low levels.
3. The gap between the rich and the poor widened.
4. There was lack of political willingness in implementation of land reforms.

Therefore the benefits of growth did not trickle down to the weaker sections of the society.