Social Science 2 Marks Each

The Government of India formed the Planning Commission in $1950\ AD$ to meet the goals and the ideals of the Constitution. Today this planning commission is known as the 'NITI Aayog'. India's economic planning has long-term and short-term objectives.

$(1)$ India's economic planning started with a view to rapid economic growth and development, reduction of economic inequality. full employment, self-reliance, price stability. educational development, etc. and $5-$year plans were made to achieve these goals.

$(2)$ The first $5-$year plan was undertaken from $1951-56\ AD.$ Efforts for planned economic development were made during the period.

$(3)$ Heavy industries were established for industrial development. We have become almost self-sufficient in industrial production.

$(4)$ Because of the Green Revolution in agriculture, our country which imported grain, has become a grain exporter today.

$(5)$ Developmental steps have been taken to increase production through the 'White Revolution' for milk, the 'Yellow Revolution' for oilseeds, etc.
$(6)$ Poverty alleviation programs have been implement after independence to reduce poverty and economic inequality.

$(7)$ As a result of $5-$year plans, the national income and the per capita income have increased considerably today.

$(8)$ The Government has made continuous efforts to reduce poverty and economic inequality, to increase employment opportunities, to promote education and to ensure that basic essential commodities are available to the poor.

$(9)$ People's health has improved. We have been able to eradicate small pox from India. Average life expectancy has increased, child mortality rate has decreased.

$(10)$ With the increase in education, the literacy rate has also improved.

India has kept the democratic ideals alive even today. This can be considered a

proud achievement. Since independence, many elections of the Lok Sabha as well as local bodies and the Legislative Assembly have been successfully completed. In India, adults are given adult suffrage. India has freedom of the press. There is an impartial and neutral judiciary. In spite of linguistic and religious diversity, the nation is united.

Compared to other developing countries in the world, India has developed in the field of technology during the post independence years, and has kept pace with the developed countries. Despite scarce and limited resources, low literacy rate, the development of India's science and technology section is significant. Peaceful use of nuclear science and technology and the process of development thought it has been active. In terms of industries, the country is booming in the fields of electronics, energy, petroleum, telecommunications, steel, fertilizers, cement, petrochemicals, etc. In the field of space and research, India has launched a special type of $GSLV$ (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) for launching satellites into space.

Apart from this, the satellites launched by India and the Mars mission to reach Mars as well as complete self-reliance in launching satellites have all been the distinguished and significant achievements of India. Countries around the world have also taken note of India's achievements. Thus, India has achieved tremendous progress in the post independence years.

 

When India became independent, there were $562$ small and large independent states in India. Hyderabad, Junagadh and Kashmir were large states. Convincing all states to join the Union of India was also a daunting task.

Maharaja Krishnakumar Singhji of Bhavnagar was the first king to start a 'responsible government' in Bhavnagar. With the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. the United States of Saurashtra was formed and the state of Bhavnagar was merged into it on 15th February, 1948. Jawaharlal Nehru described the most significant unification  this incident of Saurashtra as in contemporary history'. After gaining independence, the then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel appealed to native kings to voluntarily give up their states and join the Indian Union in the interests of the people under their rule to lay the foundation for the creation of a united, strong, and prosperous India.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his secretary V. P. Menon made great efforts to merge all princely states into the Union of India. With practical intelligence, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel started the process of merging almost all native states into India. On behalf of the Indian Government, hepromised the kings/rulers of these states of taking care of their status and interests. Due to these efforts, all the states except Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir were merged into the Union of India.

Hyderabad was merged with the Indian Union through police action and giving assurance to protect the Nizam's interests. Shri Kanhaiyalal Munshi played an important role in the merger of Hyderabad into the Indian Union.

The Nawab of Junagadh signed a treaty to join Pakistan. Citizens of Junagadh living in Mumbai formed the 'Aarzi Hukumat to join the Indian Union. Almost all the states and people of Saurashtra opposed the Nawab's alliance with Pakistan. The Nawab of Junagadh migrated to Pakistan and India occupied Junagadh. After taking occupancy of Junagadh, a referendum was held in which the people of Junagadh overwhelmingly supported the alliance with the Union of India. Thus. Junagadh was also merged with the Union of India.

Maharaja Harisinh Dogra of Kashmir did not sign the treaty of alliance with India. Meanwhile. Pakistan invaded Kashmir to annex it. Harisinh sought military help from India and signed a pact with India to merge with it. The Indian army immediately went to Kashmir and defended it, but in the meantime. Pakistan had illegally occupied one-third part of Kashmir.