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Question 3. Why should plans have goals?
Plans should have clearly defined goals because goals give direction, clarity, and purpose to the planning process.
First, goals help in deciding priorities. Since resources in an economy are limited, it is not possible to achieve everything at the same time. Clearly stated goals help planners choose what is more important and allocate resources accordingly.
Second, goals provide a basis for policy formulation. When goals like growth, equity, self-reliance, and modernisation are fixed, appropriate policies and strategies can be designed to achieve them.
Third, goals help in measuring performance and success. Without goals, it would be difficult to assess whether a plan has been successful or not. Goals act as benchmarks for evaluation.
Finally, goals ensure coordination and consistency among different sectors of the economy. They help align policies in agriculture, industry, education, and infrastructure towards a common national objective.
Conclusion
Thus, plans must have goals to ensure focused development, effective use of resources, policy coherence, and proper evaluation of outcomes.
EXTRA DRILLING
Difference between Planning and Goals in Indian Economic Development
Planning and goals are closely related, but they are not the same.
Planning refers to the overall process or method adopted by the government to achieve development.
Goals refer to the objectives or targets that the planning process seeks to achieve.
Explanation in simple words
-
Planning answers “How will development be carried out?”
(by preparing Five Year Plans, allocating resources, choosing priority sectors) -
Goals answer “What do we want to achieve through development?”
(such as growth, equity, self-reliance, and modernisation)
Difference at a glance
| Basis | Planning | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A systematic process of using resources for development |
Desired outcomes of the planning process |
| Nature | Means / method | Ends / objectives |
| Focus | Allocation of resources, policies, and strategies |
Growth, equity, self-reliance, modernisation |
| Time frame | Usually medium or long-term (e.g., Five Year Plans) |
Can be short-term or long-term |
| Example (India) | Five Year Plans, Planning Commission |
Growth, equity, self-reliance, modernisation |