Introduction
India’s Five-Year Plans have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s socio-economic development. Over the years, these plans have gradually incorporated gender perspectives, recognizing the role of women in development. Initially, women were viewed mainly as beneficiaries of welfare schemes, but later, their roles evolved as active contributors to national progress. This shift highlights India’s journey towards gender-sensitive planning and policymaking.
First to Fifth Five-Year Plans (1951–1979): Welfare-Oriented Approach
Key Focus:
- Women were seen primarily as mothers and caregivers.
- Programs targeted health, nutrition, and family planning.
Important Highlights:
- Setting up of Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) in the First Plan (1951-56) to support voluntary organizations for women and children.
- Emphasis on family planning in later plans.
Limitations:
- Women’s economic contributions were overlooked.
- No gender-specific data or analysis in planning.
Sixth to Ninth Plans (1980–2002): Development and Empowerment
Sixth Plan (1980–85):
- Marked the shift from welfare to development.
- Introduced programs for education, employment, and skill training.
- Women recognized as agents of development.
Seventh Plan (1985–90):
- Focused on gender equity in health, education, and employment.
- Stressed removal of gender-based discrimination.
Eighth Plan (1992–97):
- Emphasized women’s participation in governance and decision-making.
- Women’s Development Corporation was set up.
Ninth Plan (1997–2002):
- Adopted the strategy of “Women’s Component Plan”, where 30% of funds in all ministries were to be spent on women-focused programs.
- Stressed convergence of services for women at the grassroots level.
Tenth and Eleventh Plans (2002–2012): Towards Gender Mainstreaming
Tenth Plan (2002–2007):
- Introduced Gender Development Index (GDI) to measure progress.
- Focused on reducing gender gaps in literacy, wage employment, and political participation.
Eleventh Plan (2007–2012):
- Theme: “Towards Faster and More Inclusive Growth.”
- Stressed Gender Budgeting across ministries.
- Introduced gender audits and training for policymakers.
Twelfth Plan (2012–2017): Inclusive and Rights-Based Approach
- Focused on women’s rights, safety, and economic empowerment.
- Incorporated recommendations from Justice Verma Committee on crimes against women.
- Addressed issues like child marriage, trafficking, and access to justice.
Gender Budgeting
- Formally introduced in 2005–06 but strengthened during the Eleventh and Twelfth Plans.
- Each ministry was required to analyze budget allocations from a gender perspective.
Post-Five-Year Plan Era (2017 Onward)
- Planning Commission replaced by NITI Aayog.
- Focus now on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with gender equality as a core goal (SDG 5).
- Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, and POSHAN Abhiyaan continue gender-focused work.
Conclusion
India’s Five-Year Plans reflect the country’s evolving understanding of gender and development. From welfare to empowerment and rights-based planning, the focus on women has grown stronger. The integration of gender budgeting and women’s participation in policymaking are major achievements. However, challenges remain in implementation, monitoring, and reaching marginalized women. Continued efforts are needed to make development truly gender-sensitive and inclusive.