Explain the salient features of inclusive growth strategy of Twelfth Five Year Plan.

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The Twelfth Plan (2012-17) pursued inclusive growth by combining high growth with jobs, skills, education, health, rural infrastructure and targeted welfare for marginalised groups. It targeted 8.2% GDP growth, 4% in agriculture, 10% in manufacturing, 50 million non-farm jobs and a 10-point fall in poverty.

**Introduction**

The Twelfth Five Year Plan (2012-17) emphasized inclusive growth to balance high GDP expansion with poverty reduction and social equity, focusing on marginalized groups and regional disparities. It aimed to integrate economic progress with social inclusion, ensuring benefits reached all sections of society, especially the vulnerable.

**Key Features**

1. **Balanced sectoral growth targets**: Set 8.2% GDP growth, with 4% in agriculture and 10% in manufacturing, to stimulate rural and urban economies. This dual focus was intended to generate employment and raise incomes across sectors.

2. **Poverty reduction and employment**: Targeted a 10-point drop in poverty and 50 million new non-farm jobs, supported by skill certification to improve employability. The Plan emphasized skill development aligned with industry needs to enhance job quality and access.

**Contribution to Inclusive Growth**

3. **Rural infrastructure and services**: Enhanced rural connectivity and water supply through PMGSY roads and the National Rural Drinking Water Programme, reducing regional disparities. ==Telangana’s Mission Bhagiratha and Mission Kakatiya== later extended drinking water and tank irrigation, raising rural incomes.

4. **Targeted support for marginalized groups**: The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (2011) and the Scheduled Castes and Tribal Sub-Plans empowered SC/ST/OBC, women and minorities. ==Telangana’s 12.4%⟦3⟧ budget allocation== exemplifies focused welfare, helping close historical social and economic gaps.

**Way Forward**

5. **Promote inclusive education and rural development**: Implement outcome-based education reforms targeting marginalized groups and increase investment in rural infrastructure to improve livelihoods and reduce disparities.

**Conclusion**

The Plan’s multi-sectoral strategy integrating growth, infrastructure, and social welfare laid a foundation for equitable development, aiming to ensure that economic gains translate into improved living standards for all.

Explain the salient features of inclusive growth strategy of Twelfth Five Year Plan.

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