The correct answer is - Integrated Rural Development Program Explanation & Key Takeaways: • Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) • The Integrated Rural Development Program was a major initiative under the Seventh Five Year Plan, which aimed to improve the living standards of the rural poor. • This program focused on providing self-employment opportunities and assets to the rural poor through subsidies and bank credit. • The key objective was to achieve sustainable development by addressing poverty and unemployment in rural areas. • IRDP included components like agriculture, animal husbandry, cottage and small-scale industries, and services to ensure holistic rural development. Related Concepts: • Seventh Five Year Plan (1985-1990) • This plan focused on economic growth, social justice, and poverty alleviation. • It emphasized employment generation and improving productivity in agriculture and industries. • The plan also introduced several initiatives, including: • National Rural Employment Programme (NREP): Focused on generating employment opportunities in rural areas. • Million Wells Scheme: Provided irrigation facilities by constructing wells for small and marginal farmers. • Salem Steel Project: Promoted industrial development by establishing steel production facilities. • The Seventh Plan was designed to reduce regional disparities and promote balanced economic growth. • Integrated Rural Development Program and its significance • The program was launched in 1978 but gained significant momentum during the Seventh Plan period. • It was implemented through a network of district and block-level agencies to ensure effective delivery of benefits. • The program contributed to the reduction of rural poverty and provided a foundation for later schemes like Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana.