State and explain any two steps undertaken by the Government of India for the protection and promotion of Small-scale Industries between 1950 – 1990. Elaborate the role of land ceiling as an institutional reform in agricultural sector during the planning period of India.

Question

Accepted Answer

**Two steps for protection and promotion of Small-scale Industries (1950-1990):**

1. **Reservation of Products:** Government reserved production of number of products for small-scale industry. Criterion depended on ability of units to manufacture goods.

2. **Various Concessions:** Small-scale industries given concessions like lower excise duty and bank loans at lower interest rates.

**Role of Land Ceiling:**
- Fixing specified limit of land that could be owned by individual
- Beyond limit, land taken over by government
- Allotted to landless cultivators and small farmers
- Reduced concentration of land ownership
- Promoted equity in agricultural sector

**Implementation:**
- Challenged by big landlords
- Delayed implementation
- Land registered in name of relatives to escape legislation