Five Year Plans Evolution — Policy Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
42nd Amendment Act	1976	This amendment added three new Directive Principles to Article 39: Article 39A (equal justice and free legal aid), Article 43A (participation of workers in management of industries), and Article 48A (protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife). It also attempted to give DPSP precedence over Fundamental Rights.	The inclusion of new DPSPs reinforced the state's commitment to social justice, environmental protection, and worker welfare, aligning with the broader objectives of poverty alleviation and inclusive growth that became central to later Five Year Plans. While the attempt to give DPSP supremacy was later struck down by the Supreme Court (Minerva Mills case), the amendment highlighted the legislative intent to strengthen the socio-economic mandate of the state, influencing planning priorities towards more equitable and sustainable development goals.
44th Amendment Act	1978	This amendment removed the right to property from the list of Fundamental Rights and made it a legal right under Article 300A. It also restored the original position regarding the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts to issue writs.	The removal of the right to property as a Fundamental Right significantly eased the constitutional hurdles for implementing land reforms and other socio-economic policies that were crucial for achieving the objectives of various Five Year Plans, particularly those focused on equitable distribution of resources and poverty alleviation. It allowed the state greater flexibility in acquiring private property for public purposes, such as infrastructure development and industrial projects, without facing as many legal challenges based on fundamental rights.