The Fourth Plan (1969-74) aimed at acceler­ating the tempo of development and reducing fluc­tuation in agricultural production as well as the impact of uncertainties of foreign aid. It set before itself the two principal objectives ‘growth with sta­bility’ and ‘progressive achievement of self reli­ance’.

It laid particular emphasis on improving the condition of the less privileged and weaker sections especially through provision of employment and education. The programme came to be known as ‘Garibi Hatao’ (removal of poverty). The Plan aimed at increasing net domestic product (at 1968-69 fac­tor cost) from Rs. 29,071 crore in 1969-70 to Rs. 38,306 crore in 1973-74. The average annual growth rate during the Plan was 3.4 per cent against the target of 5.7 per cent.