Examine the concept of ‘Target Area Planning’.

The target area or target group planning gives exceptional attention to economically backward areas that are deprived of the strong resource base, technology and investment. Special area programmes were aimed to develop infrastructure in hill areas, north-eastern states, tribal areas and backward areas from the 8th five-year plan. The Planning Commission introduced this to control the increasing regional and social inequalities. The Command Area Development Programme, Drought Prone Area Development Programme, Desert Development Programme, Hill Area Development Programme are some of the target area planning programmes.