Five year plans have been put into operation to mitigate the sufferings of the poor.

The correct answer is C. reduce.

The word “mitigate” means to make something less severe or intense. In this case, the five-year plans are designed to make the suffering of the poor less severe.

The other options are not as accurate. The word “lessen” means to make something smaller or less in amount. The word “remove” means to take something away completely. The word “cut” means to make something smaller by cutting it.

Here are some examples of how the word “mitigate” can be used in a sentence:

• The government has taken steps to mitigate the effects of the drought.
• The
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  company is working to mitigate the environmental impact of its operations.
• The doctor prescribed medication to mitigate the patient’s pain.