1 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
Approach – Answer: General Studies Mains Mock Test 8-(540) (2014)
1. Is India's linguistic diversity a threat to national integration? 10
Approach:
• Briefly explain the nature of linguistic diversity
• Then explain what are the problems which are/can be faced due to this diversity
• Finally conclude on a positive note that even after such linguistic diversity, India has unity
Answer:
Nature of India’s linguistic diversity:
In India, there are more than 200 languages, being spoken by different groups. There exists ‘linguistic
pluralism’ in India, which is a state of ‘mutual existence’ of several languages in a contiguous space. The
plurality of languages has led to ‘language problems’, in the past. These problems being: i) Linguistic
reorganization of the states in India ii) Status of ‘minority languages’ in the states iii) Official language
issue.
Language Problems and National Integration:
• Linguistic reorganization of states was primarily done for administrative convenience. It also helped
in fulfilling the aspirations of different linguistic groups in India, without threatening national unity.
• Discriminatory practices or policies against ‘linguistic minorities’ in different states, can in the long
term threaten national integration. Prejudiced treatment against linguistic minorities, can perpetuate
‘separatism’. Example: Bengali speaking people in Assam, Kanada, Malayalam speaking people in
Andhra Pradesh. There are various Constitutional Provisions, to safeguard the interests of ‘linguistic
minorities’, enshrined in Articles: 29, 30, 347, 350.
• ‘Hindi, English’ are the ‘official languages’ of the Union. There are ‘regional languages ‘recognized as
the ‘official languages’ of the states. There has emerged a ‘hierarchy of official status’. The 1960s
witnessed ‘anti-Hindi’ agitations’, in the southern states, speaking Dravidian family of languages. The
fear of Hindi becoming the ‘national language’ was allayed by the continuance of English as the
official language. Also the ‘Three language formula ‘was devised to accommodate the different
languages, in the educational curriculum.
Linguistic Unity and National integration:
• However, the linguistic heterogeneity has not always been disruptive for national integration. With
linguistic diversity, one has also witnessed, the development of an ‘all India common vocabulary.’ Ex.
Sanskrit, which has not only acted as bridge between different Indo Aryan languages, but also
between Indo Aryan and Dravidian languages. Ex. In contemporary times, “Hinglish”, which is the
blending of English language with Hindi and other languages spoken in India.
• The mainstream cinema ‘’Bollywood’’, has immensely contributed to the development of an all India
vocabulary.
• The popularity of many ‘Epics’ and ‘fictional non-fictional literature’, has lead their translation into
many different languages. This has also contribute to ‘linguistic unity’ in India.
VISIONIAS™ www.visionias.in
www.visionias.wordpress.com
2 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
2. Explain India’s 'diversity in unity’. Illustrate from the socio- cultural life of people. 10
Approach:
• Write down how India is a plural society with extensive diversity in religion, races, languages, culture,
heritage etc.
• Provide some examples for each
Answer:
India's Diversity in Unity:
India's Diversity in unity refers to the existence of plural-ethnic, racial, religious and linguistic cultures
together within the nation of India.
The concept heralds the geo-political unity of the nation state of India encompassing several diverse
cultures within its uniform matrix.
The test examples of 'Diversity in Unity' can be highlighted through the following examples from the
socio-cultural life of the Indian people.
The Indian festivals are known for their enhancement and liveliness throughout the world. The most
important example, Diwali is celebrated by all. However, the meaning and methods of celebration change
across various religions and regional communities.
The architectural heritage symbolizes India's historic past and glory. The Taj Mahal is famous as the
symbol of love and dedication across all people. At a broader level, it is quite interesting to see people of
various cultures visiting such heritage monuments; accepting them as their common heritage.
• The Multi-National corporations have brought in a new 'cosmopolitan' culture to India through
globalization; these companies employ people across various ethnicities, caste and class, creating a
diverse yet unified environment.
• The caste system as a system of hierarchy identifies an Indian. So much so, that it has taken within its
hold, people across various caste, communities and religions.
• The 'power of patriarchy' is another common thread of value found prevalent in India. It includes the
diverse sexes – men and women too.
• The Popular phenomena such as Cricket and Bollywood also represent diverse cultures celebrating
together. The Indian Premier league is a good example of this.
3. How has globalization affected Indian culture? Does it pose a threat to our indigenous crafts and
knowledge systems? 10
Approach:
• The first part demands briefly explaining what culture is. A short definition such as “a way of life”
would suffice. Then explain that it has been affected by globalization in three ways primarily – some
parts of culture have been wiped out , some new elements such as new festivals have become its
part and finally some existing elements have been enriched
• Second part must deal with cases of intellectual property theft such as bio-piracy and exploitation of
local crafts (buying cheap, selling dear by the MNCs)
• Finally, suggest some measures to counter this threat such as traditional knowledge digital library
must be mentioned.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
3 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
Answer:
There are divergent views on the cultural dimensions of reforms in the content of globalization. Three
clashing notions of cultural change has been identified in Indian context in the era of globalization.
• Homogenization: It refers to increasing global interdependence & interconnectedness which would
lead towards growing cultural standardization & uniformisation for eg : increasing homogeneity of
world values (market competition, human rights, commodification) ; Cocacolisation, Walmartization,
Corporate culture, fast food chains, concept of e-money etc.
• Cultural Clash: The market-centred globalization is making deep in roads into local & regional
cultures, which is seen as a threat by many. As a result, there is increasing assertion of identities to
defend against onslaught of globalization for eg : Reactionary movements like assertion by elders
against western culture of live-in-relationship or against public display of affection.
• Glocalisation: It emphasises on the process of translocal cultural mixing, manifested in cultural
heterogeneity and hybridisation e.g. Mcdonalidization (Mcdonald's going vegetarian during Navratris
etc.); resorting to both allopathic & homeopathic treatments ; knowledge economy.
Moreover, Indian society has also witnessed in recent times rebirth of many long – lost culture for eg :
Yoga , Transcendental meditation etc.
Globalization is generally perceived as an attempt to establish cultural imperialism and hence considered
as a threat to Indigenous craft & knowledge systems.
For e.g. Many theatre groups have become defunct, traditional weavers and craftsman due to their in
ability to invest in technology have failed to adapt to the changing customer tastes.
However it is in the realm of knowledge systems globalization poses a real challenge. In India various
forms of traditional knowledge systems especially in the fields of medicine and agriculture have been
preserved and passed on from one generation to the other. Recent attempts by some multi-national
companies to patent the use of Tulsi, Haldi (turmeric), Rudraksha and Basmati rice has highlighted the
need for protecting the base of its indigenous knowledge systems. To protect its indigenous crafts and
knowledge systems, the Government of India has initiated a project to identify and digitalize all such
knowledge.
Thus globalization can be both helpful as well as detrimental to Indian culture and its crafts and
knowledge systems. It’s incumbent upon the governments to frame policies which maximized the
benefits and minimizes the losses for its citizen.
4. Census 2011 indicates that there is a stark north-south divide with respect to the ongoing demographic
shifts in India. Explain this phenomenon and discuss its policy implications for both northern and
southern states? 10
Approach:
• Explain the difference between demographic shift taking place in northern and southern states. For
instance as per recent data, one in every 3 children in 0-14 is from UP or Bihar. On the other hands
southern states have stabilized their population long back and are now seeing a rapid rise in their old
age population.
• Policy implications such as – northern states need to invest more on education, skill building etc.
While southern ones due to their ageing population should invest more on healthcare, pensions,
insurance.
Answer:
There is a significant north-south divide on demographic growth in India as seen in the 2011 census.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
4 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
• The southern states are showing faster decline in the population growth rate as compared to the
northern states. For instance as per recent data, one in every 3 children in 0-14 is from UP or Bihar.
On the other hands southern states have stabilized their population long back and are now seeing a
rapid rise in their old age population.
• As a result of this, there is scarcity of unskilled labor in the south which is currently filled in by
migration from other parts of the country.
• India will have extremely different structure of population across states; while in some states the
population age structure will be adult concentrated and will move to old age, other states will have
still more concentration of child and young population. This implies that the governments need
entirely different policies to tackle issues in these contexts.
• It means that northern states need to invest more on education, skill building etc. While southern
ones due to their ageing population should invest more on healthcare, pensions, insurance.
5. What is reproductive health? How does it differ from the existing family planning and maternal and
child health programmes? 10
Approach:
• The answer should clearly define the concept of reproductive health. It should bring out the basic
ideas, motivations and the approaches taken by the existing family planning and maternal and child
health programmes and contrast it with the ideas driving a reproductive health programme.
Answer:
According to WHO, reproductive health implies that “people are able to have a responsible, satisfying
and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and
how often to do so”. Implicit in this are the right of men and women to be informed of and to have
access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of fertility regulation of their choice, and the
right of access to appropriate health care services that will enable women to go safely through
pregnancy and childbirth and provide couples with the best chance of having a healthy infant.
Reproductive health interventions are most likely to include attention to the issues of family planning,
STD prevention and management and prevention of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.
Reproductive health can also address issues such as harmful practices, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe
abortion, reproductive tract infections including sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, gender-
based violence, infertility, malnutrition and anemia, and reproductive tract cancers.
In India, the Reproductive and Child Health Programme, was launched in 1997.Its aim was to integrate
services for the prevention and management of unwanted pregnancy, the promotion of safe
motherhood and child survival, and the prevention and management of reproductive tract infections and
sexually transmitted infections. The programme aimed at expanding services to meet the needs of
hitherto under-served and neglected population groups, including adolescents, and economically and
socially disadvantaged groups, such as urban slum and tribal populations.
How this concept is different from existing family planning and maternal and child health programmes:
• The objectives, design and evaluation of family planning programmes were largely driven by a
demographic imperative, without due consideration to related health issues such as maternal
health or STD prevention and management.
• In general, such programmes exclusively targeted women, taking little account of the social,
cultural and intimate realities of their reproductive lives and decision-making powers.
• They tended to serve only married people, excluding, in particular, young people.
• Services were rarely designed to serve men even though they have reproductive health concerns
of their own, particularly with regard to sexually transmitted diseases.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
5 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
Hence, a reproductive health approach would differ from a narrow family planning approach in several
ways. It would aim to build upon what exists and at the same time to modify current narrow, vertical
programmes to ones in which every opportunity is taken to offer women and men a full range of
reproductive health services in a linked way.
6. Compare and contrast the features and consequences of urban poverty vis-a-vis rural poverty. 10
Approach:
• Straight forward question. Compare the two.
Answer:
FACTORS RURAL POVERTY URBAN POVERTY
Features:
Causes Stagnation in agriculture, fragmented
land holdings, lack of diversified
economic activities, disguised
unemployment, lack of institutional
support
Urban areas invite excessive migration
leading to over-population vis-à-vis the
available resources for exploitation, higher
rate of inflation
Composition Landless agricultural laborers, share-
croppers, craftsmen
Casual labor in informal sector (
contractual labor), hawkers, daily wage
earners etc., more variety of people
Environmental
Surroundings
Have houses to live in but usually of
shabby nature, lack of access to basic
amenities – large travelling distances,
use of rivers, open defecation in fields
etc., are mostly separated from
influential areas
Slum areas, houseless households – living
on footpaths etc., have access to basic
amenities but that is irregular; the
separation is not that strict here
Density Low High
Caste/Class Generally low caste and low class
(ascriptive status)
Mostly low class but may be of a variety of
castes (largely achievement based)
Literacy Rate Very low Moderate to good
Skill Level Largely unskilled – labor intensive
(2400 calorie requirement)
Semi-skilled; relatively less labor-intensive
(2100 calorie requirement.)
Occupational
Roles
Largely agrarian sector, activities such
as pottery and other low-earning jobs
Industrial and infrastructural sector,
services include – house-hold work, self-
employment
Consequences:
Health Unhealthy and diseased due to
Malnutrition, illness due to ignorance
Unhealthy and diseased due to disability
affected due to living and work conditions
primarily.
Awareness Not much awareness about their
rights; politically less mobilized
Have a lot of awareness; high level of
political mobilization (trade unions)
Feeling of
Relative
Deprivation
Low but extreme – and consequent
lesser crime-rate; more cases of
suicides
High but moderate– higher crime rate and
deviance; lesser cases of suicides
Criticality for
Economy
Do not contribute much to economy Are integral to running and sustenance of
the economy.
Govt.
programmes
Ex. MGNREGA; temporary livelihood
programmes – aim to enhance
productivity in agriculture and diversify
into related sectors such as animal
husbandry
National Urban Livelihood Mission – aim
to create new job or self-employment
opportunities
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
6 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
7. Regionalism is not opposed to national integration; rather both can co-exist in a creative partnership.
Critically analyse this statement in the context of India. 10
Approach:
The answer should attend to the following sub-questions:
• What is regionalism?
• What are the causes for the proliferation of regionalism?
• Why regionalism is considered antithetical to national integration?
• How can regionalism and national integration be reconciled?
Answer:
• Regionalism can be defined as “a phenomenon in which people’s political loyalties become focused
upon a region, often in preference to the country or state of which the region is a part”. Demand
for separate state, state autonomy, etc. are expressions of regionalism
• Regionalism is characterized by the following often in combination with each other:
o Geographical concentration
o cultural, historical (cultural heritage, folklore, myths and symbolism)
o language
o caste
o religion
o ethnic (tribal identity, racial identity)issues
o economic factors
• Regionalism in India is rooted in India’s diversity of languages, cultures, tribes, and religions, which
is often encouraged by the geographical concentration of these identity markers in particular
regions, and fuelled by a sense of regional deprivation. Indian federalism has been a means of
accommodating these regional sentiments.
• Regionalism is believed to be a threat to the nation-building efforts. It is evident by the separatist
movements in Punjab and the North-East; son of soil movement in Maharashtra; Regionalism can
also breed disharmony between states as witnessed in the river water disputes (between Kerala and
Tamil Nadu etc.).
• However, at the same time regionalism can have manifestations which is not a threat to national
Integration. As we know, Regionalism is in sense a desire to concretize an identity based on ethnicity,
language, religion, etc. so if the federal polity provides enough space for expression of regional
identities, then regionalism or regional pride can be channeled to spur the development of the
particular region. Secondly, formation of states based on economic under-development or demand
for devolution of powers, greater financial resources, administrative authority etc. is not a threat to
national integrity.
• Hence it is important to assess the degree of underlying reason for the need for representation and
its consequences on unity and integrity of the nation.
• Moreover, the important condition for reconciling the competing claims of regionalism and national
integration is that the political system of the country should remain federal and democratic. It is
quite natural that regional communities, who are conscious of their distinctive culture, should
interact with federal government on the basis of more equal partnership. It will reduce the
centralizing tendencies in a nation and power will shift from the Centre to the states.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
7 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
8. (a) Describe “counter-urbanization” and “suburbanization” in the context of India. 5
Approach:
• Define both counter urbanization and suburbanization
• Then mention, how they are being manifested in India
Answer:
• Counter-urbanization is a “demographic and social process whereby people move from urban
areas to rural areas as a reaction to inner-city deprivation, pollution and overcrowding”
• Suburbanization is the “growth of areas on the fringes of cities”. It is one of the many causes of the
increase in urban sprawl. Many residents of metropolitan regions work within the central urban area,
and choose to live in satellite communities called suburbs and commute to work via automobile or
mass transit. Others have taken advantage of technological advances to work from their homes. The
skyrocketing real estate prices are one of the main reasons for suburbanization process.
• In India, suburbanization as a process is being witnessed in areas around metropolitans. The trend is
strongest in cities like Delhi where a more efficient public transport system allows people residing on
the periphery of the urban sprawl to commute to the cities.
• True counter-urbanization marked by taking up typical rural occupations is almost non-existent in
India, notwithstanding the mushrooming ‘farm houses’ on city outskirts. The situation as it exists
may be taken as a cross between sub-urbanization and counter urbanization.
8. (b) “Economic empowerment, in the absence of social empowerment is meaningless”. Do you agree? 5
Approach:
• First explain what the economic empowerment means
• Explain how various means of economic empowerment for women such as increasing their
ownership of assets, don’t mean much if they don’t have effective decision making powers within
their families and societies regarding how to utilize these resources/assets.
• Finally show that though not a sufficient condition, economic empowerment is nevertheless, a
necessary condition.
Answer:
• Economic empowerment means “giving the disempowered or weaker sections of the societies,
effective decision making powers in economic sphere”. This includes making the ownership of
assets equitable, giving those fair wages, ensuring fair participation in employment opportunities
etc.
• However, all these steps would be rendered meaningless if this economic empowerment is not
backed by giving social empowerment. Social empowerment means “giving the disempowered or
weaker sections of the societies, effective decision making powers in social sphere – this includes
matters pertaining to marriage, family, customs, traditions etc.”
• For example: As has been the case with women in India, although the laws such as Hindu
(Succession) Act, 2005 give equal rights to women as far as rights over inheritance are concerned,
due to inadequate social acceptance, the asset holding pattern continues to be in favor of men only.
Only 2% of land and 10% of all assets in the country are owned by women. ( you can quote more
examples or case studies to justify the above argument)
• However, studies have suggested that the economic empowerment can be a very effective
instrument in bringing about changes in social sphere over long terms. Thus, by improving its
economic level, an individual or a community or a section of society can also improve its social
status.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
8 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
9. Any discourse on environmental movements in India is incomplete without analyzing the role of
women in it. Comment. 10
Approach:
• Elaborate on the basics of environmental movements in India. Then argue how, access to natural
resources is central to Women’s lives in India, which is the basis of environmental movements in
India.
• Further, an analysis could be given of CHIPKO movement, which is indeed the starting of
environmental movements in post-independent India. Conclude w.r.t the birth of ecofeminism in
India.
Answer: [Student Note: Answer has been kept long to discuss the issue in detail.]
• Environmental movement is a “diverse scientific, social and political movement for addressing
environmental issues.”
• Environmental movements in developing countries are struggles of the dispossessed, the
marginalized, the victims of discrimination, among whom can be counted women, tribal and the
non-commercial farmers.
• Reasons for the movement are control over natural resources; resistance offered by ecosystem
people to the resource capture by omnivorous; environmental degradation; socio-economic reasons
(tribal issues).
• Hence, any discourse on environmental movements in developing countries cannot be complete
without understanding how they are related to livelihood issues & its gendered context. This is in
contrast to the discussions on environment conservation in developed countries which often
revolves around the issues of quality of life, animal rights etc.
• Women have direct contact with natural resources like fuel, food and fodder, forest, water and land
especially in rural areas where 70% of Indian population reside and directly dependent upon natural
resources. Women are also responsible for using these resources to satisfy the basic needs of their
families.
• Women have given different perspective to the environmental issues due to their different
experience base. They view the issue in a broad and holistic manner aiming at long term benefits of
subsistence and survival as against short term commercial gains.
• Therefore, conservation of natural resources and promotion of environment cannot be done without
involving the women in planning and training for promoting the values for conservation and
promotion of environment.
• The emergence of the Indian environmental movement can perhaps be dated to 1973, when the
famous Chipko movement began in the central Himalayas. The Chipko movement emerged as a
protest against granting of permission for access to the forests to commercial timber operators,
while the local people were refused access to the forests for making agricultural implements.
• The movement which spread rapidly to other villages saw the active involvement of women. They
worked jointly with the men of their community, and in some cases even against them, when they
differed with them over the use of forest resources. Women were more concerned with the long-
term gain of saving the forests and environment, and hence, subsistence and survival issues, rather
than short-term gain through commercial projects like monoculture forests, potato-seed farms, etc.
• The scope of the movement broadened and involved issues of male alcoholism, domestic violence,
women’s representation in village councils, as well as against mining in the hills. It helped women
recognize the inter-connections between nature and human sustenance. The movement was carried
forward largely by women using Gandhian techniques of protest.
• It was just the beginning, which was followed by several other movements such as Green Belt
movement in 1977 (planting trees), Appiko movement (hugging the trees) , Narmada Bachao
Aandolan etc. which saw significant participation of women at all levels.
• We need to analyze women’ s interaction with nature and their responses to environmental
degradation with respect to the material reality of gender, caste, class and race based division of
labor, property and power. It is the poor, lower class and lower caste, and within them, the peasant
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
9 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
and tribal women, who are worst, affected and hence, they are the most active in the protests.
Women are victims of environmental degradation as well as active agents in the regeneration and
protection of the environment. The adverse class-gender effects of these processes are reflected in
the erosion of indigenous knowledge systems and livelihood strategies on which poor, rural women
depend.
• The history of environmental movements in India shows that women have bear the major brunt of
environmental degradation & hence have also been the first ones to spearhead conservation
movements from Chipko to the Narmada Bachao Andolan.
• Moreover the strong connection between women and the issues of the environment led to the
emergence of the concept of ecofeminism. The term which grew out of the various social
movements that were occurring all over the world involves the concept of feminism, peace and the
ecology and signifies the role of women in environmental conservation.
10. Secularism should not only mean equal respect to all religions, but allow disagreements with some
aspects as well. Comment. 10
Approach:
• Expand on the lines that the Indian mode of Secularism is not only about inter-religious equality but
also intra-religious equality and comment on how the India state plays a pro-active role in achieving
the same.
Answer:
The Indian idea and practice of secularism, though was inspired by its western origins yet, was firmly
rooted in India’s own unique socio-historical circumstances- i.e. the remarkable religious diversity in
contrast to the mono-religious nature of western societies, the freedom struggle which advocated an
equal support & equal respect for all religions, upon the fact that the practice of one’s religion was not
seen as antithetical to practice of democracy but as one which would strengthen it in the long run.
Religion is comprised of 3 parts per se – objects of reverence, rituals and ceremonies and a group of
believers. The Indian conception of secularism recognized the deeply religious nature of Indian society &
infused the principle of equality within the practice of religion.
The concept is identified as giving equal respect to all the revered objects across all religions. It also
gives freedom to practice respective and related rituals and ceremonies. However, the desirability of
state intervention into religious matters has been upheld under the Indian conception of secularism to
give space to progressive voices within every religion and to allow disagreement with some aspects of
religions. For example, the abolition of untouchability, sati, dowry, the amendment of Hindu marriage
& inheritance laws & the demand for establishing the uniform civil code etc. can be seen as an
application of this concept.
Secularism, with respect to the community of believers of a particular religion, was turned into an non-
negotiable basic feature of constitution & the term itself was reinvented to allow intervention of state
into religious matters when it was being done to promote not only inter religious equality (i.e. “equal
rights for all citizens irrespective of their religious preferences, along with added protection for religious
minorities”) but also intra religious equality (“by ensuring that one sect of a religion does not dominate
over other”).
At the same time, the Indian ideal of secularism clearly cautions against allowing religion to interfere in
state matters, thereby disallowing mobilizing the electorate on religious lines for winning elections on
one hand while strictly spelling out that the Indian nation-state shall have no state religion.
Thus, the Indian concept of Secularism means not only equal respect to all religions, but allows
disagreements as well.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
10 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
11. Evaluate if the developmental policies pursued by the Indian state since independence have adversely
affected the tribal population of Central Indian heartland. Has there been any change in the
developmental paradigm in the past few years? 10
Approach:
• First mention that post-independence, massive expansion in public infrastructure such as dams etc.
as well as large PSUs (for mining, rail, steel etc.) has led to large chunk of forested land being
acquired which adversely effected the tribals
• This process of alienation of land has only accelerated since early 1990s due to policies of
liberalization, privatization and globalization
• Then mention the changes taking place in development regime which emphasizes on giving rights to
the tribals – Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas, Forest Rights Act, provisions related to STs in
the Land Acquisition Act must be mentioned.
Answer:
• The Central India Tribal Belt stretches from Gujarat in the west up to Assam in the east across the
states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. It is among the poorest regions of the
country. Bulk of the Belt's tribal population is rural, with primitive agriculture.
• It is argued that the tribal’s of central India have been the worst victim of developmental policies
pursued since independence. The issues concerning tribals are two pronged: firstly control over vital
economic resources like land and forests; secondly, issues relating to matters of ethnic-cultural
identity.
• In Indian context, the imperatives of development have governed the attitudes towards tribes and
shaped the policies of the state.
• After the independence, emphasis was laid on establishing big projects such as huge hydroelectric
dams; big industries PSUs such as SAIL, mines etc. which required massive land acquisition. Since the
tribal areas were located in mineral rich and forest covered parts of the country, tribals have paid a
disproportionate price for the development of the mainstream society.
• According to governments own estimates, in the 60 years since independence, more than 60Million
people have been dislocated due to “developmental” projects. And less than a third of those have
been rehabilitated.
• Such dislocation of tribes in the name of development got worsened after 1991 due to Liberalization
of the economy because now even private sector entered in areas like mining in a big way.
• The process of dispossessing tribes of their land has occurred as a necessary byproduct of the
exploitation of minerals and the utilization of favorable sites for setting up power plants. The loss of
forests is seen as a major blow. Moreover tribal regions have also been experiencing the problem of
heavy in-migration of non-tribals in response to the pressures of development.
• Overall this process of development has benefitted the mainstream at the expense of the tribes.
• However in the last two decades, due to increasing resistance and opposition from tribals and
resorting to extremism, there seems to be a growing realization about failure of state policies in
accommodating the tribals. This is reflected in number of laws which have been passed for improving
the conditions of tribal communities
• Parliament has enacted two historic legislations such as the Provisions for Panchayats (Extension to
Scheduled Areas) Act 1996, popularly called PESA, and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional
Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006, popularly called FRA, which provide inter
alia for self-governance and ownership and management by the indigenous communities of natural
resources along with control over dispute resolution processes and schemes.
• Similarly Food Security Act and Land Acquisition Act passed last year also are greatly sensitive to the
concerns of tribal communities.
• However, effective implementation of the law continued to be a challenge, as most states failed to
devolve effective powers to tribals.
• Hence, highly empowered committee was set up in 2013 under chairmanship of Mr. XaXa to
suggest policy initiatives as well as effective outcome oriented measures to improve development
indicators and strengthen public service delivery to tribes
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
11 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
12. “Slums are not just a result of migration, but are also an outcome of the failure of housing policies.”
Examine. What are the steps being taken by the Government of India to address this situation? 10
Approach:
• Here the answer should explain that migration is only one of the factors responsible for slums. There
are slums which have existed and grown for decades– continuance of these slums is not the result of
migration.
• The answer should briefly discuss and criticize the housing policies of the government. For instance –
interest subsidy scheme to provide financial assistance to low income groups (LIG)and economically
weaker sections (EWS) have reached only less than fifteen thousand people due to irrational
regulatory restrictions
• Then explain the Rajiv Awas Yojna to make India slum free country and Rajiv Rin Yojna to overcome
financial barriers for LIG and EWS.
Answers:
• Slums are defined as “residential areas where the dwelling are considered unfit for human habitation
because they are dilapidated, cramped, poorly ventilated, and unclean”. It’s a place where people
live in highly congested conditions without any basic amenities of life.
• It is characterized by overcrowding, poor environmental conditions, scarcity of welfare services,
absence of minimum level of residential accommodation.
• Data from 2,613 of the 4,041 statutory towns show that the population living in slums has increased
by 25 per cent in the last decade, reaching 65.4 million in 2011.
• It would be incorrect to attribute migration as the principal reason for the increase in slums.
• For many years, policy makers were concerned predominantly with rural and agriculture economy.
Cities as an engine of growth were not much appreciated, therefore the problem of urban areas was
treated more as welfare problem and sectors of residual investment rather than issues of national
importance.
• It was only in 7th and 8th plan that importance of urban housing was recognized (NHB, urban basic
services for poor etc.). Even after that, government planning was not able to keep pace with the
housing needs of poor, middle class people. There was improper city planning; moreover private
developers were not interested in building houses for poor as it was less profit yielding. Despite of
financial assistance, contractors used low quality material to earn profits.
• Further, concept of Gated communities also led to lack of access to land.
• There was lack of synchronization amongst economic development, urban planning and land
allocation.
• With above arguments, it is evident that it was the failure of housing policies which led to
aggravation of slums. Moreover, the expert group on urban poverty and slums for the formulation of
the Twelfth Five-Year Plan has clearly stated, the proliferation of slums is a result of the failure of
housing policies.
• For further substantiation, let us consider the example of the interest subsidy scheme, which is
meant to provide financial assistance to lower income groups to secure housing and enable
construction of three lakh units, has so far reached only 13,485 beneficiaries. Similarly, many State
governments have failed to implement the National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy’s
recommendation to allocate 15 per cent of land in residential projects for housing the poor.
• Following the failure of many earlier schemes, the government launched a new one entitled Rajiv
Awas Yojana (RAY) in 2011. RAY has promised slum free cities in future, and commits to rehabilitate
existing slum dwellers in the same place where they are living, provide secure tenure and improve
access to services and sanitation
• To help economically weaker sections avail housing, Government has launched Rajiv Rin Yojna which
seeks to provide interest subsidy up to 5 percent for affordable housing loan. Under the RRY, loans
are offered to the economically weaker sections (EWS) on subsidized interest rates for a 15-year
tenure for buying houses
• The key challenge is to provide serviced land for social housing. Realizing this, the National Advisory
Council, in its suggestion to improve RAY, has recommended that cities should earmark about 25 to
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
12 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
40 per cent of land in their development plans for social housing. Without this important measure, it
would be difficult to prevent the formation of new slums.
13. Demographic Dividend, if not nurtured properly can become Demographic Disaster. Explain in the
context of India. 10
Approach:
• Focus should be on the initiative of Government to harness the huge demographic dividend of the
countries and the progress we made in this sphere till now.
• Also need some reference on the Ill-effects of Not Properly handling the vast Demographic Dividend,
which in absence of Skills and Employment, may result in their disenchantment.
• Some facts regarding Demographic dividend.
Answer:
• Demographic dividend refers to a period, “when a greater proportion of population are young and in
working age group”.
• According to latest reports, 65% of India is under 35 year of age, 50% of India is under 25 year of age.
Average Age in India is 29 years, unlike other countries including Japan with average age 47, China
with 40+, Europe with 46, US with average age of 40. Today India has Youthful, Productive and
Dynamic population ready to work and transform the world. According to ILO, by 2020, we will have
116 million people in the age group of 20-24 in comparison to China having only 94 million.
• A population bulge in the working age group is considered advantageous. Firstly due to this bulge,
the dependency ratio declines. Secondly, surplus available for investment after the current
consumption increases which results into spurring economic growth.
• This situation just creates a potential for economic growth, it does not guarantee it.It depends on
two factors: firstly, on the quality of those entering the workforce and secondly on the employment
opportunities are available to them.
• Hence, if we educate and train these youth, we can transform not just our own economy and society
but the world.
• Moreover, youth is known for their idealism and energy and if their energy is not properly harness by
providing them skills and training, it may lead to youth unrest and also pose security threat in the
form of Maoist insurgency that include unemployed, frustrated, under-educated youth in its cadre.
• Although, IT software, back-office services and research and development activities are all booming.
But none of these, however, has jobs for the underprivileged, the undereducated and the under
skilled.
• Jobs are the missing element in the Indian economy today and job-generation will be the key to
India sustaining its blistering growth rates. India will need to create jobs in large-scale, labor-
intensive manufacturing to stop these extremist movements from turning into something even more
serious.
• In order to get there, it will require the government to relax labor laws that penalize large scale
manufacturing and that force companies to use expensive labor-substituting technology rather than
the cheap manpower that India has in abundance.
• It will, above all, require the government to create the fiscal space for massive investment in human
capital through health and education so that the productive potential of India’s young workforce can
be fully utilized.
• It will also require a colossal investment in physical infrastructure, lifting infrastructure spending as
a share of GDP to 7-8 per cent from 4.6 per cent. If India acts urgently, it may well be next global
economic powerhouse, as everyone wants to believe. If not, all bets are off.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
13 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
14. “Disability is as much social as it is physical." Comment. 10
Approach:
• As the question is asking to “comment”, you can be either in favour or oppose to the statement
given. Here the favorable stance is taken
• Support the stance taken with logical arguments. Here how disability is magnified by social apathy
and indifference is taken up.
Answer:
• Disability is nothing but “restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in a manner considered
normal for a human being”.
• The term has a negative connotation and is generally used in context of developing countries as
against “differently abled”.
• The differently abled are not ’disabled’ only because they are physically or mentally impaired but
due to the inherent nature of society which stigmatized and ostracized these differently abled
people.
• The very term disabled is significant because it draws attention to the fact that it’s the public
perception of the disabled which denies/deprives them of all the opportunities for social and
economic development.
• Here are some common features central to the public perception of disability all over the world:
o Disability is understood as a biological given.
o Whenever a disabled person is confronted with problems, it is taken for granted that the
problem originates from her/ his impairment.
o The disabled person is seen as a victim.
o Disability is supposed to be linked with the disabled individual’s self-perception.
o The very idea of disability suggests that they are in need of help.
In India labels such as disability, handicap, crippled, blind and deaf are used synonymously. Often these
terms are hurled at people as insult. Labels such as ‘bechara’ (poor soul) accentuate the victim status for
the disabled person. The roots of such attitudes lies in the cultural conception that views an impaired
body as a result of fate. The common perception views disability as retribution for past karma (actions)
from which there can be no reprieve. The dominant cultural construction in India therefore looks at
disability as essentially a characteristic of the individual.
The social construction of disability has yet another dimension. There is a close relationship between
disability and poverty as incidence of disability among poor is higher than that the people among easier
circumstances.
The disable people are often confronted with the problem of accessibility to quality education,
information and communication, entertainment and technology. Secondly, irrespective of them
constituting substantive chunk of the population, their basic needs for social security, individual dignity
and meaningful employment remain unmet. Hence they suffer from triple jeopardy of being disabled,
poor and stigmatized.
Various international conventions and domestic legislations have been put in place to deal with the
plight of disabled people. Still much needs to be done to realize their objectives both in letter and spirit.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
14 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
15. Discuss the socio-economic factors responsible for the growth of communalism in India.10
Approach:
• The answer should clearly bring out the socio-economic reasons for the proliferation of
communalism in India with suitable examples. There is no need to discuss philosophical or religious
reasons here.
Answer:
• Communalism refers to a “belief or ideology according to which all people belonging to one
religion have common economic, social and political interests and these interests are contrary to
the interests of those belonging to another religion”. There are three stages (degrees), discernible in
the development of communalism:
o Mild : People following the same religion have similar interests
o Moderate : Dissimilarity of interests between people of different religions
o Extreme: Interests of people following different religions are antagonistic to each other,
based on fear and hatred of other religions.
• Communalism is an important issue in Indian context as it has been a recurrent source of tension and
violence.
• In its not so violent manifestation, communalism amounts to discrimination against a religious group
in matters such as employment or education
• The causes of communal clashes as such are rarely religious in its fundamental character. In India,
communalism arises when religion is used as a marker to highlight socio-economic disequilibrium
between communities and as a force multiplier to demand concessions.
• Improper cultural synthesis, perceived or relative deprivation, regional or social imbalance in
development and lack of opportunities may be pointed out as the reason for the genesis of
communalism. Political mobilization in the age of democracy tends to consolidate these
movements.
• The rise of communalism has been a very complex process. Communalism in India has its
beginnings in the British policy of ‘divide and rule’. A prominent reason why this policy gained
currency was that the Muslim middle class had lagged behind the Hindus in terms of education,
which contributed to their low representation in government jobs. Due to lack of enough economic
opportunities at that time, a government job was highly coveted by the middle classes. Moreover,
the post-1857 anti-Muslim bias of the British also gave a slight edge to the Hindus, who took to
modern enterprises/professions with great keenness. As a result, the demand for a separate nation
of Pakistan got the fervor due to marked inequalities in socio-economic indicators including
representation in the seats of power.
• The first so-called communal clash during colonial rule was the Mappila Rebellion, which was more
of a proletarian strike against the landed gentry than a communal riot. It only so happened that the
landed gentry were Hindus and the peasants were Muslims.
• Hence a stagnant secularization process (involving separation of religion and politics) due to: (1)
Slow development of economy, (2) Competition between Hindu and Muslim elite (3) Weak
mercantile bourgeoisie vis-a-vis feudal lords, (4) British policy of divide-and rule led to growth of
communalism in pre-independence era.
• Post-independence, things did not change much for Muslims, which was well substantiated with the
findings of Sachar committee report. According to this report:
o The literacy rate among Muslims is far below the national average and this gap is greater in
urban areas and for women.
o Working population ratios are lower for Muslims than any other socio-religious community
and this is more so in the rural areas.
o Moreover, Muslim workers are concentrated in self-employment- small traders, enterprises
etc. due to more exposure to disruptions and damage caused by urban conflict and
violence.
o Muslims have poor access to bank credit. The average size of credit is meager and low
compared to other socio-religious groups.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
15 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
• Hence, among all the socio-religious communities, Muslims are the most economically vulnerable,
educationally backward and financially excluded.
• State over the years has failed to wither away this vicious cycle of illiteracy-unemployment-poverty
despite many policies being framed to deal with the menace.
• As a consequence, youth are getting disillusioned, discontent, frustrated, looking for ways to exert
pressure there by further aggravating extreme communalism.
• Hence, the demand of the situation is to act swiftly on the recommendations of the Sachar
committee and create a conducive environment for the holistic development of Muslim
community. Generate awareness amongst the youth so that they don’t fall in the trap of the politics
of opportunism where people for their secular gains take undue advantage of their plight.
16. Intensified globalization has resulted in a transformation of youth in India. Comment.10
Approach:
• Answer should focus on effect of globalization on youth and not a general debate on globalization.
• Coverage should include all aspects like cultural and social along with economic aspects.
Answer:
Indian youth are embracing globalization in a way that the previous generation never imagined. The most
significant effect can be compared across the rural and urban profiles for that is where the intensity of
globalization varies.
• Education: Youth stand to benefit with increased awareness and accessibility to new sources and
approaches to literacy and education. The urban youth has far more accessibility than the rural ones.
• Employment: As India transforms into a knowledge economy, the urban youth has gained through
increased and well-paying job opportunities. On the other hand, the rural youth – because of being
unskilled or semi-skilled, face lack of adequate job opportunities due to increasing mechanization of
work. Higher levels of competition, has rendered most of the young rural enterprises unsustainable.
However, across the urban youth, the entrepreneurial activity is on an increase. Young people are
experiencing the encouragement and the freedom to break from traditional family norms and
practices of the rural areas to find opportunities in the city. The primary ambition of young Indians
from the smallest villages to the largest cities is to ''become rich.'' Young people hope to achieve this
goal through enterprise and education. The most highly regarded careers like civil service,
engineering, and medicine are giving way to high-paying jobs in high tech and the media.
• Family Values and Loss of Identity: The nuclear family has resulted in youth isolation more strongly
in the urban areas due to lack of sufficient time. Also, excessive migration of youth from rural areas
results in isolation from the family. In both the cases, consequently, there has been increased stances
of deviant behavior. There has been a rise in number of suicide cases. Youth are not as close to their
grandparents as were earlier generations and spend less time with the older generation resulting in
loss of wisdom handed down from generation to generation.
• Lifestyle Changes: More health issues now occur due to the lifestyle – obesity, heart diseases etc.
The youth lead a more stressful life. The same is seen in rural youth also, who now go for luxuries
leading to lifestyle problems. Youth are now more gadget-oriented – tablets, gaming etc.
• Youth see themselves as global teenagers. They belong to a much bigger community than the
community they were born into. The younger generation is embracing western popular culture and
incorporating it into their Indian identity. There is a subtle and powerful hybridization of western and
Indian values occurring – particularly evident among Indian youth.
• The traditional Indian dress is declining, especially among urban youth, in favour of new fashions
from the west. Buying the latest cars, televisions, electronic gadgets, and trendy clothes has become
quite popular. The younger poor population is particularly susceptible to the allure of expensive
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
16 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
products seen in advertisements and when they cannot respond to these ads, they get frustrated.
Crime can be the result of their frustration.
• The coming of Consumerist culture and the corporate culture has altered the belief systems and
ways of living life for the youth. Present day youth, with its more materialistic ambitions and more
globally informed opinions, are gradually abandoning the austere ways and restricted traditional
Indian markets. Youth demand a more cosmopolitan society that is a full-fledged member of the
global economy.
• Most religious activities are becoming irrelevant to the youth. They want to see changes in religion.
They are not internalizing traditional ideas; rather, they are merely tolerating them. Though they do
find some indirect value with religion.
• Importantly, there is no going back from globalization. The youth enjoy having the opportunity to be
modern, progressive, and be a part of the development which is taking place.
17. There is a general consensus that the loss of languages harms the cultural diversity of the world. In the
light of above statement, explain the importance of the new central scheme on identification of
endangered languages in India. 10
Approach:
• Emphasis of Language as reflection of culture and ethos.
• Elaborate on importance of Identification of endangered language scheme by Human Resource
Development Ministry
Answer:
• A “Living Language” is one which is in wide use as a primary form of communication by a specific
group of living people. Whereas, an Endangered Language is a language that is at risk of falling out of
use as its speakers die out or shift to speaking another language.
• Language loss occurs when the language has no more native speakers, and becomes a “dead
language”. While languages have always gone extinct throughout human history, they are currently
disappearing at an accelerated rate due to the process of globalization and neo-colonialism, where
the economically powerful languages dominate other language.
• A vast majority of speakers of endangered language consider the loss of their language to be vital
break with their cultural identity and tradition, and many work actively to counteract impeding
language loss.
• Language diversity is essential to the human heritage. It is not only the carrier of culture, but also its
ethos and subtle core values. It is also the encyclopedia of the knowledge gather by that culture.
• Hence, to preserve and conserve this knowledge and identity, the ‘Scheme for Protection and
Promotion of Endangered Languages’ or SPPEL, has been launched by the Ministry of Human
Resource Development, which will ascertain the exact number of endangered languages in country
as previous data has remained inconclusive. The scheme will be taken up under the 12th Five-Year
Plan.
• The need for SPPEL arose because the UNESCO could not accurately list the number of endangered
languages in India. It identified 192 languages as endangered in India which included Manipuri, very
much an alive and vibrant language in the northeastern parts of the country.
• Objectives of the central scheme are as follows:
� It will identify, document and take measures to protect the endangered languages.
� The census data too does not list languages with less than 10,000 speakers. Therefore SPPEL
will provide a comprehensive list of endangered languages in the country.
� To bring out dictionaries, preserve the folklore and grammar rules so as to revitalize the
languages.
� Identifying universities to organize research, based on their proximity to native speakers of
a particular endangered language, to mobilize the communities.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
17 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
� Identify people with their culture who often tend to assimilate because of low self-esteem
regarded with their language.
� Development of linguistic studies – leading to more evolutions and advancement in
language.
� Saving diverse cultures.
• Hence, the importance of new scheme lies in the fact that it will help the communities conserve
their culture and thus aid the process of national integration.
18. What are the reasons behind National Population Policy failing to check population growth in India?10
Approach:
• Straight forward question. Write down few of the reasons.
• Conclude with few suggestions.
Answer:
• India was the first country to launch a national programme on population in 1952. In fact India’s
quest for population stabilization began in 1951 with the formulation of the first five year plan. Yet
more than 60 years goals remain elusive.
• In India, there has not been an effective institutionalized mechanism to reduce birth rate. On the
other hand, efforts to bring down the death rate have been quite successful. Improvement in
conditions of health and hygiene has lowered the death rate. The family planning movement gains
national importance in such a situation of imbalance development and population growth.
• Hence, the government for the first time formulated a policy( effort to regulate economic and social
conditions which are likely to have demographic consequences) in 1976, with an aim to decrease
birth rate, legalize abortion, check the concentration of population, giving incentives and
disincentives. But it boomeranged because of its coerciveness, overzealous attitude and
compulsory sterilization.
• Further, the government with a revived approach to fight the menace of population growth
introduced the national population policy in 2000. It aimed at achieving the objective of stable
population by 2045, at a level consistent with the requirement of sustainable economic growth,
social development and environmental protection. Its objective was to address the needs for
contraception, healthcare, infrastructure and health personnel and to provide integrated service
delivery for basic reproductive and child health care. The policy had set goals for 2010 with respect
to IMR, MMR, TFR, institutional deliveries etc. but it failed to achieve these targets.
• The reasons for the failure were lack of political will, lack of responsive policy, lack of awareness,
cultural inertia etc. hence government came up with the revised population policy in 2010.
• The aim of the national policy was to impress upon the people the need for small, planned families
for their own good as well as for the wellbeing of their children. The 20 point programme envisages
family planning on voluntary basis as a people’s movement. What is needed to inculcate awareness
among the people through the media and oral communication about the significance of the small
family norm. Female literacy and education can play a decisive role in bringing down the rate of
population growth.
• The following suggestions have been put forward to curb population growth:
o Group acceptance of small sized family.
o Personal knowledge about family planning methods.
o Ready availability of birth control devices and services.
• Hence, the crux of the population policy is the reduction of the national birth rate; irrespective of
social, cultural and economic milieu. Coercing people to adopt family planning methods has not
worked. Volition alone, created through awakening, can be an effective measure.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
18 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
19. Can a multi-dimensional poverty index (MPI) be a better indicator than poverty line in the context of
India? 10
Approach:
• The answer should try to bring out the comparative advantages/disadvantages of the MPI over the
poverty line. Recent controversies regarding the poverty line can also be covered.
Answer:
• Poverty is general scarcity or dearth, or the state of one who lacks a certain amount of material
possessions or money.
• The methodology for arriving at poverty estimates has been in place for the last several years and
various committees in the past have arrived at estimates based upon certain indices of poverty from
time to time.
• These Committees include dandekar-rath committee (poverty line formula that has been used since
1971 measures only the calorie content of an Indian’s diet), the Alagh Committee (1977) (the poverty
line as monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) level of Rs.49.09 for rural areas and
Rs.56.64 for urban areas at 1973-74 prices at national level.), the Lakdawala Committee (1989)
followed by the Tendulkar Committee (2005) which submitted its recommendations in 2009..
• The Suresh Tendulkar committee, computed poverty lines for 2004-05 at a level that was equivalent,
in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, to $1 per person per day, which was the internationally
accepted poverty line at that time. The Planning Commission subsequently released new poverty
estimates of Rs. 29 per person per day which is equivalent, in PPP terms, to the new internationally
accepted poverty line of $1.25.
• Although, poverty line is just to provide an estimate that allows one to compare the number of people
below a certain consumption level. Still it is overwhelmingly used by the government to formulate its
social policies.
• Poverty is often defined by one-dimensional measures, such as income. But in reality, no one
indicator alone can capture the multiple aspects that constitute poverty
• poverty is a multi-dimensional concept made up of several factors that constitute poor people’s
experience of deprivation – such as poor health, lack of education, inadequate living standard, lack
of income (as one of several factors considered), disempowerment, poor quality of work and threat
from violence.
• A multidimensional measure can incorporate a range of indicators to capture the complexity of
poverty and better inform policies to relieve it. Different indicators can be chosen appropriate to the
society and situation.
• Hence, The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) was developed in 2010 by Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative and the United Nations Development Programme.
• The MPI uses data for each person or household and creates a profile of the deprivations being
experienced, looking across health, education and living standards.
• The poverty is calculated on the above mentioned three dimensions based on 10 indicators.
• It combines two aspects of poverty: Percentage of people who are MPI poor (incidence of poverty); Average intensity of MPI poverty across the poor (%)
• The MPI can help governments, civil society, and agencies to reduce poverty in following ways:
Identify interconnections among deprivations. This is needed to address MDGs strategically.
Show impacts Reflects the results of policy interventions quickly.
Allocate resources effectively. Target those with the greatest intensity of poverty.
These can help design effective, coherent policies.
• Hence, this approach can thus be a far better indicator of “poverty”.
• However, MPI has been criticized by economist for lack of "Moral/Emotional/Spiritual Dimensions" of
poverty.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
19 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
20. What is “Jiyo Parsi Campaign”? Why was it launched? Describe its objectives and features. 10
Approach:
• Explain that it is a central sector scheme launched by Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of
India. Give some insight about low and declining population of the Parsi community and also the
reasons behind it. (Fact are not necessary)
• Explain the objectives and features of the scheme – which include giving free medical treatment,
counseling to Parsi couples etc.
Answer:
• Jiyo Parsi Campaign, the Central Sector Scheme for containing population decline of Parsis in India
was launched in September 2013 by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. This campaign aims at
stemming the steady decline in Parsi population through advocacy and medical assistance.
• The population of Parsis declined from 114,000 in 1941 to 69,001 in 2001 according to Census 2001
data. The studies conducted by the National Commission of Minorities have identified late and non-
marriages, fertility decline, emigration, marriages outside the community, and separation and
divorces as important causes for the decline in the population of Parsis.
Objectives:
The main objective of the Jiyo Parsi scheme is to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by
adopting scientific protocol and structured interventions, stabilize the Parsi population and increase the
population of Parsis in India. To achieve this free medical counseling and treatment are adopted as key
strategies.
Main features:
• 100 percent funded by Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.
• Medical interventions under Standard Medical protocols in empanelled Hospitals/clinics.
• Confidentiality of the patients to be given utmost importance.
• Target groups: The scheme is designed only for Parsi community. It will be available for Parsi married
couples of child bearing age who seek assistance and adults/young men/women/adolescent
boys/girls for diagnosis of diseases.
21. Differentiate between the concept of secularism as practiced in India and the west. 10
Approach:
• Bring out the similarities and differences between secularism as practiced in India and the west.
Explain why our secularism is different from that of the west and what purpose does it serve.
Answer:
Secularism is the “principle of the separation of government institutions and persons mandated to
represent the state, from the religious institutions and the religious dignitaries”. It is devoid of both
inter-religious domination and the intra-religious domination. It promotes freedom within religions and
equality between, as well as, within religions. It also includes separation between the state and religion.
In fact the nature and extent of separation may take different forms, depending upon the specific values
it is meant to promote and the way in which these values are spelt out.
• In the west, principle of mutual exclusion is followed, i.e. both the state and the religion are
mutually exclusive in there sphere of operation. Whereas in Indian context, equal protection is given
to all the religions by the state .i.e. state protects all religions, but does not favor one at the cost of
other and does not adopt any religion as state religion.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
20 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
• The reason for different interpretation is, in the west, secularism emerged as a protest movement of
the ‘oppressed’ against a theocratic state for individual freedom. Hence strictly follows the principle
of separation between state and religion. However, in India, this idea of secularism, underwent a
change due to extensive religious diversity, the impact of colonial policies, and the response of
different sections of Indians to colonial rule. Therefore in independent India, this has led to
secularism acquiring a changed meaning: the idea that all religions shall be treated equal.
• In west, liberty is interpreted as liberty of individual and freedom as freedom of the individual and
equality as equality between individuals. There is little scope for community based rights or minority
based rights. Whereas in India it not only deals with the religious freedom of the individuals but with
the minority communities also.
• Western society is more or less homogenous society, hence focus is on the intra-religious
domination thus state maintains an arm’s length distance from religion in all matters. Whereas Indian
secularism allows for principled state intervention in all religions. Such intervention betrays
disrespect to some aspects of every religion. The secular state does not have to treat each aspect of
every religion with equal respect. It allows equal disrespect for some aspects of organized religions.
Example practicing social evils as essential part of religion.
In the context of India, it is sometimes argued that the concept of secularism has been imported from
the west. But it is clear from the above differences that in the west, strict church and state separation is
the main area of focus; while in India peaceful co-existence of all religions is the focus.
22. Discuss the social and economic consequences of abolishing child labor in India. 10
Approach:
Try to cover the following points with respect to child labor:
• Reason for child labor
• Disadvantages
• Positives and negatives of the abolition
Answer:
• Child labor refers to “the work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their
dignity and that is harmful to physical and mental development.”
o India has the unwanted distinction of having the largest population of child laborers in the world.
They mostly find employment as household servants, tea shop apprentices, street vendors and in
labor-intensive industries like textiles, matches, fireworks etc.
o Reasons for persistence of child labor:
i. Supply-side push factors:
� Poverty of families
� Formal education failures
� Social-cultural constraints
� Lack of awareness amongst parents
� Unemployment
� State-run juvenile homes are lacking in both quantity and quality which forces many
orphaned children to fend for themselves
ii. Demand-side pull factors:
� Easy to hire and fire children
� Rapid urbanization
� Emergence of new middle class keeps domestic child labor
� Profit earning due to less wage-payment
o The risks/disadvantages of child labor can be summarized as:
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
21 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
� Children working in certain industries/sectors (fireworks, cotton textile, beedi
manufacturing) grow up suffering from chronic illnesses
� Vulnerability to economic exploitation (underpaid, overtime)
� Vulnerability to sexual exploitation
� Child labor adds to India’s burgeoning mass of uneducated and unskilled/semi-skilled
(i.e. less productive) workers
• Social Consequences of abolition:
o Positives: Children freed from the shackles of child labor can have the opportunity for
empowerment via education, more so in case of the girl child; population growth can be
checked.
o Negatives: Abolishing child labor in India is a hard choice as lack of sustenance options many
push many children towards more dangerous forms of abuse like child trafficking, beggary and
prostitution. Since both the state and private sector cannot yet guarantee education and
employment to all, it may prove difficult for these children to find employment later on
• Economic consequences of abolition:
o Positives: It would shift a large number of people from unorganized sector of employment to the
organized sector
o Negatives: Many MSME and unorganized sector industries who are the beneficiaries of the lower
costs of child labor may end up losing their cost-competitiveness
23. Globalization has undermined as well as revived local cultures. Illustrate. 10
Approach:
• Focus should be on both revival and undermining aspects of globalization with regard to Culture.
• Restrict going into subjective analysis on the influence of globalization on local cultures.
• It is important to quote examples – for the question wants you to Illustrate.
Answer:
• Globalization is a process by which national and regional economies, societies, and cultures have
become integrated through the global network of trade, communication, immigration and
transportation.
• There exists a debate as to how this process has resulted in evolution of a homogenized culture
diminishing differences across the local cultures; vis-à-vis the revival of local traditions in defence to
the ‘outside’ norms and cultures.
• Various illustrations present that both these processes are happening currently in our society.
Globalization has undermined local cultures in the form of:-
• Mcdonaldization- occurs when a culture possesses the characteristics of a fast-food restaurant. It is a
comparatively recent idea of the world wide homogenization of cultures. It can be summarized as
the ways in which the principles of the fast-food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more
sectors of society. Also Cocacolisation.
• Walmartization - When a large chain store moves into a region and devastates local businesses
driving displaced workers into low paying chain store jobs. It not only outdo local stores but also
create a kind cultural impact making people prone toward consumerism.
• Increasing Consumerist Culture and the Corporate Culture – which stands as an overhaul to the
native beliefs and working philosophies across countries.
• The coming of e-commerce to some extent has also undermined the culture of buying through brick
and mortar shops.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
22 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
Globalization has served to revive local culture in the form of:-
• Providing Global Platform – Globalization, through its various means provide platform to various art
form and local culture. Market forces result in the customization of various form of ancient tradition
and hence in their revival. E.g. : Yoga is now practiced more in west but in its different avatars like
Artistic Yoga, Vikram Yoga, Transcendental Meditation etc.
• New Age Movement- Counter culture movement which is initiated by people who were frustrated
by dominant American Culture, and Increase acceptance of Eastern cultural values also result in
revival of local culture. E.g. ISKCONN movement.
• The local arts have been revived through the increasing demand of globalized fashion industry.
Examples include the famous ‘Chikankari’ of Lucknow, ‘Bandhani’ art of Jaipur, etc.
• The concept of tagging products as ‘Geographical Indicators’ has been another example for
identifying and associating a product with its native region.
Thus, there may be homogenization of certain aspects of the economy and the society, but, at the same
time, there will be an affirmation of distinctive cultural identities. Thus, globalization continues to
influence the local cultures through times.
24. Feminization of agriculture has led to women empowerment in rural India. Critically analyze. 10
Approach:
• Define first what do we mean by two terms-feminization of labour & feminization of poverty &
relate it to Indian agriculture. Next would be to talk about how both of them are related to the
invisible hand of patriarchy & finally to point out how feminization or defeminisation of labour force
is determined by the intertwining of market forces with patriarchy.
Answer:
The gendered division of labour under the pervasive influence of patriarchy has traditionally ensured
that women are restricted to household work which is easily passed off as unpaid domestic labour.
However the invisible hand of patriarchy is not only at work within the household but also in cases where
women manage to gain an entry into the labour market.
The participation of women in agriculture & thus outside the traditional domain of domestic work has
been in the backdrop of agrarian distress in agriculture which forced the male members of families to
move out of rural-agriculture - low wages sector into the relatively better paying jobs in the informal
sector in urban economies. It is believed that this phenomenon has been induced by casualization of
work, unprofitable crop production and distress migration. Migration has been noticed to other rural
areas, to urban slums and to highly labour-exploitative sectors of the economy such as construction.
This trend in the agriculture sector was most visible during 1999-2005 period in India marked by
declining agriculture growth rates which saw a distress migration of male members to relatively better
paying jobs either in the urban informal economy or the agriculturally prosperous states and “distress
employment” of 17 million females in this sector.
This phenomenon of increased participation of women workforce in the agriculture sector was termed as
feminization of agriculture which itself was a manifestation of feminization of poverty- the fact that in a
market economy functioning under a patriarchal mind set females often find themselves cornered into
relatively lesser paying jobs with minimal rights, no job security, sexual harassment at workplace & a
gender insensitive policy framework which has failed to take up the issue of capacity building of female
farmers on a priority basis.
For example: Women employed as wage labour receive lower wage than men do. Even when women are
categorised as cultivators, their ownership and control over resources such as land, livestock, farm
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
23 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
machinery, and transport equipment are limited. In addition, their access to credit, technology and
market information is highly restricted. Their opportunities for education, skill formation and of
shifting to better paid work are also narrow. Disadvantages experienced by women become apparent
once women’s work comes out into the open, as in the case of female wage labour and women-headed
households. Female wage labourers are the lowest paid in the economy. The women-headed
households in rural areas are seen in the lowest income class. Hence, the major implication of
feminisation of agriculture is the increasing burden of work on them and lower compensation.
Therefore, it is evident from above illustration that increase in female participation in agriculture was
thus driven by the need to supplement declining family income (or rather male income) termed as
“distress employment” & not by any desire to give them an equal status either in the formal economy or
within the household with the result that females worked on wages that their male counterparts found
to be below subsistence level in the first place.
Feminization being an unintended consequence of the low agricultural growth did not lead to the
women empowerment in true sense. Moreover, the limited increase in bargaining power of rural women
within family fuelled by participation in formal economy itself was short lived. This is exemplified by the
fact that women labour force participation in rural areas declined again in 2005-2009 period which was
marked by relatively better agricultural growth rates & increasing wages as a result of positive influence
of MGNREGA &Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), a phenomenon which has been termed as
defeminisation of agriculture leading to withdrawal of 19 million females from this sector during this
period
Thus while increasing labour force participation of women definitely carries the potential of uplifting
their position within the family & society, no sustainable gains can be made unless the gendered division
of labour is frontally attacked by gender sensitive policies of the state which actively support women
employment. Moreover, the nexus between market forces & patriarchy will have to be broken in the first
place for which the state & civil society will have to play a vibrant role.
25. Why is it that the societal trends that maintain a violent order against women have remained intact,
when there has been a legal expansion of women’s rights in India? 10
Approach:
• Argue on the lines that -Rights may be self-evident or constitutionally secured; however
they do not automatically implement themselves.
• Comment on why, despite far reaching legislations, rape and sexual assault are still common
and how caste based institutions (Khap Panchayats, Kangaroo Courts) have asserted their
rights over that of the Women. – i.e. Societally sanctioned rape and assault cases in India
Answer:
The gravest issue which has confronted the Indian society over the years is the violent order against
women. "Violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between
men and women" and that "violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which
women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men". These include violence carried out
by ‘individuals’ as well as ‘states.’
It has got manifested in the form of rape; domestic violence; sexual harassment; coercive use of
contraceptives; female infanticide; prenatal sex selection; as well as harmful customary or traditional
practices such as honor killings, dowry violence, female genital mutilation, marriage by
abduction and forced marriage.
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)
24 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
Some forms of violence are perpetrated or condoned by the state such as war rape; sexual
violence and sexual slavery during conflict; forced sterilization; forced abortion; violence by the police
and authoritative personnel; stoning and flogging. Many forms of violence such as trafficking in
women and forced prostitution are often perpetrated by organized criminal networks.
In Indian context, past year has seen a much delayed yet needed discussion on women security & related
issues in the civil society, media & legal domain which fuelled the establishment of Justice Verma
committee, the passage of sexual harassment at workplace bill and a proactive supreme court taking up
gender related issues in a big way. Yet, the paradoxical finding has been a study in 2011 conducted by the
International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) on gender attitudes which showed that 68 per
cent of the Indian men surveyed agreed that women should tolerate violence to keep their families
together, while 65 per cent believed that sometimes a woman deserves to be beaten. The most
interesting finding from the study was this one — 92 per cent of those surveyed knew of the laws
pertaining to violence against women. The figure quoted above tells us that legislation alone is not going
to stop violence against women from occurring.
This apparent paradox of expanding legal rights on one hand& a backlash from a society can be seen
either in the form of either poorly formulated or poorly implemented laws dealing with gender related
issues in India, whether it is the case of laws relating to foetal sex determination or the poor conviction
rate in rape cases or the persistence and thriving of Khap Panchayats in rural areas despite the Supreme
Court describing them as unconstitutional and illegal; lack of adequate institutional mechanism to
ensure its implementation, lack of awareness amongst the women about their rights.
However this ‘apparent paradox’ has a simple logical explanation- the deeply patriarchal nature of
society which legitimises the use of violence to discipline women. The hegemony of this parochial mind-
set and lack of gender sensitivity, which can be seen in the fact that some degree of violence against
women is considered as both necessary and desirable not only by males but also by females in Indian
society. The gross under reportage of violence related cases against women in India is a result of this
basic fact.
Against this backdrop of a patriarchal society, the state passes some progressive laws but lacks the
capacity to effectively implement them because the vital political will is missing in the first place.
Secondly “The Law decides the direction in which society might go, it is the culture and family which
decides the direction in which the society actually goes”. Hence it’s the failure on the part of institutions
such as education system, family values and norms etc. to deal with the menace of the violence against
women.
The only way out of this trap is to bring the society out of the cultural inertia which has adversely
affected the supposedly progressive laws to fight the violent order at all its stages: formulation,
implementation, evaluation.
Perhaps a good point to start is by providing reservation to women in the legislative bodies so that
instead of viewing women in development, we ensure women and development.
Copyright © by Vision IAS
All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission
of Vision IAS
This d
ocum
ent is
per
sona
lised
for R
ahul
Krishn
a Sha
rma(
rahu
l.mnn
it09@
gmail
.com
)