SHUBHRA RANJAN IAS STUDY

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER II

TEST 05

Time Allowed : 1 hour and 30 minutes maximum marks : 150

Question Paper Specific Instructions

Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions

There are twelve questions and all questions are compulsory.

All questions have equal marks of 12.5.

You should write your name and test number on your answer sheets.

You should upload your answer sheet only at sriasgspaper2@gmail.com

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Answer all the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 words each. Contents of the answer are
more important than its length. All questions carry equal marks.

1. The Centrally Sponsored Schemes have been one of the bones of contention between
centre state relations. Both complain each other for poor performance with respect to
eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Discuss. Also analyze the
need of these schemes when centre has accepted 14th finance commission
recommendation of 42% tax devolution?

2. Though there have been several criticisms of MGNREGA scheme, World Development
Report 2014 has called it “Stellar example of Rural Development.” Do you agree?
Critically examine the role of MGNREGA scheme in achieving rural development.

3. With passage of Aadhar Bill, 2016 it is set to become mandatory for a large number of
central and state government subsidies and benefits to vulnerable sections. How can use
of Aadhar help in tackling corruption and achieving outcomes of various welfare
schemes? Discuss various issues that still remain even after Aadhar getting statutory
backing.

4. Law commission has described Surrogate Industry in India as “a gold spot.” What are the
reasons that favoured this exceptional rise of surrogate industry in India? How lack of
regulation adversely affected various stakeholders of this industry? Discuss how the
Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016 tries balance interests of various stakeholders?

5. Broadly distinguish between the terms – Stunting, Wasting and overweight that are
related to Malnutrition in India. Discuss various reasons for high rate of malnutrition in
India. To what extent Integrated Child Development Services Scheme help address this
problem?

6. Enumerate some of the initiatives started by government for development of tribal

regions. What are the impediments faced by administrators in implementation of these
initiatives in Tribal areas? Can e-technology help in overcoming these bottlenecks?

7. Enumerate various challenges faced by higher education sector in India. How and to what
extent recently proposed Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) bill tries to address these
challenges.

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8. “Introduction of Gender Budgeting is undoubtedly a welcome move. However, gender
budgeting alone is unlikely to solve the massive problem of gender inequality.” In this
context discuss what is Gender Budgeting? Has gender budgeting lead to any marked
improvement on women empowerment after its inception?

9. “India faces a paradoxical situation where on the one hand young men and women
entering the labour market are looking for jobs; on the other hand industries are
complaining of unavailability of appropriately skilled manpower.” In this context, what is
the meaning of the term demographic dividend? How can this demographic dividend be
used for enhancing India’s own growth and also for supplying manpower to the rest of
the world?

10. “Two flagship programmes of the government Make in India and Skill India are inter-
dependent. Success of one without the other is a near impossible task” Discuss the
relationship between the two missions and suggest measures to achieve the required
synergy.

11. Decent, affordable housing is fundamental to the health and well-being of people and to
the smooth functioning of the economy. Against this backdrop identify the challenges
faced by the largest chunk of urban housing consumers in India. How will the recent
measure of giving infrastructure status to affordable housing help urban consumers?

12. Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate
reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to
urban and rural poverty indicators.

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