Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 325 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2015

Read the following passage and answer the item(s) that follow, your answers to these item(s) should be based on the passage only.
Individuals, groups and leaders who promote human development operate under strong institutional, structural and political constraints’ that affect policy options. But experience suggests broad principles for shaping an appropriate agenda for human development. One important finding from several decades of human development experience is that focusing exclusively on economic growth is problematic. While we have good knowledge about how to advance health and education, the causes of growth are much less certain and growth is often elusive. Further, an unbalanced emphasis on growth is often associated with negative environmental consequences and adverse distributional effects. The experience of China, with its impressive growth record, reflects these broader concerns and underlines the importance of balanced approaches that emphasize investments in the non-income aspects of human development.

With reference to the above passage, consider the following statements:

  1. In developing countries, a strong institutional framework is the only requirement for human development and policy options.
  2. Human development and economic growth are not always positively inter-related.
  3. Focusing only on human development should be the goal of economic growth.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (c)

Statement 2 is correct.

The passage explicitly states that "focusing exclusively on economic growth is problematic," noting that growth is "often elusive" and can lead to "negative environmental consequences and adverse distributional effects." This indicates that human development and economic growth are not always positively inter-related, as an overemphasis on growth can have detrimental outcomes for human development.

Incorrect Options:

Statement 1 is incorrect.

The passage mentions that individuals, groups, and leaders "operate under strong institutional, structural and political constraints." While acknowledging the significance of institutional frameworks, the passage does not assert that a strong institutional framework is the only requirement for human development and policy options. It highlights these as influential factors, not exclusive prerequisites.

Statement 3 is incorrect.

The passage advocates for "balanced approaches that emphasize investments in the non-income aspects of human development." It critiques an exclusive focus on economic growth but does not suggest that focusing only on human development should be the sole goal of economic growth. Instead, it promotes an integrated approach considering both income and non-income dimensions.