Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 170 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Economic liberalization in India was shaped Iargely.by the economic problems of the government than by the economic priorities of the people or by the long-term development objectives. Thus, there were limitations in conception and design which have been subsequently validated by experience. Jobless growth, persistent poverty and rising inequality have mounted as problems since economic liberalization began. And all these years later, four quiet crises confront the economy; agriculture, infrastructure, industrialization and education as constraints on the country's future prospects. These problems must be resolved if economic growth has to be sustained and transformed into meaningful development.

Which of the following is/are the most rational and logical inference/inferences that can be made from the passage?

  1. It is essential to rethink and redefine the economic role of the State in the quest for development.
  2. India has not made effective implementation of its policies in social sectors nor made sufficient investments in them.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (C)

Both 1 and 2

The passage critically evaluates economic liberalization in India, highlighting its origins in governmental economic problems rather than long-term developmental objectives or the needs of the populace. It explicitly states that there were "limitations in conception and design," leading to issues such as "jobless growth, persistent poverty and rising inequality." Furthermore, it identifies "agriculture, infrastructure, industrialization and education" as "four quiet crises" that constrain future prospects and require resolution for "meaningful development."

  • Inference 1 is correct: The acknowledgement of "limitations in conception and design" and the resulting problems like "jobless growth, persistent poverty and rising inequality" directly imply a need to re-evaluate the foundational approach to economic development. This necessitates a rethinking and redefinition of the State's economic role to ensure that growth translates into equitable and sustainable development, addressing the identified shortcomings.
  • Inference 2 is correct: The passage identifies "agriculture, infrastructure, industrialization and education" as critical "crises" and "constraints." These sectors are fundamental to both economic and social development. The existence of such profound crises, alongside persistent poverty and rising inequality, strongly suggests that policies in these vital areas have either been inadequately implemented or have suffered from insufficient investment, failing to achieve desired developmental outcomes.

Incorrect Options:

Options (A) "1 only", (B) "2 only", and (D) "Neither 1 nor 2" are incorrect because, as established, both Inference 1 and Inference 2 are rational and logical deductions that can be made from the provided passage.