Comprehension : Comprehension

Q 126 / 466

UPSC CSE Prelims 2022

The demographic dividend, which has begun in India and is expected to last another few decades, is a great window of opportunity. The demographic dividend is basically' a swelling in the working age population, which conversely means that the relative ratio of very young and very old will, for a while, be on the decline, From -the. experience of Ireland and China, we know that this can be a source of energy and an engine of economic growth. The demographic dividend tends to raise a nation's savings rate since in any nation, it is the working age population that is the main saver, and since the savings rate is an important driver of growth, this should help elevate our growth rate, However, the benefits of demographic dividend depend on the quality of the working age population. And this implies bringing back the importance of education, acquisition of skills and human capital.

With reference to the passage, which of the following inferences can be drawn?

  1. Demographic dividend, is an essential condition for a country to rapidly increase its economic growth rate.
  2. Promotion of higher education is an essential condition for a country for its rapid economic growth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (C)

Both inferences 1 and 2 can be drawn from the passage.

Regarding Inference 1: Demographic dividend is an essential condition for a country to rapidly increase its economic growth rate.

  • The passage identifies the demographic dividend as a "great window of opportunity" and explicitly states it "can be a source of energy and an engine of economic growth."
  • It further indicates that this phenomenon "should help elevate our growth rate."
  • While the passage does not assert it as the sole condition, it strongly positions the demographic dividend as a crucial and fundamental factor for achieving accelerated economic growth, thereby implying its essentiality in leveraging this demographic shift for development.

Regarding Inference 2: Promotion of higher education is an essential condition for a country for its rapid economic growth.

  • The passage directly states, "the benefits of demographic dividend depend on the quality of the working age population."
  • It further clarifies that this "implies bringing back the importance of education, acquisition of skills and human capital."
  • Since the demographic dividend is presented as a driver of economic growth, and its full benefits are contingent upon the quality of the workforce (which is enhanced through education and skill development, including higher education as a component of human capital), the promotion of education is an essential prerequisite for a country to achieve rapid economic growth by harnessing this demographic advantage.

Incorrect Options:

Options (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect because, as detailed above, both inferences 1 and 2 are supported by the textual evidence provided in the passage.