UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions

Exploring the multifaceted dimensions of social justice, the UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions provide a comprehensive insight into the examination’s focus on issues related to equity, inclusivity, and societal well-being.

Table of Contents

Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

Explain the implications of the recent Supreme Court verdict on reservations in private and minority educational institutions. (2005,10 Marks)
Write about the Benefits and potential drawbacks of cash transfers’ to ‘Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. (2011,12 Marks)
Do government schemes for uplifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? (2014, 12 Marks)
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for the assertion of Dalit identity work towards the annihilation of caste. (2015,12 Marks)
How far do you agree with the view that the focus on the lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (2018, 15 Marks)
The performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss(2019, 15 Marks)
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (150 words) (2020, 10 Marks)
“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (250 words) (2021, 15 Marks)
Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (150 words) (2022, 10 Marks)
Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India? (150) words) (2023, 10 marks)
Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. (250 words)(2023, 15 Marks)
“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer. (250 words) (2023, 15 Marks)

Poverty/Unemployment

Write about the differences between absolute poverty and relative poverty. (2005, 2 marks)
What is structural unemployment?(2005, 2 Marks)
Examine the effects of globalization on poverty removal in India. (2006, 15 Marks)
What is disguised unemployment? (2006, 2 Marks)
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. (2015, 12 Marks)
“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.”Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (2016, 12 Marks)
Hunger and poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (150 words) (2017, 10 Marks)
“Poverty alleviation programs in India remain more showpieces until and unless they are backed up by political will.” Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India. (250 words) (2017, 15Marks)
There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food budget. Elucidate. (2019, 10Marks)
“The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyse the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (250 words) (2020, 15 Marks)
“Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives of empowering women in rural India. (250 words) (2020,15 marks)
Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of society. Discuss. (250 words) (2022,15 Marks)

Health, Education, Demography and Human Resource

Review the population policy of the Govt. of India giving the distinguishing features. (2001, 30 Marks)
What is the Prime Minister’s Five-point agenda for India’s development as a Knowledge Society? (2003, 10 Marks)
Explain the UNDP Report on Human Development in India. (2004,10 Marks
Is greater spending on education linked to higher literacy? Discuss. (2004, 10 Marks)
What are the linkages to be developed under the Knowledge Revolution for Rural India Plan? (2006,10 Marks)
Bring out the issues involved in implementing compulsory primary education in India. (2006,10 Marks)
Write a short note on Prime Minister’s 5-point agenda for India’s development as a knowledge society. (125 words) (2007, 10 Marks)
Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions was a matter of grave concern for the Yashpal Committee With reference to the relevant portion of that report give your views on how to harmonize private investment and quality of education. (2009, 15 Marks)
Distinguish between the objectives, structure and functioning of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti. (150 words) (2010, 24Marks)
“Upliftment of the neglected sections of society will be best served with many more centers of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University.” Expand on the assertion made. (2010,12 Marks)
Highlight the structure, objectives and role of the Advertising Standards Council of India. In what way has the August 2006 government notification made it more effective? (2011, 20 Marks)
Write about the ‘News International’ newspaper (2011, 2 marks)
Comment on the recent launching of the National Mission on Libraries (NML). (2012, 5Marks)
An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (2014, 12 Marks)
Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allow more academic independence in designing courses and also decide the mode/criteria of selection of students? Discuss in light of the growing challenges. (2014, 12 Marks
The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss. (2015, 12marks)
“Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (2016, 12 Marks)
Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (2019, 10 Marks)
National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (250 words) (2020,15 marks)
“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development. Analyze.” (150 words) (2021,10 Marks)
“Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (150 words) (2021, 10 Marks)
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (250 words) (2022,15 Marks)
The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this inadequacy? (250 words) (2023,10 Marks)
Skill development programmes have succeeded in increasing human resources supply to various 4 sectors. In the context of the statement analyse the linkages between education, skill and employment. (250 words) (2023, 15 Marks)

Urbanization

Housing for All by 2010 is the goal set by the National Habitat Policy. How far is it achievable? (2004, 10 Marks)
Write about BSUP Scheme. (2009, 3 Marks)
Write a brief but precise note on ‘Break-of-bulk towns. (2010, 5 Marks)
Comment on the salient features of the recent draft Model Real Estate (Regulation of Development) Act of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty
Alleviation of the Central Government. (2010,12 Marks)
The basis of Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. (200 words) (2013, 10 Marks)
What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in india. will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN mission. (2016, 12 marks)
‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of developmental planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages’- Discuss (2019, 15 marks)
The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss. (150 words) (2022, 10 Marks)

Rehabilitation

Identify the types of disabilities. (2003, 10 marks)
Write briefly about the programs for ‘Welfare of the Disabled”.fa (2002,10 Marks)
What are the problems related to the rehabilitation of mentally challenged persons in India? (2006, 10 Marks)
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS). (2011, 12 Marks)

Corruption in Public Life

Suggest measures for the eradication of widespread corruption in public life in India. (2003, 30 Marks)
In the light of the Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in by corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability. (2015, 12 Marks)
In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, social, and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. (2016, 12 Marks)
“There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment. (150 words) (2020, 10 Marks)

Communal Harmony

What are the features of the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Public Religious Buildings and Places BUI, 2000, that have caused widespread protests from minorities? (2000,10 Marks)

Pressure Groups/Self Help Groups/NGOs

Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regards to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India. 200 words ( 2013, 10 marks
The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. 200 words
The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine (2014, 12 marks)
The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate. (2015,12 marks)
How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to the protection of the environment? Discuss by throwing light on the major constraints. (2015,12 marks)
“In the Indian governance system, the role of non- state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement. (2016, 12 marks)
“The emergence of the Self-Help Group (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities.” Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (250 words) (2017,15 marks)
What are the methods used by the farmers’ organizations to influence the policy-makers in India and how effective are these methods? (2019, 10 marks)
“Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (150 words) (2021, 10 marks)
Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty, and malnutrition be broken through the microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples. (150 words) (2021, 10 Marks)
Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (250 words)(2021, 15marks)
Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process? Justify your answer. (250 words) (2022, 15 Marks)
Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (250 words) (2023,15 Marks)

Child Labour

Discuss the steps taken by Government to check child labour and promote child welfare. (2003, 30 Marks)
What are the social and economic consequences of abolishing child labour in India? (2006, 30 Marks)
Discuss the steps to get rid of child labour in India. (250 words) (2007, 30 Marks)
Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. (2016,12 Marks)

Law Enforcement Issues

Write about the MTP Act in 20 words. (2008, 2 marks)
Write about the Evolution of ‘Green Benches’ in our higher judiciary. (2011, 12 Marks)
“For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous.” Discuss in the light of the experiences in recent past. (2015,12 Marks)
“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (150 words) (2020, 10 Marks)
Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context, justify the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (250 words) (2020, 15 Marks)

Human Rights

Discuss the provisions of the Human Rights Protection Act (1993) relating to the following:
(i) Definition of human rights.
(ii) Composition of the National Human Rights Commission
(iii) Functions of the Commission.
(iv) What suggestions have been made for amending the Act for making the role of the NHRC more effective? (2000, 30 Marks)
Discuss the propositions laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the context of torture in prisons and human dignity. (2000, 30 Marks)
What are the Human Rights issues involved in relation to the arrest of M. Karunanidhi in Tamilnadu in July 2001? (2001,10 Marks)
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation, assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. (2014, 12 marks)
Human rights activists constantly highlight the view that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human rights abuses by the security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists? Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by the Apex Court. (2015, 12 Marks)
The multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (2018, 15Marks)

Programmes

Write a note on Swarn Jayanti Gram Swaraj Yojana. (2001,10 Marks)
Write a note on Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) (125 words) (2007,10 marks)
Write a note on Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Nidhi (RGVN) in about 20 words. (2009, 2 Marks)
Write a brief note on the ‘Swavalamban’ Scheme. (2010, 2 Marks)
Critically examine the design of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) scheme. Do you think it has a better chance of success than the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) in achieving its objectives? (2011, 20 Marks)
Write about the problems specific to the denotified and nomadic tribes in India. (2011,12 Marks)
Two parallel-run schemes of the Government, viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory have led to debates at the national level and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need to run concurrently. Analyze the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth. (2014, 12 marks)
“Success of ‘Make in India’ program depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. (2015, 12 marks)

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UPSC Mains Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions – Social Justice