UPSC

MAIN EXAMINATION
GENERAL STUDIES
(PAPER-II)
THEME  SOCIAL JUSTICE

PREVIOUS YEARS TOPIC-WISE

QUESTIONS
(YEAR 2013 TO 2020)
PAPER-II: SOCIAL JUSTICE

2020

1. 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.
2. Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19
pandemic.
3. “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.
4. “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
along with empowering women in rural India.
5. 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.

2019

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self- government has had a
limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment.
4. ‘In the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is
expected to make operations cost effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-
Discuss.
5. The need for cooperation among various service sector has been an inherent component of
development discourse. Partnership bridges bring the gap among the sectors. It also sets in
motion a culture of ‘Collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine
India’s Development process.
6. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective
due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process –
Discuss.
7. “The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has
disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.” Elaborate.

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PAPER-II: SOCIAL JUSTICE

2018

1. Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve 'Health

for All' in India. Explain.
2. Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society 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.
3. How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main
cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in
India?

2017

1. ‘To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing water, sanitation and hygiene needs,
the identification of beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with the anticipated outcomes’
Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme.
2. Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for
empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss.
3. Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women
face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer.
4. ‘Poverty Alleviation Programmes in India remain mere show pieces until and unless they are
backed by political will’. Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty
alleviation programmes in India.

2016

1. Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education
and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance?
2. Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its
implementation.
3. “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?

2015

1. 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.
2. How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to
protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

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PAPER-II: SOCIAL JUSTICE

3. 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.
4. Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that
the private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you
suggest?
5. 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.

2014

1. The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in
development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.
2. Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting
required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban
economics?
3. An athlete participates in 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.
4. Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more
academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of
students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.
5. 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 national levels and also litigations. On
merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the
schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.

2013

1. The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early
beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given
impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest
mandates and success.
2. The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State
Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of
Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections
of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically
evaluate.
3. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize
corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.
4. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing
connectivity. Comment.
5. Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the
success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same.