UPSC Prelims 2015 CSAT Paper II · Q27 of 74 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage – 7 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 ?

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 2 and 3 only
  3. (c) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3

Why the answer is (c)

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the passage states that individuals and leaders operate under 'strong institutional, structural and political constraints,' implying that institutional frameworks are just one of several constraints, not the 'only' requirement.

• Statement 2 is correct because the passage notes that 'focusing exclusively on economic growth is problematic' and that growth is 'often elusive,' indicating that economic growth does not automatically or always lead to human development.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because the passage advocates for 'balanced approaches' that emphasize investments in non-income aspects, rather than stating that focusing *only* on human development should be the goal of economic growth.

• Therefore, only Statement 2 aligns with the passage's argument that a balanced approach is needed and that growth alone is insufficient or uncertain.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 only
Statement 1 is incorrect because the passage lists institutional, structural, and political constraints, not just institutional ones, and Statement 2 is correct.
(b) 2 and 3 only
Statement 3 is incorrect because the passage calls for balanced approaches, not an exclusive focus on human development as the sole goal of growth.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect; Statement 1 ignores structural and political constraints, and Statement 3 misinterprets the call for balance as an exclusive focus.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2015, held on 23 August 2015. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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