UPSC Prelims 2022 CSAT Paper II · Q43 of 78 Comprehension medium

Passage

Passage—2 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.

Which of the following would invariably happen in a country, when the demographic dividend has begun to operate? 1. The number of illiterate people will decrease. 2. The ratio of very old and very young will decrease for a while. 3. Population growth rate will quickly stabilize. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

Why the answer is (b)

• The passage explicitly defines the demographic dividend as a swelling in the working-age population, which conversely means the relative ratio of very young and very old people will be on the decline for a while.

• Therefore, statement 2 is invariably true based on the definition provided in the text.

• Statement 1 is incorrect because the passage states that benefits depend on the quality of the workforce, implying that education and skills must be actively developed; the dividend itself does not automatically reduce illiteracy.

• Statement 3 is incorrect because the passage does not state that population growth rate stabilizes; it focuses on the shift in age structure (working-age swelling) rather than the overall growth rate of the population.

• Since only statement 2 is invariably true according to the passage, option (b) is the correct answer.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect because the demographic dividend does not automatically decrease the number of illiterate people; it requires active investment in education and skills.
(c) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is incorrect as illiteracy does not automatically decrease, and statement 3 is incorrect as the passage does not link the dividend to a quick stabilization of population growth rate.
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect because the demographic dividend does not inherently reduce illiteracy or stabilize population growth rate, making the combination false.

Asked in the CSAT Paper II of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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