UPSC Prelims 2022 CSAT Paper II · Q44 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.

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 :

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 2 only
  3. (c) Both 1 and 2
  4. (d) Neither 1 nor 2 ✓ UPSC's answer

Why the answer is (d)

• Inference 1 claims demographic dividend is an 'essential condition' for rapid growth, but the passage states it is a 'window of opportunity' and an 'engine of growth,' not a strict prerequisite.

• The passage notes that benefits depend on the 'quality of the working age population,' implying the dividend alone is insufficient without human capital development.

• Inference 2 claims 'promotion of higher education' is an essential condition, but the passage specifically mentions 'education, acquisition of skills and human capital' as factors for quality, not exclusively higher education.

• The passage links demographic dividend to growth via savings rates, but does not establish it as a necessary condition for *rapid* growth in all contexts.

• Since neither statement is strictly supported as an 'essential condition' by the text, both inferences are invalid.

• Therefore, the correct option is (d) Neither 1 nor 2.

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 only
Statement 1 is incorrect because the passage describes demographic dividend as an opportunity, not an essential condition for rapid growth.
(b) 2 only
Statement 2 is incorrect because the passage does not identify higher education specifically as an essential condition for rapid economic growth.
(c) Both 1 and 2
Both statements are incorrect as neither is supported by the passage as an essential condition for rapid economic growth.

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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