Q3
(a) Do you think that Multi Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a better measure of poverty? Give reasons in support of your answer. What is the position of India in respect of MPI? (20 marks) (b) Discuss the development of Jute industry during pre-independent India. What were the main problems faced by this industry? (15 marks) (c) 'The small and cottage industries promote indigenous entrepreneurship'. Comment on the statement with respect to India. (15 marks)
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
(a) क्या आपको लगता है कि बहुआयामी गरीबी सूचकांक (एम पी आई) गरीबी के माप का श्रेष्ठतर माप है ? अपने उत्तर के पक्ष में तर्क दीजिए । एम पी आई के संदर्भ में, भारत की क्या स्थिति है ? (20 अंक) (b) स्वतंत्रतापूर्व भारत में जूट उद्योग के विकास की विवेचना कीजिए । इस उद्योग द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली प्रमुख समस्याएं क्या थीं ? (15 अंक) (c) 'लघु तथा कुटीर उद्योग देशज उद्यमिता को बढ़ावा देते हैं'। भारत के संदर्भ में, इस कथन पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Directive word: Discuss
This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The directive 'discuss' demands a balanced, analytical treatment with evidence-based reasoning. Structure your answer with a brief introduction, then allocate approximately 40% of content to part (a) given its 20 marks, 30% each to parts (b) and (c). For (a), critically evaluate MPI against monetary measures using UNDP/OPHI methodology; for (b), trace historical evolution from Dundee mills to Bengal dominance; for (c), examine both promotion of entrepreneurship and structural constraints. Conclude with integrated policy insights across all three domains.
Key points expected
- Part (a): Critical comparison of MPI (Alkire-Foster method) with Tendulkar/Rangarajan monetary lines, highlighting 10 indicators across 3 dimensions (health, education, living standards) and India's 2023 MPI value of 0.069 with 16.4% headcount ratio
- Part (a): Analysis of MPI advantages (captures deprivation intensity, policy-targeting precision) and limitations (data lag, weighting controversies, exclusion of political/cultural dimensions)
- Part (b): Historical trajectory from first jute mill (1855, Rishra), Dundee dominance, shift to Bengal due to raw material proximity, and the 'jute wallahs' colonial capital extraction pattern
- Part (b): Structural problems—obsolete machinery, Dundee competition, discriminatory freight rates, credit dependence on British managing agencies, and partition's impact on jute-growing East Bengal
- Part (c): Arguments supporting indigenous entrepreneurship—low capital barriers, skill inheritance (khadi, handicrafts), decentralized production, and success stories like Amul cooperative model or KVIC enterprises
- Part (c): Critical counter-arguments—technological obsolescence, marketing constraints, credit access problems, and the 'missing middle' phenomenon where small firms fail to scale
- Integrated insight: Link MPI's multidimensional approach to targeting support for jute workers and small artisans through schemes like Jute Technology Mission and SFURTI
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept correctness | 20% | 10 | Precisely defines MPI methodology (dual cut-offs, AF counting), distinguishes between incidence and intensity; accurately identifies Dundee-Bengal jute shift and 'de-industrialization' debate; correctly theorizes entrepreneurship types (Schumpeterian vs. necessity-based) | Basic MPI definition without methodological nuance; general jute history without specific dates or mechanisms; generic entrepreneurship discussion without theoretical grounding | Confuses MPI with Human Development Index; conflates jute with cotton industry; treats small industries as homogeneous category without distinction between cottage, micro, small enterprises |
| Diagram / model | 15% | 7.5 | Constructs Alkire-Foster identification-aggregation framework diagram; illustrates jute industry's vertical integration structure or core-periphery model; depicts entrepreneurship ecosystem mapping for small industries | Simple tabular comparison of MPI indicators; basic timeline for jute; lists small industry characteristics without systemic representation | No diagrams or models; irrelevant illustrations; mislabeled axes or incorrect relationships |
| Quantitative reasoning | 20% | 10 | Cites India's MPI reduction (415 million exited poverty 2005/6-2019/21), global MPI rankings; jute production statistics (95% mills in Bengal, employment figures); small industry share in manufacturing output/GDP with trend analysis | Round-number estimates for MPI poverty; approximate jute mill counts; general small industry employment figures without temporal comparison | No quantitative data; incorrect statistics; confuses absolute and relative figures |
| Indian / empirical examples | 25% | 12.5 | References NITI Aayog's National MPI 2023 report; cites specific jute mills (Bally, Angus, Titaghur) and Marwari entrepreneurship (Birla, Goenka); exemplifies with Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Coir Board, or specific clusters (Moradabad brass, Firozabad glass) | General state-level MPI variations; unnamed jute mill references; generic mention of KVIC without specific schemes | No Indian examples; uses foreign case studies inappropriately; factually incorrect examples |
| Policy implication | 25% | 10 | Synthesizes policy lessons: MPI-informed targeting for PM-SVANidhi and DAY-NULM; jute's relevance for sustainable packaging (Jute Packaging Materials Act 1987) and National Jute Policy 2005; small industry graduation strategies linking to Make in India and Zero Defect Zero Effect framework | Lists relevant schemes without integration; mentions Jute Corporation of India or PMEGP without analytical linkage to question themes | No policy discussion; outdated or irrelevant schemes; confused sectoral policies |
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