General Studies 2021 GS Paper I 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Discuss
Q18
Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (Answer in 250 words) 15
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
जनसंख्या शिक्षा के प्रमुख उद्देश्यों की विवेचना करते हुए भारत में इन्हें प्राप्त करने के उपायों पर विस्तृत प्रकाश डालिए । (250 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)
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' requires a balanced treatment of both objectives and measures with critical elaboration. Structure as: brief introduction defining Population Education → two balanced body paragraphs (objectives with elaboration; measures with implementation details) → conclusion linking to demographic dividend challenges.
Key points expected
- Objectives: awareness about population dynamics, responsible parenthood, small family norms, gender equality, delayed marriage, intergenerational equity
- Measures: formal integration in NCERT curriculum (Population Education Project), non-formal through NSS/NYKS, multimedia campaigns (Doordarshan/AIR), community-based programmes like ECCE under ICDS
- Specific schemes: National Population Policy 2000, Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK), Mission Parivar Vikas in high TFR districts
- Institutional mechanisms: NPPD, State Resource Centres, teacher training through DIETs
- Critical linkage: Population Education as enabler for SDG-3 (health) and SDG-5 (gender equality), not merely fertility reduction
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demand-directive understanding | 20% | 3 | Treats 'discuss' comprehensively by elaborating both objectives AND measures with interconnection; avoids mere listing; shows awareness that Population Education is broader than family planning | Covers both parts but treats them separately without linkage; may conflate Population Education with family planning or sex education | Addresses only objectives or only measures; or provides generic education discussion without population-specific focus |
| Content depth & accuracy | 20% | 3 | Accurately distinguishes Population Education from Population Studies; cites specific policy instruments (NPP 2000, JSK, Mission Parivar Vikas); includes both formal and non-formal education channels | Mentions common objectives and general measures but lacks specificity; may confuse with National Family Welfare Programme; no distinction between formal/non-formal | Factually incorrect content (e.g., treating it as only sex education); omits government schemes entirely; outdated references to coercive methods |
| Structure & flow | 20% | 3 | Clear two-part structure with seamless transition from objectives to measures; logical progression from awareness to behaviour change; effective signposting | Recognizable structure but abrupt transitions; objectives and measures may appear disjointed; conclusion feels appended | No discernible structure; random arrangement of points; missing introduction or conclusion; violates word economy |
| Examples / case-law / data | 20% | 3 | Cites specific data (India's TFR decline to 2.0, regional variations in Bihar/Uttar Pradesh); references ECCE under ICDS, Saksham Anganwadi; mentions high-focus districts under Mission Parivar Vikas | General reference to government programmes without naming; vague mention of 'awareness campaigns' without specifics; no data on demographic indicators | No Indian examples; only generic international references; or completely fabricated scheme names |
| Conclusion & analytical edge | 20% | 3 | Links Population Education to demographic dividend management; critiques implementation gaps (teacher training, cultural barriers); suggests way forward (digital integration, male involvement); ends with forward-looking statement | Summarizes points already made; generic positive conclusion without critical insight; no connection to contemporary challenges | Absent or abrupt conclusion; introduces new arguments in conclusion; purely descriptive ending with no analytical value |
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