General Studies 2024 GS Paper I 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Differentiate

Q17

What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

क्षेत्रीय असमानता क्या है? यह विविधता से किस प्रकार भिन्न है? भारत में क्षेत्रीय असमानता का मुद्दा कितना गंभीर है? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Differentiate

This question asks you to differentiate. 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 question demands a clear differentiation between regional disparity (uneven development) and diversity (variations in culture/language), followed by an assessment of disparity's seriousness in India. Structure: Define both concepts with distinction → Contrast disparity vs diversity using 2-3 parameters → Analyse seriousness through economic, social and political dimensions → Conclude with constitutional/policy response.

Key points expected

Definition: Regional disparity as unequal distribution of economic resources, infrastructure and development outcomes across regions
Distinction: Diversity as natural/cultural variation (celebrated) vs disparity as developmental inequality (problematic)
Seriousness indicators: Per capita income gaps (Bihar vs Maharashtra), HDI variations, infrastructure deficits in NE/central India
Political implications: Regionalism, secessionist demands, interstate water disputes, asymmetrical federalism challenges
Constitutional and policy response: Finance Commission transfers, special category status, PM-SHRI schools, industrial corridors

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Clearly addresses all three components—definition, differentiation, and seriousness—with precise conceptual clarity; distinguishes disparity (normative, undesirable inequality) from diversity (descriptive, neutral variation) without conflating the two	Defines both terms but differentiation remains superficial or implicit; addresses seriousness but may conflate disparity with diversity in places	Misses one or more question components; treats disparity and diversity as synonymous or fails to establish any meaningful distinction
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Covers economic (income, investment), social (education, health), and political dimensions of disparity; accurately cites constitutional provisions (Articles 275, 282) and institutional mechanisms	Mentions economic disparities broadly but lacks depth on social/political dimensions; generic references to 'backward states' without specificity	Vague generalisations about 'rich North, poor South' or vice versa; factually incorrect claims about regional patterns; ignores political dimensions entirely
Structure & flow	20%	3	Logical tripartite structure matching question sequence; smooth transitions between definitional, differential, and evaluative sections; maintains thematic coherence within 250 words	Basic three-part structure present but transitions abrupt; some overlap between differentiation and seriousness sections; word management slightly imbalanced	Disorganised or linear narrative without clear sectioning; disproportionate weightage (e.g., excessive definition, minimal seriousness analysis); exceeds or falls significantly short of word limit
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific data: per capita income ratios (Bihar ₹50,000 vs Goa ₹4.5 lakh), HDI rankings (Kerala 0.752 vs Bihar 0.577); examples like BIMAROU states, Northeast infrastructure gap, or Srikrishna Committee on Telangana	Generic references to 'some states are poor' or 'South is developed'; mentions special category states without naming any; lacks quantitative backing	No concrete examples or data; stereotypes like 'all South Indian states are rich' ignoring intra-regional variations; irrelevant examples from other countries
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesises that diversity is India's strength while disparity threatens unity; proposes way forward (cooperative federalism, NITI Aayog's SDG India Index, regional equity as precondition for Amrit Kaal)	Standard concluding statement about 'need for balanced development'; no clear linkage between diversity preservation and disparity reduction	Absence of conclusion or abrupt ending; repetitive summary without analytical advancement; unrealistic solutions or pessimistic closure without policy relevance

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