General Studies 2024 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Discuss

Q12

What is the need for expanding the regional air connectivity in India? In this context, discuss the government's UDAN Scheme and its achievements. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत में क्षेत्रीय वायु कनेक्टिविटी के विस्तार की क्या आवश्यकता है? इस संदर्भ में, सरकार की 'उड़ान' योजना तथा इसकी उपलब्धियों की चर्चा कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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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 examination of both parts: establishing the need for regional air connectivity and then elaborating on UDAN Scheme's design, implementation and outcomes. Structure as: brief introduction linking connectivity to inclusive growth → two body paragraphs on need (economic, social, strategic) and UDAN features → achievements with data → critical assessment → forward-looking conclusion.

Key points expected

Need for regional connectivity: reduce spatial inequality, integrate remote areas (NE, J&K, island territories), boost tourism, medical/emergency access, economic multiplier effects
UDAN mechanism: viability gap funding, capped fares (₹2,500/hour), regional airport development, helicopter/seaplane routes, open-sky policy for domestic
Achievements with data: 500+ routes operational, 70+ airports/heliports activated, 10 million+ passengers flown, connectivity to tier-2/3 cities like Jharsuguda, Hubballi, Shillong
Challenges/limitations: airline viability issues (SpiceJet, AirAsia India withdrawals), low frequency on some routes, infrastructure gaps at regional airports
Broader context: complements PM Gati Shakti, National Civil Aviation Policy 2016, potential for cargo connectivity and MSME integration

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Treats both parts of the question as interconnected—need for connectivity logically precedes and justifies UDAN, rather than treating them as separate silos; demonstrates awareness that 'discuss' requires balanced coverage not advocacy	Addresses both parts but as disconnected sections; heavy tilt toward either need or UDAN details without integration; misses that 'discuss' implies critical examination not mere description	Ignores one part entirely (only UDAN or only need); misreads directive as 'explain' or 'enumerate'; produces generic essay on aviation without question-specific focus
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Precise on UDAN rounds (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0), fare caps, VGF mechanism, airport authority involvement; accurate distinction between RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) and UDAN branding; mentions recent 5.0/5.1 developments	Basic UDAN features correct but conflates rounds or mechanisms; vague on funding structure; no mention of helicopter/seaplane components or recent expansions	Factually wrong on fare caps, ministry attribution, or scheme objectives; confuses UDAN with Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik full form or other schemes like Sagarmala; outdated information pre-2020
Structure & flow	20%	3	Clear 4-5 paragraph structure within 250 words: contextual intro → need analysis (spatial-economic-social) → UDAN design → achievements with caveats → conclusion; smooth transitions using 'To address this...', 'However...', 'Going forward...'	Recognizable structure but uneven weightage (overlong on need, rushed on UDAN); or bullet-point heavy without paragraph coherence; word count mismanagement with abrupt ending	No discernible structure—stream of consciousness or random facts; violates word limit significantly; missing conclusion or introduction
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific data: 517 routes (UDAN 5.1), 70+ airports operationalized, ₹2,500 fare cap, 10 million+ passengers; named airports—Pakyong (Sikkim), Keshod (Gujarat), Jaisalmer; airline names (Alliance Air, Star Air); recent 2023-24 updates	Generic data ('hundreds of routes', 'many airports'); one or two named cities without specificity; no temporal markers; missing quantitative anchors	No data or examples; or incorrect/invented statistics; irrelevant examples (metro airports, international routes); no Indian specificity
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Forward-looking synthesis: UDAN as foundation for drone corridors, cargo integration, or civil-military convergence; acknowledges sustainability concerns (carbon footprint, need for green aviation); links to Viksit Bharat 2047 or Amrit Kaal	Summary restatement of achievements without critical insight; generic 'government should do more' without specificity; no broader strategic vision	Missing conclusion; or abrupt factual ending; purely aspirational without grounding ('India will become aviation hub'); contradictory to body content

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