General Studies 2025 GS Paper II 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Discuss

Q16

Inequality in the ownership pattern of resources is one of the major causes of poverty. Discuss in the context of 'paradox of poverty'. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

संसाधनों के स्वामित्व पैटर्न में असमानता गरीबी का एक प्रमुख कारण है। 'गरीबी के विरोधाभास' के संदर्भ में 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 exploration of how resource inequality causes poverty while unpacking the 'paradox of poverty'—that poverty persists despite abundant resources. Structure as: introduction defining the paradox, body analysing land/asset concentration mechanisms and intergenerational transmission, and conclusion suggesting policy pathways.

Key points expected

Definition of 'paradox of poverty'—coexistence of abundant natural/capital resources with widespread deprivation in India
Explanation of how unequal land ownership (Gini coefficient ~0.7 for land) creates assetless labour and chronic poverty
Analysis of caste-gender intersectionality in resource access perpetuating structural poverty
Discussion of inverse relationship between farm size and productivity, showing inequality reduces efficiency
Mention of tribal communities displaced by mining/industry despite resource-rich regions (resource curse)
Policy reference to land redistribution limits, tenancy reforms, and recent initiatives like SVAMITVA

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	3	Clearly distinguishes 'discuss' from 'analyse' by presenting multiple facets—economic, social, political—of resource-poverty linkage while maintaining focus on the paradox element; does not drift into pure policy prescription	Addresses resource inequality and poverty but treats 'paradox' superficially or as mere rhetorical device; directive partially understood	Misreads directive as 'explain causes of poverty' or 'suggest solutions'; ignores paradox entirely; becomes descriptive list without discussion
Content depth & accuracy	20%	3	Accurately deploys concepts like asset poverty traps, intergenerational transmission, and inverse farm size-productivity relationship; correctly identifies landlessness as primary driver in rural India with precise causal mechanisms	Covers basic link between inequality and poverty but conflates income and asset inequality; mentions paradox without explaining its persistence mechanisms	Factual errors (e.g., claiming poverty causes resource inequality); confuses paradox of poverty with poverty line debates; irrelevant content on global poverty
Structure & flow	20%	3	Logical progression: paradox definition → resource inequality mechanisms (land, capital, human) → why paradox persists (power structures, policy failure) → way forward; smooth transitions between dimensions	Readable structure but sections disconnected; either front-loads all data or buries paradox explanation; conclusion merely summarises	No discernible structure; random jumping between topics; missing introduction or conclusion; word limit mismanaged (under 200 or over 280)
Examples / case-law / data	20%	3	Specific data: 10% households control 50%+ land (PLFS); Odisha's Kalahandi paradox (resource-rich, poor); SC/ST land ownership ~9% vs population share; mention of Bhoomi Heen Kisan or Bhoodan movement limitations	Generic references to 'rich states poor people' or 'tribal areas'; no specific data points; examples not tied to paradox concept	No Indian examples; uses Sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America exclusively; invented statistics; examples contradict the argument made
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	3	Synthesises into analytical insight: paradox persists because resource inequality creates vested interests against redistribution; suggests breaking asset-poverty trap requires recognising property rights as social relations, not just economic assets	Standard conclusion restating points; generic call for 'inclusive growth' or 'sustainable development' without addressing paradox specifically	No conclusion; abrupt ending; purely prescriptive conclusion ignoring analytical demand; introduces new arguments in conclusion

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