General Studies 2025 GS Paper III 15 marks 250 words Compulsory Examine

Q14

Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities. (Answer in 250 words) 15

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

भारत में खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योगों के विस्तार का परीक्षण कीजिए। खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योगों में रोजगार अवसरों को सृजित करने हेतु, सरकार द्वारा किए गए उपायों का विस्तार से उल्लेख कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)

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Directive word: Examine

This question asks you to examine. 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 'examine' requires a critical investigation of the scope of food processing industries, followed by elaboration on government measures for employment generation. Structure: brief introduction highlighting India's agricultural base → body part 1 examining scope through value addition, export potential, supply chain integration → body part 2 elaborating schemes like PMFME, PLI, SAMPADA with employment linkages → conclusion assessing gaps and future potential.

Key points expected

  • Scope analysis: India's position as world's largest producer of milk, pulses, second largest in fruits/vegetables, and the low processing level (~10% vs 80% in developed nations) indicating untapped potential
  • Employment multiplier effect: food processing creates 2.5x indirect jobs for every direct job, with special significance for rural women and youth
  • PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFPE) Scheme: 2 lakh micro enterprises, credit-linked subsidy, FPO integration for employment
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Food Processing: ₹10,900 crore outlay, 4 lakh direct and 10 lakh indirect employment generation target
  • Mega Food Parks and Integrated Cold Chain schemes: infrastructure-led employment in backward and tribal areas
  • Challenges limiting employment: supply chain fragmentation, seasonality, skill gaps, and need for value-chain approach beyond input subsidies

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Demand-directive understanding20%3Clearly distinguishes between 'examine' (critical investigation of scope with multiple dimensions) and 'elaborate' (detailed expansion of employment-linked measures); treats both parts with appropriate analytical depth rather than descriptive listingAddresses both parts but treats them descriptively; conflates scope examination with mere listing of sectors without critical analysis of potentialMisinterprets directive as 'describe'; gives disproportionate weight to one part; misses the employment-generation linkage between scope and policy
Content depth & accuracy20%3Covers scope through value-addition potential, export competitiveness, supply chain integration; accurately details PMFPE, PLI, SAMPADA, Mega Food Parks with specific employment targets and implementation statusMentions major schemes but with generic descriptions; covers scope through sectoral listing without analytical depth; some factual inaccuracies in scheme detailsSuperficial coverage limited to obvious points like 'India is agrarian'; major scheme omissions or incorrect details; conflates food processing with general agriculture
Structure & flow20%3Logical progression from scope analysis to employment measures with clear thematic subheadings; seamless transition demonstrating how scope creates employment potential; balanced 120-130 words per partBasic structure present but parts feel disconnected; either scope or employment section disproportionately long; abrupt shifts without linking sentencesNo discernible structure; random arrangement of points; violates word limit significantly; conclusion missing or tacked on without synthesis
Examples / case-law / data20%3Specific data: 10% processing rate vs global 80%; PMFPE target of 2 lakh micro enterprises; PLI ₹10,900 crore for 14 lakh jobs; Mega Food Park locations (e.g., Srini Mega Food Park, Chittoor); NIFTEM or Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology referencesRound-figure approximations without precision; generic mention of 'many schemes' without names; outdated or unverified statisticsNo quantitative data; no scheme names; purely theoretical treatment; incorrect examples from unrelated sectors
Conclusion & analytical edge20%3Synthesizes scope-employment nexus; identifies critical gaps (perishability losses, contract farming limitations, skill mismatch); forward-looking suggestion on cluster-based approach, FPO strengthening, or export orientation; balanced assessment not merely celebratoryGeneric conclusion repeating points; no critical assessment of why employment potential remains underutilized; standard 'government should do more' endingNo conclusion or abrupt ending; purely summary without analysis; uncritical praise of schemes without acknowledging implementation challenges

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