Mgp Society

MGP 2024 (Cohort 5)
Half Length Test #4 – Solution
Instruction to Students
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Q.1) Identify any three salient features of Indian society and discuss their significance in building a
national identity.
Approach: Introduce the answer by defining Indian society. Next, mention three salient features of
the Indian society. In the next part, suggest how these features build the national identity of the
country. Conclude by highlighting the role of all the stakeholders in maintaining the sanctity of the
Indian society.
Indian society is a vibrant, diverse, and rich mix of people, culture, traditions, and values. The salient
features of Indian society can be seen as:
1. Cultural Pluralism:
a. Linguistic diversity is a significant aspect of India’s cultural pluralism. E.g., 22
languages are officially recognized in the schedule 8 of the constitution.
b. Diverse religious practices followed across the length and breadth of the country. E.g.,
upnayan ceremony in Hindus; Amrit chakhna ceremony in Sikhs; navjot ceremony in
Parsis etc.
c. Indian society gains its vibrancy from various festivals. E.g., Deepawali, Holi, Eid,
Christmas, Baisakhi etc.
d. Performing arts are a vital aspect of India’s cultural robustness. E.g., Bihu, Dandia
Raas, Chhau, Kathakali, Bharatnatyam etc.
2. Centrality of nature and environment/minimalism:
a. Indian society, since time immemorial, has lived in harmony with the nature. E.g.,
Aranyakas (ancient scriptures) itself mean forests.
b. Indian society puts environment in a higher pedestal giving it a transcendental status.
E.g., sacred groves.
c. Sustainability has always been an inherent aspect of Indian society. E.g., Reuse of
things at home is a common practice, food wastage is avoided, joint families,
generally, have lower carbon footprints etc.
3. Institution of family:
a. The institution of family is at the centre of Indian society. E.g., the various aspects of
social lives like marriage, education, profession etc., are influenced by family values.
b. Family has a seminal role in socialisation of individuals. E.g., interaction with relatives;
celebration of festivals etc.
c. Family, in Indian society, is not only a relational concept but is an important aspect
of emotional stability of an individual and social stability of the county.
The above three aspects of the Indian society help in building a national identity, as can be seen from:
1. Cultural pluralism of the Indian society is an important part of India’s global projection of its
soft power. E.g., White House celebrating Deepawali; popularity of Yoga etc.
2. India has emerged as the global leader showing the world the path towards sustainable
development. E.g., LiFE initiate, ISA, Green Grid Initiative, CDRI.
3. In an increasingly divided world, India’s traditional values are a guiding light towards peace,
amity, and cooperation. E.g., Indian concepts of Vasudev Kutumbkam.
4. India’s active role towards conservation of biodiversity at a global arena complements its
beliefs of oneness with environment. E.g., Cheetah reintroduction, stress on blue-economy,
commitments under UNCCD etc.
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5. The idea of grand salad bowl of Indian society has given India the identity of preserver of
human rights. E.g., Citizenship amendment act caters for persecuted minorities from India’s
neighbour.
India’s society is an important part of Indian identity in the global stage. However, it is an imperative
for all the stakeholders in Indian society to maintain its sanctity and preserve it from the ills of
communalism, hatred, and intolerance. (455 words)
Q.2) The essence of social harmony and national unity lies in working with difference, rather than
working to eliminate differences. Comment.
Approach: Introduce the answer by explaining the link between social harmony and national unity. In
the next part, discuss the importance of working with the differences. Next, suggest ways to optimize the
differences in the society for social harmony and unity. Conclude by stressing on how social
harmony/national unity is sine qua non for practicing peaceful co-existence.
Social Harmony and national unity are two sides of the same coin, one cannot be achieved without the
other. In a subcontinent like India where different caste, creed, religion, language not only coexist but
vary region to region, the importance of working with differences can be seen as:
Working with differences Eliminating the differences

1. Results in a syncretic society reflecting cultural 1. Eliminating differences in the long term
richness/togetherness. E.g., preservation of will result in cultural barrenness,
linguistic, ethnic, religious diversity. defeating the very idea of India.
2. A diverse society with plurality of identity 2. It undermines the sacrosanct ideas of
markers is resilient towards the divisive forces. constitutional morality. E.g.,
cultural/religious safeguards are
E.g., people of different caste, religion etc.,
ingrained in the constitution.
celebrating same festivals.
3. Contrary to salad bowl, it creates a
3. Creates a grand salad bowl model where
difference antagonistic cultural
everyone can come together in a larger cultural
melting pot.
whole without the dilution of their own identity.
4. Invariably results in apprehension
E.g., classical, and tribal dances celebrated with
among the minorities, thereby
equal vigor.
perpetuating alienation and
4. Prevents alienation of minorities and in the
compromising national security. E.g.,
process strengthen national unity and integrity.
E.g., initiatives like nai Roshni, jiyo Parsi etc. alienation push individuals towards
5. It is an indication of the country’s soft power, radicalization.
ability to cater for different aspirations within a 5. A difference blind society fails to
democratic framework. E.g., strong Indian generate the power of attraction,
diaspora comes from different cultural hues. eventually diluting its soft power.
1. It is an imperative to take dedicated steps to ensure feeling of mutual trust and harmony. E.g.,
Inter-faith dialogues, promoting inter-faith marriages.
2. Reforms to be adopted in a progressive fashion rather than disruptive manner. E.g., instead
of bulldozing through UCC, codification and internal reforms should be prioritized.
3. Constant vigil is required to check the spread of hate speeches through social, print, and
electronic media, which may disrupt social/communal harmony. E.g., hate speeches leading
to riots.
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4. Adding moral dimension to leadership by the civil society, religious leaders, and political
representatives is seminal in preserving national unity and integrity. E.g., denouncing
divisive practices for electoral benefits.
5. Alleviation of apprehensions of minorities and vulnerable with respect to forced
assimilation in the mainstream. E.g., protection to safeguard religious/cultural practices.
6. Balancing regional aspirations with larger national goals through amicable settlement of
inter-state disputes. E.g., Namsai declaration between Assam and Arunanchal Pradesh.
In the post COVID era, India has demonstrated its ability to impart leadership to not only South Asia
but to the whole world. To this end, it becomes an imperative to ensure social harmony and national
integrity through practicing our ideals of peaceful co-existence. (445 words)
Q.3) Discuss the factors driving internal migration in the country and analyze its various socio-
economic impact.
Approach: Introduce the answer by defining migration. In the body of the answer discuss various factors
behind the internal migration. Next, analyze the socio-economic impacts of internal migration. Conclude
the answer by highlighting the need to check the bane of stressed migration.
Migration can be defined as the movement of the people from one place to another. As per Census
2011, there are approximately 450 million internal migrants in the country. The various factors for
the same can be seen as:
1. Pull Factors:
a. Search for better economic avenues. E.g., People from Bihar often migrate to Delhi,
West Bengal or UP during the harvest season or a construction labourer.
b. Lack of quality educational institutions in tier 2, tier 3 cities.
c. High quality, well-paying job opportunities are skewed in their distribution. E.g., IT
and ITeS industries are based in few metro cities.
d. Presence of social and physical infrastructure. E.g., companies/businesses migrate to
SEZs, industrial areas, port cities etc.
2. Push Factors:
a. Loss of traditional rural social capital and decline of institutions such as jijmani
system.
b. Epidemics and diseases cause migrations. E.g., Covid-19 pandemic caused a reverse
trend in migration.
c. Social backwardness pushes youth out of the villages. E.g., Intercaste marriages are
still not permitted in villages.
d. Natural/anthropogenic disasters too play a role in migration of people. E.g.,
migration of people from regions affected from droughts/floods.
3. Ethnic or religious conflicts may result in internal migration. E.g., exodus of Kashmiri pandits
from Kashmir valley.
4. Caste anonymity in urban areas provide opportunity for upward social mobility.
5. Marriage mostly results in female migration to the place of residence of her husband due to
patrilocality.
6. Peer pressure and demonstration effect. E.g., success of a friend/family member may
encourage one to move towards urban areas.
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The various socio-economic impacts of internal migration can be seen as follows:
Positive impacts Negative impacts

1. Creation of a composite culture. E.g., 1. Development of urban slums has led to messy
chath puja celebrated in Mumbai. and hidden urbanisation. E.g., Dharavi slum,
2. Dilution of caste divides due to Mumbai, Bhalswa slum, Delhi.
cosmopolitan culture in cities. 2. Social divide becomes prominent. E.g.,
3. Reverse migration brought latest marginalised ghettos like the Valmiki Basti in
Delhi in contrast to gated communities
technological advancements, new ideas
in the villages. 3. Urban crimes see an uptick. E.g., drug
4. Breaking parochialism due to circular smuggling, child trafficking, gender crimes,
juvenile delinquency etc.
migration which brings modern social
4. Mental health issues due to individualism and
values of equality, family planning,
breakdown of joint families.
rationality, objectivity, women
5. Impact on the rural areas:
empowerment etc.
a. Feminisation of agriculture due to male
5. Labour related demand and supply
outmigration.
augments the economic development.
b. Ghost villages due to massive
outmigration. For example, Uttarakhand
has over 700 such uninhabited villages.
c. Generation gap and empty nest
syndrome suffered by the rural elderly.
d. Erosion of native culture.
Though internal migration highlights the oneness and unity of the country, collective efforts should
be taken to tackle the bane of stressed migration. (465 words)
Q.4) “The changes in labour market and employment pattern in recent years have opened up new
avenues of economic empowerment, but have also created new problems.” Substantiate this
statement with examples.
Approach: Introduce the answer by briefly describing factors behind recent changes in the labour market.
In the body of the answer, first list the new avenues of economic empowerment in the emerging
employment patterns. Then list new problems that have come due to new changes in the labour market.
Conclude with the need for coordination between government and industry to create a socio-
economically inclusive labour market.
Factors such as the emerging digital economy and the Covid-19 pandemic have created new
possibilities for empowerment as well as new set of problems for the labour market.
Changes in labour market and employment pattern have opened new avenues of economic
empowerment in the following ways:
1. Low-skill jobs: The gig economy and platform-based models are creating jobs for semi-skilled
and unskilled people through short-term contracts in roles like delivery agents. As per NITI
Aayog’s report titled 'India's Booming Gig and Platform Economy', India's gig workforce is
expected to expand to 2.35 crore by 2029-30.
2. Remote work: The pandemic-induced shift to remote work has enabled people to work from
anywhere, breaking down geographical barriers and creating job opportunities for people
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who were previously limited by location. This has led to a more diverse and inclusive
workforce and increased job opportunities for people in rural areas.
3. Women-friendly Policies: The shift towards
more flexible work arrangements like work-
from-home along with women-friendly
policies like 26-week maternity leaves has
32.50% 32.80%
enabled women to balance their work and
personal life better. This has also helped 30.00%
improve female labour force participation
2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
rate (LFPR). Fig: Upward Trend in Female LFPR as per PLFS
4. Entrepreneurship: Push from government to
turn young people from ‘job-seekers’ to ‘job-givers’ through schemes like Start-up India,
Stand-up India, PM Mudra Yojana etc. and ease of doing business initiatives have helped to
create a start-up culture. Today, India has the third largest start-up ecosystem in the world,
with 104 unicorn companies.
At the same time, the changes in labour market and employment pattern have also created the following
new problems:
1. Informalisation of labour: Gig economy and platform-based work is criticised for furthering
informalisation of the labour market. E.g., no job security, long working hours, and lack of
social security measures like provident fund, health insurance, etc.
2. Challenges of remote work: Remote work has created challenges like social isolation, lack of
supervision, moon lighting, and disturbed work-life balance. Issues such as increase in
divorce rates have come to light.
3. Gender Discrimination: Gendered statutory requirements such as maternity leaves dissuade
companies from hiring women. Women face a ‘glass-ceiling’ in their career. In crisis, women
are the first to be laid off as seen during Covid-19 pandemic. They are also an easy scapegoat
for failures (glass-cliff effect).
4. Job displacement: Artificial Intelligence-based solutions such as ChatGPT could make several
skill-sets irrelevant. The emerging digital economy might suffer from low employment-
elasticity of growth.
The policymakers and employers must work together towards addressing emerging issues in the
labour market so that the emerging employment patterns are socio-economically inclusive. (434 words)
Q.5) Analyze how social and economic inequalities between genders shape power relations within
marriages and discuss the various consequences of these imbalances.
Approach: Introduce the answer by mentioning patriarchal structures, social norms, and their impact on
marital bonds. In the body of the answer, first list ways in which social inequality shapes power relations
within marriage. Then list economic qualities impact on power relations. Finally list the consequences of
power imbalance within marriage. Conclude with the need for concerted actions by all to realize the goal
of a just and equitable society.
Social and economic inequalities between genders have been perpetuated by patriarchal structures and
social norms that privilege men over women. The social and economic inequalities have a profound
impact on marital ties.
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The social inequality shapes power relations within marriage in the following ways:
1. Division of Labour: Social norms dictate that women should be responsible for domestic work,
while men should provide financial support as the family’s breadwinner. This creates a power
imbalance as men control the economic resources, while women are confined to domestic
responsibilities.
2. Toxic Masculinity: Man is expected to be the head of the household, make important decisions,
and exercise control over wife. Showing empathy, compassion etc. are considered signs of
weakness for a man.
3. Double burden of Women’s work: Patriarchal expectation from woman to serve the husband
and the in-laws turns the working woman’s domestic work into ‘a second shift.’ Many women
quit their jobs as a result.
The economic inequality shapes power relations within marriage in the following ways:
1. Pay Disparity: As men tend to earn more than women, they end up controlling the overall
economic resources and decision-making.
2. Unpaid Care Work:
a) Women are often responsible for unpaid care work, such as childcare and elderly care etc.
This limits their ability to engage in paid work and ownership of economic resources.
b) Care work could cause mental and emotional distress for the woman from which the man
remains shielded.
3. Abandonment: Women who challenge patriarchal power structures within their marriages risk
being abandoned by in-laws. They could be ostracized by society and suffer social stigma.
The power imbalance within marriage has following consequences:

1. Disease Burden: Patriarchal traditions such as women being the last to eat after serving the
men translates into insufficient nutrition for women. It leads to problems like anaemia,
maternal mortality, etc.
2. Domestic Violence: The wife faces emotional and physical abuse in the form of loneliness
and depression, apart from domestic violence. Marital rape results from the social expectation
to satisfy the husband's sexual needs, regardless of woman’s own desires or consent.
3. Limited Opportunities: Women are constricted in terms of opportunities for personal and
professional growth as their aspirations and interests remain suppressed.
4. Gender Inequality: The perpetuation of gender inequalities within marriage perpetuates
gender inequality at a broader level within society and across generations. E.g., in gender
attitudes of children who absorb patriarchal norms through cultural osmosis.
It is important to address the social and economic inequalities between genders through concerted
efforts of government, businesses, individuals, and society. This will not only improve women's lives
and marital bonds but also create a more just and equitable society for all. (446 words)
Q.6) To what extent do cultural and social norms influence population growth in India? Evaluate the
effectiveness and necessity of a population control law and raising minimum age of marriage for
women for population development.
Approach: Introduce the answer by defining population growth. In the first part of the body, highlight
the socio-cultural norms behind population growth. Next, discuss desirability of a population control
policy. In the next part, analyse the need for raising the minimum age of marriage for women. Conclude
the answer by stressing on the need for a progressive population policy for development of human
resource.
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Population growth of a country can be defined as the increase in the population of a country over a
period. Social and cultural norms Influence population growth as:
1. Institution of family: In Indian society, family is a predominant social institution that
influences population growth. E.g., parents coerce/pester their married children to have kids.
2. Son meta preference: The socio-cultural system and the patriarchal hegemony. E.g.,
heightened preference for male progeny.
3. Helping hands: The population growth is also impacted by the notion which equates more
children as more hands to earn.
4. Social acceptability: Social acceptability too plays a seminal role towards population growth.
E.g., a family man with children is presumed to be reasonable person with high stakes in the
society.
5. Changing social norms: Population growth is sensitive to changing social patterns. E.g.,
falling TFR as a result of fast paced era of globalization; increase in marriages during COVID
pandemic.
Effectiveness and necessity of a population control law can be understood as:
Necessity of a population control law Not a necessity

1. A population policy can be envisaged to 1. The TFR of the country is displaying a downward
move beyond the idea of family trend. E.g., majority of states have TFR below the
planning and focus in family welfare. replacement level fertility.
2. As per some estimates, India with its 2. A coercive policy may be antithetical to the
current rate of population growth is set tenets of the constitution. E.g., Uttar Pradesh
to miss the population stabilization Law Commission’s draft of Population Control
target. Bill 2021 restricts a slew of benefits to nudge
3. A progressive population policy can people towards “two-child policy”
tackle the problem of ageing in the 3. Restrictive of reproductive rights. E.g., SC in
future. E.g., as per some reports, by Suchita Srivastav case upheld reproductive
2050 every 5th Indian will be over 65.
rights under article 21.
4. An objective and evidence-oriented
4. May have the undesired impact of demographic
population policy will move beyond
distortion. E.g., experience of China.
population control to create a healthy,
5. May result in sex-selective abortions, forced
skilled, and productive population.
sterilization etc.
The desirability of raising the legal age of marriage for women can be seen as:
Desirable Not desirable

1. Bring gender equality, making legal 1. Lacks comprehensive strategy. E.g., merely
marriage equal for both men and increasing legal age without addressing social
women, in line with Article 14. ills is an exercise in futility.
2. Empower girls and reduce school 2. Experts have highlighted concerns over negative
dropouts. More women go into higher externalities. E.g., Odissa’s SCPCR opined that it
education, get jobs, building their may enhance the instances of female foeticides.
careers. 3. The law may have the effect of restricting the
3. Women of working age become autonomy of women. E.g., the law may be utilised
financially independent and contribute to curtail inter-caste, inter-faith love marriages.
to the growth of economy.
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4. Resolves problems such as Maternal 4. As per some critics, pressure to educate young
Mortality Rate, Infant Mortality Rate, girls until 21, fear of rape, elopement etc., will
poor health of women, mental health, give boost to son meta preference.
etc.
India is at the rare bright spot of leveraging its demographic dividend. A progressive population policy
that ensures integrated development of human resource can aid the country in attaining its rightful
place among the comity of developed nations. (565 words)
Q.7) “Caste system has evolved and persisted, despite concerted efforts to eliminate it.” Examine and
highlight the various factors that have contributed to the continuance of caste-based discrimination
and inequality in society.
Approach: Introduce the answer by describing the significance of caste in Indian society. First list the
efforts to eliminate the caste system. Then list ways in which the caste system persists. Lastly, list factors
that contribute to continuance of caste-based discrimination. Conclude with the need to convert the
hearts and minds of people to end caste-based discriminations.
The caste system has been a persistent feature of Indian society for centuries. Due to its harmful and
divisive effect on society, concerted efforts have been made to eliminate the caste system and its
influence, such as:
1. Constitutional provisions: Right to equality (article 14), right against discrimination (article
15), prohibition of untouchability (article 17), National Commissions for SCs, STs, OBCs (NCSC,
NCST, NCBC), etc.
2. Legal provisions: Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act,
Protection of Civil Rights Act, Manual Scavengers and Rehabilitation Act, National Human
Rights Commission etc.
3. Political measures: Dr BR Ambedkar’s call for ‘annihilation of caste,’ affirmative-action based
policies, initiatives from civil society organisations etc.
Despite efforts to eliminate it, the caste system has evolved and continues to persist in the following
ways:
1. Social discrimination: Lower-caste individuals face discrimination in various spheres of life,
including individual rights, opportunities in education and employment, and access to public
services and public places.
2. Caste Inequalities: The caste system has created structural inequalities with certain castes
being historically disadvantaged. These structural inequalities persist. As a result,
development status has a rough parallel with caste status, as most of the impoverished
masses of India belong to backward castes.
3. Caste-based politics: Political parties treat caste groups as vote-banks. Parties form caste-
based alliances and coalitions to fight elections and form government. This caste-based
politics reinforces the caste system and perpetuates divisions among different communities.
4. Marriages: Caste continues to hold its sway in formation of marriage relations. Inter-caste
marriages remain a taboo and face stiff opposition from society, in the form of social boycott
and even violence including ‘honour killing.’
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5. Social Inertia: Certain cultural beliefs such as the notion of purity and pollution reinforce the
caste system by associating certain roles, behaviours, and attributes to individuals based on
their caste. E.g., employment of scheduled caste persons in roles of scavenging or use of
caste-based slurs.
Following factors have contributed to the continuance of caste-based discrimination and inequality in
society:
1. Political Reasons:
a) Mandalisation of politics: Politicization of caste due to ‘Mandal politics’ has made
caste the deciding factor in politics.
b) Periodic elections: Repeated cycle of electoral campaigning reinvigorates caste
consciousness due to caste-based political mobilisation.
2. Policy inadequacy:
a) Inadequate reservation system: The reservation system has not proved sufficient in
either ending casteism or caste-based disabilities. Few dominant castes within the
reserved castes corner the benefits.
b) Legal Measures: A top-down approach of constitutional-legal structures fails at the
ground level due to inadequate social conviction against the evils of caste-based
discrimination. E.g., demands for changes in the SC-ST Act due to alleged misuse.
3. Socialisation: Children absorb casteism from within families and relatives as they see them
practice it in their behaviour and language.
4. Structural Inequalities: Dalits and lower castes face resource poverty and lack of assets like
land which remain in hands of dominant castes. Due to historical backwardness in education,
literacy etc., backward castes face generational lag in availing opportunities.
In conclusion, the caste system persists due to a combination of social, economic, political, and
structural factors. Annihilation of caste needs not only the element of constitutional and legal force,
but also an ability to convert the hearts and minds of people. (541 words)
Q.8) Analyze the ways in which urbanization has impacted social values, and traditions. Also, assess
the role of urban planning in promoting social inclusion and cultural diversity in urban areas.
Approach: Introduce the answer with definition of urbanization and its impact. In the body of the
answer, list positive and negative impacts of urbanization on values and traditions. Next, list ways
in which urban planning can promote social inclusion and cultural diversity. Conclude with the need
to create a more liveable, equitable and sustainable urban environment.
Urbanization refers to the growth in the number of people living in cities as opposed to villages. As
urbanization expands, it creates a deep impact on society and culture.
Urbanisation has impacted social values, and traditions in positive as well as negative ways as
discussed below:
Positive Impact on Values and Traditions Negative Impact on Values and Traditions
1. Exposure to diverse cultures and 1. Rapid urbanization can lead to social

lifestyles can promote tolerance, fragmentation and alienation, as people may
acceptance, and appreciation for struggle to form meaningful connections in a
diversity. fast-paced, transient urban environment. E.g.,
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2. Urbanization can promote the adoption loneliness among elderly as joint family system
of modern values, such as gender sees a decline.
equality and individualism. 2. The individualism promoted by an urban
3. Economic constraints make it difficult lifestyle is held responsible for issues like
to enforce caste norms on living, reducing social responsibility and increasing
working, interacting etc. Caste barriers divorce rates.

come down as caste identities become 3. Promotion of materialistic values amidst
anonymous. increased inequalities, rising aspirations and
4. Urbanization reduces fatalism. limited opportunities leads to increase in crime
Marginalized groups see improvement rates and social unrest, such as demand for
in their social mobility and quality of reservations.
life within their lifetime through 4. Ecological values are eroded as environmental
improvement in access to education, degradation results from rabid consumerism,
healthcare, and job opportunities. pollution, and ever-expanding expanse of cities.
5. Urbanization improves community- E.g., felling trees or acquiring forest land for
building efforts as people with common residential and transport needs.
interests organize themselves in the 5. Adaptation to new urban lifestyles and cultural
form of NGOs and start-ups. It fosters norms changes traditional habits related to
support networks that generate social eating, sleeping, working etc. E.g., nine-to-five
capital. E.g., Naz foundation’s role in jobs and staying awake till late as against the
decriminalisation of homosexuality. early-to-rise, early-to-bed pattern of
agricultural society.
Urban planning can promote social inclusion and cultural diversity in urban areas in the following
ways:
1. Mixed-use neighbourhoods: Urban planners can create neighbourhoods that have a mix of
residential, commercial, and public spaces. It brings down bureaucratic barriers to enterprise
and promotes growth of MSMEs.
2. Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Protection and maintenance of historic sites and cultural
landmarks promotes cultural rights that are key to social harmony. E.g., Chandni Chowk
redevelopment in Delhi and Shree Jagannatha Temple Heritage Corridor in Puri.
3. Expanding public spaces: It creates a sense of belonginess, inclusion, and ownership among
people about public spaces. E.g., the plan to turn the North and South block – symbols of power
at Raisina Hill - into the National Museum.
4. Inclusive Infrastructure: Affordable housing can address issues like parallel growth of slums
and high-rises. Concepts like 24x7 cities are helpful for improving women safety. Disabled-
friendly infrastructure makes cities equitable and more humane.
5. Ecological Values: Transit-oriented development can help to create a sustainable urban
environment. Models like walk-to-work and 15-minute cities reduce vehicular emissions.
Urbanization is a transformational force that strains as well as strengthens the social fabric. Social
inclusion and cultural diversity in urban areas can be had if we use urban planning for creating more
liveable, equitable, and sustainable urban environments. (540 words)
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Q.9) Poverty is not limited to lack of financial resources, but also encompasses a degree of social
marginalization and exclusions. Comment.
Approach: Introduce the answer by defining poverty. Construct the body of the answer in two parts. In
the first part, write points describing poverty as a result of lack of financial resources. In the second part,
write about poverty’s causes related to social marginalization and exclusion. Conclude the answer with
the need for multi-dimensional efforts to reduce multidimensional poverty.
The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) of the UN defines poverty as a
human condition characterized by sustained or chronic deprivation of the resources, capabilities,
choices, security, and power necessary for the enjoyment of an adequate standard of living. Poverty
rather than being a unidimensional problem has become a multidimensional issue which encompasses
access to financial resources as well as reasons of social marginalisation and exclusion.
A lack of financial resources causes poverty in the following ways:
1. Access to basic necessities: People living in poverty often lack the financial resources needed
to access basic necessities such as food, clean
water, and shelter. This can lead to poor Lack of
Financial
health outcomes and traps them in the Resources
vicious cycle of poverty.
2. Quality Education: Without adequate Poor access
Poor Income to health
financial resources, people may be unable to services
access quality education. This perpetuates
inter-generational poverty by limiting their
opportunities for employment and social
mobility. Low High Disease
3. Healthcare: People without financial Productivity Burden
resources often cannot access healthcare

services. It results in a cycle of high disease Fig: Vicious Cycle of Poverty
burden, poor productivity, and low-incomes.
4. Asset Poverty: Lack of wealth and assets render people unable to weather financial shocks
like economic slowdowns or unemployment. E.g., As per Azim Premji University, 23 crore
Indians were pushed into poverty due to Covid-19 pandemic.
5. Financial exclusion causes indebtedness at hand of loan-sharks. It also results in lack of
savings and limits opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Social marginalization and exclusion cause poverty in the following ways:

1. Feminization of poverty: Women suffer disproportionate poverty-related challenges due to
gender-wage gap, being restricted to “pink-collar” jobs, and unequal access to food, health,
and education. Women also have lower ownership of assets.
2. Lack of Social Capital: Social networks and relationships are important sources of informal
credit, job opportunities, and support during times of need. However, scheduled castes and
scheduled tribes have limited social mobility as they lack the social capital due to caste-based
exclusion and disempowerment.
3. Political marginalization: Limited access to political power can result in inadequate policy
responses to poverty and the issues of exclusion. Marginalised groups could also face political
persecution in absence of political representation.
Page 12 of 13
4. Regional Disparities: Unequal economic growth and development across different regions
contributes to poverty. E.g., some regions may lack basic infrastructure such as roads and
electricity, or law and order which would limit economic opportunities and perpetuate
poverty.
5. Environmental Degradation such as loss of forests, fisheries etc. due to infrastructure
development or industrial needs destroys traditional livelihood of marginalised people. E.g.,
issues of forest rights and landlessness among Dalits and tribals.
6. Minority groups get marginalised due to discrimination, which limits opportunities and
perpetuates poverty. E.g., sexual minorities like transgenders or religious minorities like
Muslims as per Sachar Committee report.
It is a well-recognised principle that poverty is not only monetary but a result of multidimensional
exclusion which includes inability to access education and basic infrastructure due to underlying
social, economic, and political factors. As per UNDP’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), India
has the world’s largest number of multidimensionally poor people, numbering 22.8 crore. Multi-
dimensional efforts are needed to beat multi-dimensional poverty. (521 words)
Q.10) Why does communalism still persist in the country, despite it being widely recognized as a
threat? Do you think that Indian model of secularism has failed to build an inclusive and integrated
society? Justify.
Approach: Introduce the answer by defining communalism. In the next part, analyse why communalism
continue to persist in the country. Next, discuss the role of Indian model of secularism in to building an
inclusive and integrated society. Lastly, suggest ways to make secularism in India more resilient.
Conclude by highlighting the role of secularism as the basic structure of the Indian constitution and the
need of constant vigil against its distortion.
Communalism can be defined as an aggressive and divisive political ideology premised upon socio-
religious identity markers. When practiced in its extreme form, it projects the interest of one
community as mutually exclusive to the interests of others. Despite being widely recognized as a
threat, communalism persists:
1. Historical (colonial) legacy:
a. The British Historians presented a communal view of Indian history. E.g., James
Mill’s classification of ancient period as Hindu period and the medieval period as
Muslim period.
b. Policy of divide and rule. E.g., partition of Bengal, formation of Muslim league, separate
electorates (Morley Minto reforms, 1909).
c. British promoted communalists and reactionaries. E.g., seats in representative bodies
given on communal considerations/calculations.
d. The economic policies followed by the British provided fertile ground for increasing
communalism. E.g., competition for government positions/favours.
e. The culmination of divisive British policies was seen in the partition of India, which
in turn resulted in communal strife between the people.
2. Lack of social cohesion: Absence of social cohesion, trust deficit etc., among various
communities deepen the communal fault lines. E.g., religious considerations dominate day
to day decisions like renting a property to a tenant; inter-faith marriages are frowned upon
and continue to be a taboo etc.
Page 13 of 13
3. Development deficit: Poverty, inequality, unbalanced growth, joblessness etc., provide ready
fodder for the fire of communalism to spread. E.g., Sachar committee report highlighting
debilitating conditions of Muslims in the country.
4. Perceived Insecurity: Communal tendencies gather force as a result of perceived threats to
the security of a community from those outside that group/community. E.g., fake news, hate
speeches etc., on the social media leading to communal tensions.
5. Political mobilisation on religious lines: social cleavages are exploited by people/political
groups to wage communal conflict for vested interests. E.g., religious polarisation for vote
bank politics.
6. Vigilantism: Activities of vigilante groups have amplified communal consciousness. E.g.,
incidents of lynching by gau rakshaks; ghar wapisi campaigns; sensationalising phrases like
love jihad etc.
The contribution of Indian model of secularism in building an inclusive and integrated society can
be seen as:
Creating an inclusive/syncretic society Challenges

1. Caters to the apprehensions and insecurities 1. Panders to narrow vested/political
of the minorities, providing them interests. E.g., the executive reversed the
space/autonomy to preserve/protect their Shah Bano judgement to cater to
identity. E.g., freedom to follow personal laws. constituency interests.
2. Proactive welfare role of state prevents 2. Absence of a Universal Civil Code
alienation among minority groups. E.g., (UCC)often results in legal
initiatives like jiyo Parsi, nai Roshni etc. confusion/ambiguity. E.g., differences in
3. Uphold the ideals of constitutional morality. legal marriage age.
E.g., allowing entry of women in Sabrimala 3. The religious consciousness in policy
temple (equality). making may dilute social contract. E.g.,
4. Protects the vulnerable, balancing ideas of itizenship amendment act.
fraternity (dignity, unity/integrity) with 4. State’s adventurism into the realm of
religious rights/practices. E.g., abolition of religion impacts the global standing, soft
triple talaq. power, and gives rise to alienation.
The Indian model of secularism can be made more resilient by:

1. Alleviating communal consciousness through dedicated measures. E.g., National Integration
Council.
2. Codification and internal reforms of personal laws in absence of UCC.
3. Promoting constitutional morality over constituency morality.
4. Leveraging civil society in enhancing social cohesion among citizens.
Secularism as a basic structure of Indian constitution provides breathing space to on and all to thrive
in a harmonious environment. However, constant vigil is sine qua non to prevent its misuse. (565
words)

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MGP 2024 (Cohort 5)

Half Length Test #4 – Solution

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Working with differences Eliminating the differences

The various socio-economic impacts of internal migration can be seen as follows:

Positive impacts Negative impacts

The power imbalance within marriage has following consequences:

Effectiveness and necessity of a population control law can be understood as:

Necessity of a population control law Not a necessity

Desirable Not desirable

1. Exposure to diverse cultures and 1. Rapid urbanization can lead to social

working, interacting etc. Caste barriers divorce rates.

resources often cannot access healthcare

Social marginalization and exclusion cause poverty in the following ways:

Creating an inclusive/syncretic society Challenges

The Indian model of secularism can be made more resilient by:

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