GS Advanced Program 2024

(Batch 1)
Benchmark Assignment Test #61 – Solution

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Q.1) Population growth is not an autonomous prime mover but an interplay of various factors. In this
context, highlight the factors influencing the distribution of population.

Answer:
The distribution of population refers to the way people are spread across geographical areas. The
distribution of population within a country or region is influenced by a complex interplay of various factors.
These factors can be broadly categorized into natural, economic, social, political, and historical influences.

Here are some key factors that influence population distribution, along with examples:
1. Physical Geography: Natural features such as landforms, climate, and water sources significantly
impact population distribution. People tend to settle in areas with favourable conditions for
agriculture, access to water, and a moderate climate. For example, the fertile plains of the Ganges
River in India have a dense population due to its suitability for agriculture and irrigation.
2. Economic Opportunities: Availability of jobs and economic opportunities play a crucial role in
attracting people to certain regions. Industrial centres, trade hubs, and areas with natural
resources can experience higher population concentration. For instance, cities like New York and
Tokyo have large populations due to the abundance of job opportunities and economic activities.
3. Infrastructure and Accessibility: Well-developed transportation networks and infrastructure can
influence population distribution. Regions with better connectivity are more likely to have higher
population density. The construction of highways, railways, and airports often leads to the
growth of urban centres. An example is the emergence of Dubai as a major global city due to its
strategic location and investment in modern infrastructure.
4. Cultural and Social Factors: Social and cultural factors can impact where people choose to live.
People may be drawn to areas with similar cultural practices, languages, and religious beliefs. In
some cases, the presence of minority communities or immigrant groups can lead to population
clusters in specific regions.
5. Government Policies: Government policies and incentives can also influence population
distribution. For instance, tax benefits, subsidies, or special economic zones may encourage
people to settle in particular regions. Conversely, restrictive policies or regulations may deter
population growth in certain areas.
6. Natural Disasters and Hazards: Regions prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or
hurricanes may have lower population density due to safety concerns. On the other hand, areas
with relatively low vulnerability to such hazards might attract more inhabitants. For example, some
coastal areas may have lower populations due to the risk of hurricanes, while inland regions are
preferred.
7. Conflict and Security: Ongoing conflicts and security issues can lead to population displacement.
People tend to move away from war-torn or politically unstable regions, resulting in uneven
population distribution. Syria, for instance, witnessed significant population displacement during
the civil war, with many people seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.
8. Historical Factors: Historical events, such as colonization or territorial expansion, can have long-
lasting effects on population distribution. The legacy of past events can shape settlement patterns
and population concentrations even centuries later.

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The distribution of population is the result of a complex interplay of geographical, economic, historical,
cultural, political, and environmental factors. Understanding these factors is essential for policymakers and
urban planners to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, infrastructure development, and
the management of population growth. By considering these factors, societies can work toward more
balanced and sustainable population distribution that benefits both individuals and the regions they inhabit.

Q.2) What are the challenges faced by elderly population in India? Discuss various schemes of Central
and State governments for their welfare.

APPROACH:
1. Introduce with elder population data in India.
2. Discuss various issues faced by old age in India.
3. Discuss some recent initiatives for elder people by the Central government.
4. Mention some state government initiatives and schemes for the elderly.
5. Conclusion.

MODEL ANSWER:
According to Census 2011, there are nearly 104 million elderly persons in India and this is estimated to
increase to 15% (around 22.7 crore) by 2036. Ageing is a continuous, irreversible, universal process, however,
the age at which one’s productive contribution declines and one tends to be economically dependent can
probably be treated as the onset of the aged stage of life. An elderly person faces many challenges and issues
especially economic and emotional.

Problems associated with old age:

1. Economic dependence and vulnerability: According to the study conducted by Agewell
Foundation, 65 per cent of old people are poor with no source of known income, resulting in
dependency on family members to meet basic needs.
2. Loneliness and Social Isolation: Traditional support systems, such as extended families, are
weakening, due to phenomenon of urbanisation, industrialisation and globalisation, leaving many
elderly individuals feeling lonely and neglected.
3. Physical as well as psychological abuse: as per the same study, forty-three per cent older persons
are facing psychological problems due to loneliness, relationship issues, financial dependence etc.
Lack of awareness and reporting mechanisms contribute to the persistence of this issue.
4. Higher disease burden and lack of adequate public health infrastructure: elderly experience a
greater burden of ailments compared to other age groups. They most frequently suffer from

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chronic and non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular illness, kidney failure, cancer etc., for
which government presence in secondary and tertiary sector is limited.
5. Transportation and mobility challenges: lack of elderly friendly public transport or public spaces
make it physically challenging for elderly to get out of their homes. Thus, restricting the elderly
from accessing essential services and participating in social activities.

Some recent initiatives for elder people by Central government:

1. Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP): The main objective of the scheme is to improve
the quality of life of older persons by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and
entertainment opportunities, etc.
2. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Under the RVY scheme, aids and assistive living devices are
provided to senior citizens belonging to BPL category who suffer from age-related disabilities such
as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and locomotor disabilities.
3. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Under this scheme, financial
assistance is provided to person of 60 years and above and belonging to family living below poverty
line as per the criteria prescribed by Government of India.
4. Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY): It is a social security schemes for senior citizens intended
to give an assured minimum pension on a guaranteed minimum return on the subscription amount.
5. The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PNVVY)
was launched to provide social security during old age. Under the scheme, payment of an initial
lump sum amount ranges from Rs 150,000 for a minimum pension of Rs 1000 per month to a
maximum of Rs 1500,000/- for a maximum pension of Rs 10,000 per month.
6. Vayoshreshtha Samman: Conferred as a National award and given to eminent senior citizens &
institutions under various categories for their contributions.

Some state government initiatives and schemes for elderly:

1. Tamil Nadu’s free transportation for elderly: This is a novel concept that was inaugurated in 2016
by Tamil Nadu. The application form is also available online in the website of the transport
department. After successful submission of the forms, they will be provided tokens for free
transportation.
2. The Karnataka State Policy for Senior Citizens: The goal of the State Policy is to maintain the well-
being of the older persons. The state shall extend support for financial security, health care, shelter,
welfare and other needs of older persons, provide protection against abuse and exploitation.
Social security is the concurrent responsibility of the central and state governments as, mandated under
Indian constitution i.e., well-being of senior citizens. For the welfare and care for the older persons, we
must focus on the protection of already existing social support systems/traditional social institutions such
as family and kinship, neighborhood bonding, community bonding and community participation must be
revived and kins should show sensitivity towards elderly citizens.

Q.3) Discuss whether India should shift its policy from ‘population control’ to ‘population development’?

Approach:
1. Introduction should mention about India’s growing population by stating some facts.
2. Main body should explain the need to shift from ‘population control’ to ‘population development’
approach along with key features of population development approach.
3. Conclude by highlighting India’s burgeoning population and the potential of reaping
demographic dividend.

Answer:
India surpassed China as the world's most populous country in April 2023 according to World Population
Prospects Report. In this context, now the focus is on to re-evaluate our policy of population control and

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moving towards the approach of population development in order to realize the advantages of demographic
dividend of our country.

India's population growth rate has been steadily declining over the past few decades. India's Total Fertility
Rate (TFR), has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1. With slower growth, the emphasis should be to
move from simply controlling numbers to ensuring the well-being of existing citizens.

Need for shifting towards Population development approach:

1. Emphasis on population control diverts the conversation from the need to focus on improving the
quality of life. Issues like poverty, social and health services cannot be combated with a one-stop
excuse of population control.
2. It deflects attention from the emerging need to invest resources in education, health and skills
development of young people.
3. It also undermines the reality of population trends showing that several states have low fertility
rates. The two-pronged approach of health system strengthening and population control may still
work in states such as Bihar and UP, but not in other states that are near or under replacement
fertility level.
4. It places emphasis on coercive methods that undermine the rights of women. It also contributes
to other social problems such as gender-biased sex selection and a skewed sex ratio.

Moving towards population development approach:

1. Instead of coercive methods of population control, family planning programmes should emphasize
on sex education, usage of contraceptives and ensuring quality sexual and reproductive health
services.
2. Investment in Education and Skill Development: Allocate resources for expanding access to
quality education and skill development programs, particularly for marginalized communities and
girls. This will equip the workforce with relevant skills to meet market demands and contribute to
economic growth.
3. Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Invest in improving healthcare infrastructure and services,
ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all. This includes maternal and child health,
reproductive health, and access to family planning services.
4. Promoting Gender Equality: Implement policies and programs that empower women and address
gender disparities in education, employment, and healthcare. This is crucial for harnessing the full
potential of the population.
5. There is a need to understand the dynamics of migration flows to address the issues of housing
and infrastructure, health care and utilities, education and skills.
6. Coordination and cooperation between central, state and local agencies is equally essential
important for targeted and effective implementation of various social schemes.

It is often said that “development is the best contraceptive”. There is no doubt that India will be the most
populous country of the world by 2030. But India will also have the largest young population in the world.
To unleash the full potential of the young population, policies must focus on the population development
approach (i.e. better education, better health services, skill development and better standard of living), in
order to reap the benefits of demographic dividend.

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Q.4) “India’s demographic dividend can turn into demographic disaster.” In light of this discuss why it
is important for India to focus on demographic dividend?

Demand of the question

Introduction. Contextual Introduction.
Body. Demographic dividend as demographic disaster. Why should India focus on demographic
dividend? What should be done?
Conclusion. Way forward.

Demographic dividend refers to the resultant growth in an economy due to the change in the age
structure of a country’s population i.e., when the share of the working-age population (15 to 64) is larger
than the non-working-age share of the population (14 and younger, and 65 and older). As observed by
various studies, India has entered a 37-year period of demographic dividend since 2018 which is expected
to last till 2055.
However, it is important to note that this period of demographic dividend is a temporary phase and if
proper care is not taken, this demographic dividend can result into demographic disaster.

Demographic dividend can be a demographic disaster:

1. The growth benefit of a demographic dividend is not automatic. Much depends on whether the
increase in working population can be trained, and enough jobs created to employ the 10 million
more people who will join the labour force every year.
2. While digital technologies may enable the creation of new products and more productive jobs, they
may also substitute existing jobs. India may not be able to take advantage of these opportunities,
due to a low human capital base and lack of skills.
3. Lack of jobs combined with a demographic dividend will increase the share of the population that
is dependent on the working population increasing the economic insecurity of the elderly, as there
will be fewer people generating wealth.
4. Whether the demographic dividend promotes growth or transforms into a curse depends on how
prepared the states that should benefit from a young population are.

Why should India focus on demographic dividend?

1. Economic growth: Better economic growth brought about by increased economic activities due to
higher working age population and lower dependent population. Demographic dividend has
historically contributed up to 15 % of the overall growth in advanced economies.
2. Effective policy making: Fine-tuning of the planning and implementation of schemes and
programmes by factoring in population dynamics is likely to yield greater socio-economic impact
and larger benefits for people.
3. Social benefit: Increased fiscal space created by the demographic dividend to divert resources
from spending on children to investing in physical and human infrastructure.
4. Rise in workforce: With more than 65% of working age population, India will rise as an economic
superpower, supplying more than half of Asia’s potential workforce over the coming decades.

What needs to be done?

1. Building human capital: Investing in people through healthcare, quality education, jobs and skills
helps build human capital, which is key to supporting economic growth, ending extreme poverty,
and creating a more inclusive society.
2. Skilling: Skill development to increase employability of young population. India’s labour force
needs to be empowered with the right skills for the modern economy. Government has established
the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with the overall target of skilling/ up skilling
500 million people in India by 2022.

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3. Education: Enhancing educational levels by properly investing in primary, secondary and higher
education. India, which has almost 41% of population below the age of 20 years, can reap the
demographic dividend only if with a better education system. Also, academic-industry
collaboration is necessary to synchronise modern industry demands and learning levels in
academics.
4. Health: Improvement in healthcare infrastructure would ensure higher number of productive days
for young labour-force, thus increasing the productivity of the economy. Success of schemes like
Ayushman Bharat and National Health Protection scheme (NHPS) is necessary. Also, nutrition level
in women and children needs special care with effective implementation of Integrated Child
Development (ICDS) programme.
5. Job Creation: The nation needs to create ten million jobs per year to absorb the addition of young
people into the workforce. Promoting businesses’ interests and entrepreneurship would help in job
creation to provide employment to the large labour-force.
6. Urbanisation: The large young and working population in the years to come will migrate to urban
areas within their own and other States, leading to rapid and large-scale increase in urban
population. How these migrating people can have access to basic amenities, health and social
services in urban areas need to be the focus of urban policy planning.

To reap the demographic dividend, proper investment in human capital is needed by focussing on
education, skill development and healthcare facilities. Alongside that, we must invest much more in
education, health and nutrition, infrastructure, and adopt an expansionary economic policy and create a
favourable environment for local and foreign investment, so that we can create enough employment
opportunities for the future workforce.

Q.5) Examine the advantages and obstacles linked to India's expanding population. Propose strategies
for leveraging the opportunities arising from this demographic trend.

Approach:
1. Introduction
2. Examine the positive and negative aspects related to increasing population in India.
3. Present methods through which India can leverage this increasing population
4. Conclude.

India became the world’s most populous nation with the population of 142.86 crore surpassing China as
per the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) State of World Population (SOWP) report 2023. India's
expanding population presents a dynamic landscape of advantages and challenges, offering a range of
opportunities that can be leveraged through strategic interventions.

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Positive Aspects:
1. Youthful Population: India's young demographic profile, with a median age of 28.7 years, provides
a substantial advantage until 2030. This "youth bulge" presents a demographic dividend, where a
significant share of the population is of working age.
2. Demographic Dividend: India is currently within a demographic window of opportunity, poised to
reap the benefits of a youth-driven workforce. India's working-age Population (15-64 years) is
projected to peak at 953 million in 2050, which is more than the working-age population of the
United States and Europe combined.
3. Economic Growth: The presence of a larger working-age population can potentially lead to higher
economic growth. A greater number of individuals contributing to the labor force can result in
increased productivity and a boost to the economy.
4. Dependency Ratio: The dependency ratio in India has been declining in recent years. In 2019, the
dependency ratio was 50.1%. This means that there were 50.1 dependents for every 100 working-
age people. In 2023, the dependency ratio is estimated to be 47.5%. With a relatively lower
proportion of dependent populations, such as the elderly and young children, India has the
potential to channel more resources towards development and growth-oriented initiatives.
5. Market Potential: A growing population translates into a larger consumer base, attracting
investments and driving economic expansion. Domestic demand for goods and services can
stimulate various sectors, fostering economic development.
6. Innovation and Diversity: A diverse and young population enhances creativity and innovation,
offering a rich pool of talents, skills, and perspectives that can contribute to technological
advancements and entrepreneurship.
7. Global Workforce: The abundance of skilled labor can position India as a global hub for
outsourcing and specialized services, strengthening its role in the global economy.

Negative Aspects:
1. Lack of Skill Development: The absence of comprehensive policies for education, skill
development, and healthcare can impede the effective utilization of the youthful workforce.
Insufficient training and inadequate preparation for the job market can lead to underemployment
and missed opportunities. According to the India Skills Report 2023, only 50.3% of the Indian
workforce is employable, which is still lower than the global average of 60%.
2. Underemployment: Despite being educated, a significant number of young Indians face
underemployment or are engaged in jobs that do not match their qualifications. This
underutilization of skills hinders both personal growth and economic development.
3. Demographic Nightmare: The potential demographic dividend can turn into a demographic
nightmare if meaningful opportunities for the youth are not created. Without adequate avenues
for productive engagement, a youthful population might lead to social and economic challenges.
4. Regional Disparities: Uneven population growth across different states can exacerbate regional
disparities. While some states might experience faster aging of the population, others could
struggle to harness the benefits of the demographic dividend.
5. Resource Strain: Rapid population growth can strain resources like water, food, energy, and
infrastructure, leading to environmental degradation and unequal distribution.
6. Pressure on Healthcare and Education: Ensuring quality healthcare, education, and social services
for a growing population is challenging and requires significant investments and policy reforms.

Strategies for Leveraging Opportunities:

Indian policymakers will need to recognize that realization of the demographic dividend depends on an
economy’s capacity to absorb workers into productive employment.
1. Building human capital: India must invest more in human capital formation at all levels, from
primary education to higher education, cutting-edge research and development as well as on
vocational training to increase the skill sets of its growing working-age population.

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2. Skill development: Skill development is needed to increase employability of young population.

Government has established ‘Skill India’ as a mission to skill India’s youth and the National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC) with the overall target of skilling/up skilling 500 million
people in India by 2022.
3. Education: Enhancing educational levels by properly investing in primary, secondary and higher
education is important. As recommended by the National Health Policy 2017 and the National
Policy on Education 1986, India needs to increase its spending on health and education to at least
2.5 % and 6 % of GDP respectively from its current levels.
4. Health: Improvement in healthcare infrastructure would ensure higher number of productive days
for young labour force, thus increasing the productivity of the economy.
5. Job Creation: The nation needs to create ten million jobs per year to absorb the addition of young
people into the workforce. The number of formal jobs must be created, especially in labour
intensive, export-oriented sectors such as textiles, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery etc.
6. Good governance: Effective avenues for citizen input, well-functioning institutions, respect for the
rule of law, low level of corruption, respect for property rights, sanctity of contracts etc. are
important aspects of good governance that enable equal opportunity to all.
7. Sustainable Urbanization: Implement well-planned urbanization strategies that focus on
infrastructure development, affordable housing, and sustainable urban growth to accommodate
the influx of people to cities.
8. Environmental Sustainability: Promote sustainable consumption patterns and resource
management to mitigate the environmental impact of population growth, preserving natural
resources for future generations.

India's expanding population presents a dual challenge and opportunity. While it offers a vast labor force
and consumer base, it also strains resources and infrastructure. To harness the benefits, India must focus
on education, healthcare, and skill development to empower its youth, promote sustainable economic
growth, and foster innovation. Additionally, policies addressing family planning and urbanization are vital
to managing population growth and ensuring a high quality of life for its citizens. Ultimately, a well-
balanced approach will enable India to realize the potential of its demographic dividend.

Q.6) The much-cherished demographic dividend of India can be leveraged only if the twin challenges of
unemployment and unemployability are addressed holistically. Comment.

Approach: Introduce by highlighting the twin challenges of unemployment and unemployability to the
cherished demographic dividend. In the body, discuss the challenges associated with unemployment and
unemployability in the tabular format. In the next part, discuss measures to tackle these twin challenges.
Conclude the answer by highlighting the need to adopt a collaborative approach to address the dual
menace.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam identified the problem of unemployment to be supplanted by unemployability in

modern times. The demographic dividend of India faces the twin issue of unemployment which highlights
insufficient job opportunities and problem of unemployability where workforce lacks required skills needed
for the job as seen as:

Challenges of unemployment Issues of Unemployability

1. Though India as an economy has shown potential 1. Constantly evolving technological
for growth, the growth itself has been marred by advancements and a high digital skills gap
joblessness. E.g., as per CMIE, unemployment in runs the risk of making a large section of
India as of June 2023 was 8.5% workforce unemployable.

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2. Increasing trend of automation may lead to 2. The mismatch between the industrial
technological unemployment in the country. As demands and the skills/knowledge
per a world bank report, as the automation in India imparted in the higher educational
may threaten approximately 69% jobs. institutions have increased unemployability
3. More than 80% of the workforce is employed in in the youths. E.g., as per 8th India skills
the unorganized sector. Poor social security report, less than half of India graduates are
benefits like leaves, pensions etc., make these employable.
workers vulnerable to exploitation. E.g., 3. Language barriers are also responsible for
disruption during the covid-19 pandemic. rendering the youth either unemployed or
4. Gender disparity is evident in the country’ s underemployed. E.g., need for language
workforce both in terms of employment and proficiency in service sector jobs.
renumeration for work. E.g., as per a report, 4. Lack of vocational skills in the youth have
women spend more than 80% of their time in increased the dependence in the traditional
unpaid labor; female labour force participation sectors of employment and limiting the
rate in India is about 20%. prospects of entrepreneurships.
5. Lack of quality jobs, underemployment and
disguised unemployment have added to the
overall challenge. E.g., high disguised
unemployment in agricultural sector;
MBAs/engineers applying for peon’s jobs etc.

The twin problems of unemployment and unemployability can be resolved by adopting the following
measures:
1. The upgradation of the college curriculum with the inclusion of courses that adhere to current
market driven needs and skills. Eg the New Education Policy 2020 entails provisions of vocational
training.
2. Giving boost to entrepreneurships:
a) Promotion of startup ecosystem by providing hand holding, technological support and
industry-academic linkages. E.g., startup India.
b) Self-employment in the tier 2 and tier 3 cities can be boosted through credit availability,
market linkages, training and skill development. E.g., Mudra Yojna, PM Employment
Guarantee Programme (PMEGP).
3. Promotion and development of MSMEs is a prudent way for creating quality jobs for the masses. E.g.,
development of cottage industries in the rural areas.
4. Concerted steps should be taken to increase the participation of women in the labor force and to
enhance their self-employment capabilities. E.g., working women hostels, STEP scheme etc.
5. Upskilling programmes with a special focus on vulnerable sections. E.g., PM-DAKSH; PMKVY; Digi
Saksham scheme etc.
6. There is an imperative to extend social security to the unorganized sector workers, gig workers etc.
E.g., PM Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojna, Atal Pension Yojna etc.
The demographic dividend of India is its primal strength. Actualizing these potential calls for collaborative
steps towards addressing the challenges of unemployment and unemployability. (549 words)

Q.7) Normalization of poverty as a feature of large population overshadows the lack of intent and
capacity of political and administrative institutions. Do you agree? Justify using suitable examples.

Approach: Introduce with establishing that poverty is not a result of large population. Then discuss how
normalization of large population under poverty overshadowed lack of intent and capacity of political and
administrative institutions in poverty reduction like reduced accountability, hiding inefficiencies etc.
Conclude with some suggestions for reforms for poverty reduction.

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Poverty is often presented as a normal characteristic of countries with large population because limited
resources distributed over a large population fails to deliver developmental outcomes resulting in
perpetual poverty. Further, large population means lower per capita income, stretched national and
family budget, ineffective policies to reduce income inequality resulting in poverty.

However, scholars have refuted this claim and established that large population is result of poverty and
not the other way around. In poverty and deprivation, people have incentive to have more children
because of lower survival rates of infants, resulting in rapid population rise.

National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) 2023, released in August 2023 estimates a figure of 210.7
million multidimensionally poor. With normalization of poverty as a feature of large population, it has
allowed over shadowing of lack of intent and capacity of political and administrative institutions in
following ways:
1. Hiding inefficiencies: As large population is under poverty, administration and governments often
give excuse of inability to monitor and do data analysis of such a large population and implement
policies effectively.
2. Accountability: Poverty results in poor education and inability to engage effectively with the
government and administration. It provides administration a chance to run away from
responsibility. For example, inability to take benefit of e-governance initiatives or use citizen’s
charter.
3. Policy formulation: It diverts attention of policy makers from carrying out administrative reforms
towards patchy and superficial attempts to reduce poverty. E.g., launching various poverty
reduction programs than reforming social sectors like health and education which is essential in
poverty reduction.
4. Centralisation: Large population under poverty prevents decentralisation which is critical for
poverty reduction. Political parties centralise powers and policies formulation and decision
making under garb of poverty reduction of such a large population.
5. Economic growth: With such a large population in poverty, it allows institutions and governments
to provide economic growth as one and only means of poverty reduction without any need of
social, educational and institutional reforms. It not only perpetuates poverty in form of
inequalities, as large population although take part in economic growth are unable to reap benefits
of the same.

Government efforts to reduce poverty will also lead to population control. Poverty reduction requires
effective use of technological interventions, that will help in poverty data analysis and thereby, targeted
interventions. Policy reforms are needed with effective decentralization in order to involve local
communities in policy formulation and implementation. (414 words)

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