Theme T70 · Social Justice & Welfare

Affirmative action & welfare schemes for vulnerable sections

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What UPSC asks

Questions ask why underprivileged groups don't fully benefit from affirmative action, whether welfare schemes are discriminatory, exclusion in urban business, and restructuring centrally sponsored schemes.

Prepare these

• Reservation framework and creamy layer
• Implementation gaps
• Centrally sponsored schemes and state flexibility

Answer writing

• Use the constitutional basis (Art 15, 16, 46) and evidence

Directive words in these PYQs: Comment (1), Do you agree (1), Evaluate (1), Critically (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L9 — Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
• GS2-L12 — Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

All 4 PYQs, newest first

1. GS1202415 marks · 250 wordsGS1-SOC-07-M2024-Q18

   Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.

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2. GS2202315 marks · 250 wordsGS2-GOV-03-M2023-Q17

   “Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.

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3. GS22014GS2-GOV-03-M2014-S01

   Do government’s schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies?

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4. GS22013GS2-GOV-03-M2013-S01

   The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.

   Also needs: T87 Centre–State relations: cooperative, competitive & confrontational federalismCopyReport a typo