UPSC Themes

Theme T69 · Women & Gender (cross-paper)

SHGs & microfinance

6PYQs
6GS2
2013–20216 distinct years

Roadmap · step 121 of 171 · Stage 3: Applied themes

← Step 120Step 122 →See the full roadmap

What UPSC asks

UPSC repeatedly asks whether SHGs and microfinance reduce poverty and empower women, SHG-Bank Linkage, socio-cultural hurdles, and accountability of microfinance.

Prepare these

Answer writing

Directive words in these PYQs: Examine (2), Explain (1), Evaluate (1), Elucidate (1), Discuss (1), Assess (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

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

Step 60: Gender concepts, patriarchy & women's social statusStep 72: Financial inclusion & rural creditStep 75: Poverty: measurement, causes & alleviationStep 120: Hunger, malnutrition & food security law: NFSA, Mid-Day Meal, millets

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

Step 136: Women & the economy: gig work, feminisation of agriculture, care economy, gender budgeting, migration

Syllabus lines covered

All 6 PYQs, newest first

  1. GS22021GS2-GOV-02-M2021-S01

    Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.

    Also needs: T75 Hunger, malnutrition & food security law: NFSA, Mid-Day Meal, milletsAlso needs: T65 Gender concepts, patriarchy & women's social statusReport a typo
  2. GS22020GS2-GOV-02-M2020-S01

    “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of the Self Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India.

    Report a typo
  3. GS22017GS2-GOV-02-M2017-S01

    ‘The emergence of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the state from developmental activities’. Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs.

    Report a typo
  4. GS22015GS2-GOV-02-M2015-S02

    The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.

    Report a typo
  5. GS22014GS2-GOV-02-M2014-S01

    The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.

    Report a typo
  6. GS22013GS2-GOV-02-M2013-S01

    The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss.

    Report a typo