UPSC Mains 2024 GS1 Q17 — Regionalism and Diversity
What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How Serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What isHow does it differHow Serious is
- Scope keywords
- regional disparitydiversityissue of regional disparity in India
- Implicit sub-parts
- Formal definition of regional disparity using socio-economic indicators.
- The conceptual distinction between disparity (inequality) and diversity (uniqueness).
- Evidence of inter-state and intra-state disparity in India (North-South, Coastal-Hinterland divide).
- Evaluation of the consequences (threat to federalism, internal security, migration) to gauge the 'seriousness'.
- Brief mention of constitutional or policy measures to balance the gap.
- Common pitfalls
- Confusing diversity with disparity; treating linguistic or cultural differences as negative imbalances.
- Focusing only on economic income (GDP) while ignoring social indicators like health, literacy, and infrastructure.
- Giving a generic list of causes (historical, geographical) without addressing the specific 'seriousness' or current intensity of the problem.
- Failing to use specific examples like the 'BIMARU' states vs Western/Southern states or the Vidarbha/Marathwada intra-state issues.
- Dimensions required
- Conceptual/DefinitionsSocio-EconomicFederal/PoliticalGeographical/SpatialSecurity/Stability
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 50 words to define disparity and distinguish it from diversity. Devote 100 words to identifying regional imbalances in India with data-backed examples. Use the final 100 words to evaluate the 'seriousness' by discussing impacts on national integration, social unrest, and migration, concluding with a forward-looking balanced growth approach.
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