Relevance: GS Paper II – Polity | Governance | Internal Security (Important for TGPSC)
For Prelims:
State Security Advisor, DGP, Article 162, Seventh Schedule, State List, Police, Public Order, Internal Security
For Mains:
State Executive Powers, Internal Security Framework, Police Administration, Federal Structure, Advisory Institutions
Why in News?
- The Government of Telangana has appointed B. Shivadhar Reddy, former Director General of Police (DGP), as the State Security Advisor (SSA) after his retirement.
- The appointment is for a tenure of three years and aims to utilise his expertise in policing, internal security, and counter-extremism, particularly relevant for Telangana’s governance context.
Nature of the Appointment and Position
- The State Security Advisor is an executive advisory post created by the State government.
- It is not a constitutional or statutory position but derives its authority from the executive powers of the State government.
- The post carries the status equivalent to that of the Chief Secretary, indicating high-level advisory importance in governance and internal security decision-making.
- Such positions are often created to utilise the experience of senior officials in specialised domains like security and law enforcement.
Constitutional Framework Related to Internal Security
- The appointment must be understood within the constitutional framework governing State powers.
- Under Article 162, the executive power of a State extends to matters on which the State Legislature has the authority to make laws. Since internal security, police, and law and order fall under the State domain, the State government is empowered to create advisory mechanisms like the State Security Advisor.
- The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, particularly the State List (List II), provides the legal basis for this authority.
Relevant entries include:
- Entry 1 – Public Order: Maintenance of peace, prevention of disturbances, and internal stability within the State.
- Entry 2 – Police: Organisation, control, and functioning of police forces within the State.
- These provisions make internal security primarily a State subject, giving Telangana the authority to design its own security architecture and advisory systems.
- At the same time, coordination with the Union is necessary in matters involving national security, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism.
Role and Responsibilities of State Security Advisor
The State Security Advisor provides policy-level guidance to the government on key areas of internal security.
The advisory role covers:
- maintenance of law and order across districts
- strengthening internal security mechanisms
- improving crime control strategies
- tackling narcotics trafficking and organised crime
- enhancing road safety and enforcement systems
The role focuses on strategic planning rather than operational command, helping the government in decision-making and policy formulation.
Internal Security Context in Telangana
The appointment assumes importance due to Telangana’s specific internal security profile.
Certain regions of the State, especially forested and border areas, have historically witnessed Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
Although the intensity has reduced, maintaining vigilance remains essential.
The State also faces challenges such as:
- organised crime networks
- drug trafficking routes
- urban law and order issues
- increasing road safety concerns
An experienced officer with background in counter-insurgency and policing strengthens the State’s preparedness in dealing with these challenges.
State Security Advisor
- The position of State Security Advisor is an advisory role created by the State Government to provide expert inputs on security-related issues.
- It is not part of the regular police hierarchy but functions at the policy-making level.
- The appointment is made under the executive powers of the State government derived from Article 162 of the Constitution of India, which enables the State to create such posts for effective administration.
- The tenure of the appointment is three years, and the post carries the status equivalent to that of the Chief Secretary.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding internal security and constitutional provisions:
- Police and public order fall under the State List of the Seventh Schedule.
- Article 162 deals with the executive powers of the State.
- The State Security Advisor is a constitutional post mentioned in the Constitution.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because police and public order are listed under the State List.
Statement 2 is correct because Article 162 defines the extent of executive power of the State.
Statement 3 is incorrect because the State Security Advisor is not mentioned in the Constitution and is an executive post.
Q. Which of the following subjects was NOT part of the Concurrent List before the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976?
(a) Criminal procedure
(b) Marriage and divorce; adoption and succession
(c) Bankruptcy and insolvency
(d) Forests; protection of wild animals and birds
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Before the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976, subjects such as Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds were part of the State List (List II). They were later shifted to the Concurrent List (List III) to ensure better coordination between the Centre and States in environmental governance.
Q. In the context of the Seventh Schedule, which of the following combinations of subjects belong exclusively to the State List?
(a) Forests, Protection of Wild Animals and Birds, Fisheries
(b) Regulation of mines and mineral development, Ancient monuments (non-national importance)
(c) Public order (excluding armed forces), Betting and gambling
(d) Incorporation of corporations (non-state subjects), Capitation taxes
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
- Public order (Entry 1, State List)
- Betting and gambling (Entry 34, State List)
Both are exclusively under the State List.
TGPSC Mains Question
Q. Discuss the constitutional basis of internal security administration in Indian states. How do advisory roles like the State Security Advisor strengthen governance?
(250 words)
FAQs
Q.What constitutional provision allows this appointment?
Ans: Article 162 allows the State to exercise executive power in matters like police and public order.
Q.Is the State Security Advisor a constitutional post?
Ans: No, it is an executive advisory position.
Q.Why is it important for Telangana?
Ans: It strengthens internal security planning and coordination in the State.
Q.Which list covers police and law and order?
Ans:State List under the Seventh Schedule.
Q.What is the role of the advisor?
Ans:To provide strategic advice on law and order, internal security, crime control, and related areas.
Relevance: Local Bodies | Governance
For Prelims:
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0, Localization of SDGs (LSDGs), Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP), Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Performance Categories
For Mains:
grassroots governance, decentralisation, data-driven governance, SDG localisation, rural development, performance-based evaluation, accountability, inclusive governance
Why in News?
- The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report for the year 2023–24 on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day.
- The report evaluates the performance of more than 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across India using a data-driven framework aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.
What is PAI 2.0?
- The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 is India’s first comprehensive, data-driven framework to assess the performance of Gram Panchayats and Traditional Local Bodies.
- It evaluates more than 2.5 lakh Panchayats across the country.
- It acts as a localized report card to measure progress in achieving the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
- It uses 150 indicators and 230 data points across nine thematic areas such as poverty, health, water, infrastructure, environment, and governance.
- The index promotes evidence-based planning, monitoring, and incentivisation of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- It is prepared by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Key Summary and Findings
- National participation reached 97.30%, with 2,59,867 Panchayats participating across 33 States and Union Territories.
- Participation increased significantly from 80.79% in PAI 1.0.
- Panchayats are classified into five performance categories:
– Achiever (A+)
– Front Runner (A)
– Performer (B)
– Aspirant (C)
– Beginner (D) - The Performer category (Grade B) forms the largest group, with 1,18,824 Panchayats (about 45.72%).
- Under the Poverty Free and Enhanced Livelihoods theme, 3,313 Panchayats achieved the highest grade (A+).
- Under the Healthy Panchayat theme, 1,015 Panchayats achieved the highest grade (A+).
- The number of indicators was reduced from 516 in version 1.0 to 150 in version 2.0 for better focus.
- West Bengal did not participate, while Delhi and Chandigarh were excluded as they do not have Gram Panchayats.
Key Ranking Highlights
- Tripura emerged as the highest-performing state, with nearly 80% of its Panchayats achieving the Front Runner category.
- No Gram Panchayat in the country achieved the Achiever (A+) category overall (score of 90 and above).
- Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest participation, with all 57,678 Gram Panchayats submitting data.
- A large number of Panchayats performed well in livelihood and health themes individually.
The Success Story: Leading Panchayats
- High-performing Panchayats are using PAI scores for evidence-based planning and targeted development interventions.
- Top-performing Panchayats are being developed as learning hubs to promote peer-to-peer learning.
- Mandatory Gram Sabha validation has improved transparency and citizen participation.
- Use of real-time dashboards and automatic data integration has improved data accuracy and reduced reporting burden.
Challenges Plaguing Panchayats
- Regional Imbalance: States like Bihar have a large number of Panchayats in lower categories, while others perform better.
- Technological Barriers: Many Panchayats in remote regions lack digital literacy and face difficulties in data reporting.
- Infrastructure Deficits: Lack of funds for infrastructure development affects performance in several states.
- Social Justice Gaps: Progress in social justice and welfare indicators remains weaker than economic indicators.
- Resource Dependency: Many Panchayats depend heavily on state funding and lack their own revenue sources.
Significance of PAI 2.0
- Promotes data-driven governance and objective performance measurement.
- Strengthens grassroots democracy and accountability.
- Facilitates localization of Sustainable Development Goals.
- Acts as a policy tool for targeted interventions by governments.
- Encourages competitive federalism and performance-based governance.
Panchayati Raj – Constitutional Basis
- The Panchayati Raj system was given constitutional status by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993.
- It inserted Part IX of the Constitution (Articles 243 to 243O) and added the Eleventh Schedule containing 29 subjects.
- Article 40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the state to organize village panchayats.
- The system follows a three-tier structure: Gram Panchayat at village level, Panchayat Samiti at intermediate level, and Zila Parishad at district level.
- The Gram Sabha, consisting of all registered voters, is the foundation of the system.
- Elections are conducted by the State Election Commission.
- Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and at least one-third for women.
- Panchayats have a fixed tenure of five years.
- Financial resources come from local taxes, grants, and government schemes.
- The State Finance Commission reviews Panchayat finances every five years.
Way Forward
- Use PAI scores to allocate targeted financial resources to low-performing Panchayats.
- Strengthen capacity building and training of Panchayat representatives.
- Expand digital governance tools and improve data systems.
- Link incentives and awards to PAI performance.
- Promote vernacular interfaces to improve accessibility of the system.
- Align central schemes with PAI indicators for better policy outcomes.
Conclusion
The Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0 represents a major step toward data-driven and accountable grassroots governance in India. By linking Panchayat performance with Sustainable Development Goals, it creates a structured pathway for inclusive rural development. However, addressing regional disparities, capacity gaps, and resource constraints remains essential to fully realize the vision of empowered local self-government.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements about the Panchayati Raj system in India:
- The Panchayati Raj system was first recommended by the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957).
- It is generally organized as a three-tier system consisting of village, intermediate (block), and district levels.
- The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 provides for the establishment of a Gram Sabha in every village.
- Panchayati Raj Institutions receive funds directly from the Union Finance Commission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957) recommended the establishment of Panchayati Raj institutions to promote democratic decentralization.
Statement 2 is correct:
The system is structured as a three-tier system—
- Gram Panchayat (village)
- Panchayat Samiti (block/intermediate)
- Zila Parishad (district)
Statement 3 is correct:
The 73rd Amendment mandates a Gram Sabha, comprising all registered voters in a village, as the foundation of rural self-governance.
Statement 4 is incorrect:
PRIs do not receive funds directly from the Union Finance Commission. Funds are devolved through State Governments, based on recommendations of both Central and State Finance Commissions.
Q. Which of the following Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) directs the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with powers of self-government?
(a) Article 40
(b) Article 42
(c) Article 43
(d) Article 44
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
Article 40 of the Constitution directs the State to organize village panchayats and endow them with necessary powers to function as units of self-government.
Q. Consider the following statements about Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):
- PRIs were given constitutional status by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
- A three-tier system is mandatory for all states, irrespective of their population size.
- The Gram Sabha consists of all registered voters in a village.
- Reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in PRIs is in proportion to their population.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
The 73rd Amendment (1992) provided constitutional status to PRIs.
Statement 2 is incorrect:
The three-tier system is not mandatory for states with a population below 20 lakhs, where a two-tier system may exist.
Statement 3 is correct:
The Gram Sabha includes all registered voters in the village and acts as the basic deliberative body.
Statement 4 is correct:
Reservation for SCs and STs in Panchayats is provided in proportion to their population in the area.
Q. Consider the following challenges faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions in India:
- Inadequate financial resources
- Political interference at the local level
- Lack of professional training among elected representatives
- Insufficient devolution of functions, funds, and functionaries
How many of the above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
All the listed factors are well-recognized structural challenges affecting the effective functioning of PRIs:
- Limited financial autonomy
- Political interference (MPs/MLAs, local elites)
- Capacity gaps among representatives
- Incomplete devolution of the 3Fs (Functions, Funds, Functionaries)
Q. Consider the following statements about the powers and functions of Panchayats:
- Panchayats are responsible for preparing plans for economic development and social justice.
- Infrastructure creation in areas like health and education is exclusively the responsibility of State Governments.
- Panchayats have the authority to levy and collect taxes, duties, tolls, and fees as assigned by the State.
- Implementation of schemes related to agriculture and animal husbandry falls within the domain of Panchayats.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) All of the above
Ans: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
Panchayats are mandated to prepare plans for economic development and social justice under the 73rd Amendment.
Statement 2 is incorrect:
Panchayats do play a role in infrastructure creation (health, education, sanitation, etc.), as per the Eleventh Schedule.
Statement 3 is correct:
They are empowered to levy and collect local taxes, subject to State laws.
Statement 4 is correct:
Sectors like agriculture, irrigation, and animal husbandry fall within Panchayat function
FAQs
Q1. What is PAI 2.0?
It is a national index that evaluates the performance of Gram Panchayats using SDG-based indicators.
Q2. Which ministry prepares PAI 2.0?
It is prepared by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Q3. What is the main objective of PAI 2.0?
To promote data-driven planning, accountability, and improved rural governance.
Q4. Why is PAI important?
It helps in measuring Panchayat performance and guiding policy decisions for rural development.
Q5. How is PAI linked to SDGs?
It aligns Panchayat-level indicators with Sustainable Development Goals through localization.
Relevance: Gender and Society
For Prelims:
Women and Men in India Report, MoSPI, Sex Ratio at Birth, Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), Time Use Survey
For Mains:
gender equality, women empowerment, socio-economic indicators, labour participation, human development, gender parity, inclusive growth, health inequality, digital inclusion
Why in News?
- The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 27th edition of the “Women and Men in India 2025” report in Bhubaneswar.
- The report provides a comprehensive statistical overview of gender-related socio-economic indicators in India.
What is the Report?
- The “Women and Men in India” report is an annual statistical publication, institutionalized in 1995.
- It serves as a comprehensive data compendium on the status of women and men across multiple sectors.
- It compiles data from various ministries, surveys, and administrative sources.
- It covers domains such as population, health, education, economic participation, and safety.
- The report provides evidence-based insights to support gender-sensitive policymaking.
Key Data and Statistics
- Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 904 (2017–19) to 917 (2021–23), indicating better survival of female children.
- Infant Mortality Rate declined steadily for both males and females between 2008 and 2023.
- Gender parity has been achieved across all levels of school education from primary to higher secondary.
- Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for females increased from 28.5 to 30.2 between 2021–22 and 2022–23.
- Female GER (30.2) is now higher than male GER (28.9) in higher education.
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increased for both genders, with strong gains among rural women.
- Rural female LFPR rose from 37.5% to 45.9% between 2022 and 2025.
- Women in managerial positions increased by 102.54% between 2017 and 2025.
- Adolescent fertility rate (15–19 years) has been declining steadily since 2021.
Rise of Equality (Positive Trends)
- Educational Parity has been achieved at all school levels, ensuring equal foundational opportunities for girls.
- Higher Education Participation has improved, with women now surpassing men in enrolment ratios.
- Economic Participation of women is rising, particularly in rural areas and professional sectors.
- Leadership Representation has improved, as seen in the sharp rise in women in managerial roles.
- Health Outcomes have improved significantly, with declines in maternal and infant mortality rates.
- Marriage Age is increasing, with the mean age reaching 24.3 years in 2023, allowing greater educational and career opportunities.
- Financial Autonomy is increasing due to higher labour force participation.
Persistent Inequalities
- Health Screening Gap remains significant, with very low participation in cervical and breast cancer screening.
- Only about 1.7% of women have undergone cervical cancer screening (NFHS-5 data).
- Literacy Gap persists, with a 14.4 percentage point difference between male and female literacy rates.
- Unpaid Care Work burden remains disproportionately high for women, limiting their economic participation.
- Digital Divide exposes women to higher risks of cyber fraud and limits access to digital services.
- Underreporting of crimes against women continues due to lack of awareness and access to reporting mechanisms.
Significance of the Report
- Provides a comprehensive gender data framework for policymaking.
- Helps track progress on gender equality and SDG Goal 5.
- Highlights both achievements and gaps in women’s empowerment.
- Supports evidence-based planning for inclusive development.
- Acts as a benchmark for measuring socio-economic transformation.
Way Forward
- Strengthen awareness and access to health screening services, especially in rural areas.
- Promote targeted skill development programs to sustain female labour force participation.
- Expand adult literacy initiatives focusing on older women.
- Improve digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness among women.
- Encourage gender-sensitive budgeting and policy design.
- Strengthen institutional mechanisms for reporting and addressing crimes against women.
Conclusion
The Women and Men in India 2025 report highlights significant progress in gender equality, especially in education, employment, and leadership. However, persistent challenges such as literacy gaps, health inequalities, and unpaid care burdens indicate that structural barriers still exist. Achieving true gender parity requires sustained policy efforts to convert statistical progress into real-life empowerment for women across all sections of society.
CARE MCQ
Q. With reference to the “Women and Men in India 2025” report, consider the following statements:
- It is published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
- It shows that female Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education is higher than that of males.
- It reports that all women in India have access to health screening services.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
The report “Women and Men in India” is an annual publication brought out by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It compiles gender-disaggregated data across sectors such as education, health, employment, and decision-making.
Statement 2 is correct:
Recent editions of the report highlight that the female Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education has marginally exceeded that of males, reflecting improving gender parity in education.
Statement 3 is incorrect:
The report does not claim universal access to health screening services for all women. While access has improved, significant gaps remain, particularly across regions and socio-economic groups. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
Q. India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) remains relatively low. Which of the following is considered a primary structural driver of this phenomenon?
(a) Higher educational attainment among women leading to preference for non-market activities
(b) Disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women
(c) Legal restrictions barring women from employment in most sectors
(d) Decline in employment opportunities in the agricultural sector
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
The low Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India is primarily driven by structural and socio-cultural factors, among which the unequal burden of unpaid care work is the most significant.
Women in India spend a disproportionately large amount of time on household chores, childcare, and elder care, which limits their ability to participate in paid employment.
Option (a) is incorrect:
While higher education may delay entry into the workforce, it generally enhances employability and cannot explain persistently low participation rates.
Option (b) is correct:
The unequal distribution of unpaid domestic responsibilities is widely recognized as the key constraint on women’s labour force participation.
Option (c) is incorrect:
There are no broad legal prohibitions preventing women from working in most sectors. Restrictions are limited to specific hazardous occupations.
Option (d) is incorrect:
Although structural shifts in agriculture affect employment, they impact both men and women. This is not the primary reason for low female participation.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding recessionary trends in an economy:
Statement-I: During a recession, the labour force participation rate always declines as discouraged workers exit the labour market.
Statement-II: Recessions invariably lead to deflation, with a sustained fall in general price levels.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is incorrect
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Statement-I is incorrect:
Although labour force participation may decline during recessions due to discouraged workers, it is not always the case. Participation rates may remain stable or even increase depending on economic necessity and demographic factors.
Statement-II is incorrect:
Recessions do not always lead to deflation. In some cases, economies experience stagflation, where inflation coexists with economic stagnation. Hence, deflation is not inevitable.
Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):
- PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
- It provides estimates of unemployment and labour force participation at both national and state levels.
- The survey follows a rotating panel design, where households are revisited multiple times.
- It replaced the earlier quinquennial Employment and Unemployment Surveys (EUS).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect:
PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), not NSSO (which has been merged into NSO). The wording must be precise; hence the statement is considered incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct:
PLFS provides labour force indicators such as unemployment rate and participation rate at both national and state levels.
Statement 3 is correct:
It uses a rotating panel design, especially in urban areas, allowing tracking of employment trends over time.
Statement 4 is correct:
PLFS replaced the earlier quinquennial Employment and Unemployment Surveys, enabling more frequent and timely labour market data.
FAQs
Q. With reference to the “Women and Men in India 2025” report, consider the following statements:
- It is published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
- It shows that female Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education is higher than that of males.
- It reports that all women in India have access to health screening services.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Explanation:
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct:
The report “Women and Men in India” is an annual publication brought out by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It compiles gender-disaggregated data across sectors such as education, health, employment, and decision-making.
Statement 2 is correct:
Recent editions of the report highlight that the female Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education has marginally exceeded that of males, reflecting improving gender parity in education.
Statement 3 is incorrect:
The report does not claim universal access to health screening services for all women. While access has improved, significant gaps remain, particularly across regions and socio-economic groups. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
Q. India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) remains relatively low. Which of the following is considered a primary structural driver of this phenomenon?
(a) Higher educational attainment among women leading to preference for non-market activities
(b) Disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work on women
(c) Legal restrictions barring women from employment in most sectors
(d) Decline in employment opportunities in the agricultural sector
Ans: (b)
Explanation:
The low Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) in India is primarily driven by structural and socio-cultural factors, among which the unequal burden of unpaid care work is the most significant.
Women in India spend a disproportionately large amount of time on household chores, childcare, and elder care, which limits their ability to participate in paid employment.
Option (a) is incorrect:
While higher education may delay entry into the workforce, it generally enhances employability and cannot explain persistently low participation rates.
Option (b) is correct:
The unequal distribution of unpaid domestic responsibilities is widely recognized as the key constraint on women’s labour force participation.
Option (c) is incorrect:
There are no broad legal prohibitions preventing women from working in most sectors. Restrictions are limited to specific hazardous occupations.
Option (d) is incorrect:
Although structural shifts in agriculture affect employment, they impact both men and women. This is not the primary reason for low female participation.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding recessionary trends in an economy:
Statement-I: During a recession, the labour force participation rate always declines as discouraged workers exit the labour market.
Statement-II: Recessions invariably lead to deflation, with a sustained fall in general price levels.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is incorrect
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Statement-I is incorrect:
Although labour force participation may decline during recessions due to discouraged workers, it is not always the case. Participation rates may remain stable or even increase depending on economic necessity and demographic factors.
Statement-II is incorrect:
Recessions do not always lead to deflation. In some cases, economies experience stagflation, where inflation coexists with economic stagnation. Hence, deflation is not inevitable.
Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):
- PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
- It provides estimates of unemployment and labour force participation at both national and state levels.
- The survey follows a rotating panel design, where households are revisited multiple times.
- It replaced the earlier quinquennial Employment and Unemployment Surveys (EUS).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Ans: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect:
PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO), not NSSO (which has been merged into NSO). The wording must be precise; hence the statement is considered incorrect.
Statement 2 is correct:
PLFS provides labour force indicators such as unemployment rate and participation rate at both national and state levels.
Statement 3 is correct:
It uses a rotating panel design, especially in urban areas, allowing tracking of employment trends over time.
Statement 4 is correct:
PLFS replaced the earlier quinquennial Employment and Unemployment Surveys, enabling more frequent and timely labour market data.
