Pre- Independence

Critically examine the condition of Agriculture and Rural economy during

2016/ CSE
the pre independence era. 15
During the British rule, commercialization of agriculture was forced on the
2012/ CSE Agriculture
farmers while now it is the need of the hour. Discuss. 12C
Discuss the process of forced commercialization of agriculture under
2009/ CSE
Colonial rule. 20C
What were the broad considerations underlying the different types of land
2017/CSE
settlements in India during the Colonial rule? Discuss. 15 Land
Land system during British period was responsible for sustained poverty in System
2014/ CSE
India and stagnant growth of Indian economy. Discuss. 10C
What specific trade policies during the British period led to decline of
2015/ CSE
Indian industry? Explain. 10C
Write about the policy of discriminating protection during the British rule
2014/ CSE Industry
and its impact on industrial development in India. 10C
Discuss policy of discriminating protection and its impact on Indian
2011/ CSE
industrial development during the British period. 15C
What were the economic consequences of discriminating protection in the
2016/ CSE Trade
trade policy during British regime? 10C
Discuss the manufacturing condition prevailed during the pre
Manufactur
2016/ CSE independence period do you feel that private sector did not come forward
ing
for investment due to fear of nationalisation? Give reasons. 20
Discuss the manufacturing condition prevailed during the pre
2016/ CSE independence period do you feel that private sector did not come forward Investment
for investment due to fear of nationalisation? Give reasons. 20
Do you think that the attitude of British government towards the Indian
2017/CSE economy changed markedly at the turn of 19th century? Give the specific
instances supporting your argument. 15
During British rule, India was rooted with seeds of modernization but a
2015/ CSE
country remained underdeveloped. Discuss. 15
G&D
Gunder Frank held that development of one part of the world causes
under-development of another part. Does it explain the industrialisation of
2010/ CSE
Britain and the de-industrialisation of India during the British Raj? Assess.
30
2007/ CSE Give a critical account of the development of India during British Rule. 20C
Discuss the process of forced commercialization of agriculture under
2009/ CSE
Colonial rule. 20C
What is drain theory? How does it explain the backwardness of India in the
2017/CSE
19th century? 20 Drain
Write on "Drain Theory" as developed by Dadabhai Naoroji. How does it Theory
2013/ CSE
explain the sustained poverty during British rule in India? 10C
Write an essay on the ‘drain of wealth’ controversy in India in the
2005/ CSE
nineteenth century. 60
What were the considerations underlying the initiation of Railways and
2017/CSE
road transport system in India in the 19th century? 10C
Explain how Railways played an important role in unifying the people of
2016/ CSE Railway
India during pre independence period. 15
How did Railways contribute to India's economic development in pre
2015/ CSE
independence era? 10C
2005/ CSE What was the impact of the Great Depression on India? 20C

Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 1 of 13

Contributions of Vakil, Gadgil & VKRV Rao
Discuss the wage-good model of development as given by C N Vakil and P R
2016/ CSE
Brahmanand. 15
2016/ CSE Explain the contribution of VKRV Rao in estimation of national income. 15
Do you think the pursuit of wage-good model could have been more appropriate for
2015/ CSE
post independence strategy of development? Give reasons. 15
Examine Wage Goods Development Strategy as an alternative to Mahalanobis
2013/ IES
Development Model at the time of second five year plan. (200 words)
"A close connection between the finance on the one hand and politics and
administration on the other hand, and the influence of the latter on the former cannot
2013/ CSE
be avoided. This is all the more true in India." Do you agree with this statement of CN
Vakil? Is it relevant even today? 25
2012/ CSE Discuss in detail the views of VKRV Rao on deficit financing. 12C
2011/ CSE Throw light on wage good model of CN Vakil and PR Brahmanand. 15C
Discuss the contributions of DR Gadgil to Indian economic planning and policy.
2010/ CSE
Evaluate the key elements of 'Gadgil Formula' used by the planning commission. 20C
What is the role played by basics (wage goods) and non-basics (luxury goods) in a
2005/ CSE
model of development for a mixed economy? 20C
Planning
Give a brief account of evolution of the concept of economic planning in India after
2017/CSE independence. 15
Why do the basic objectives of planning remain unfulfilled in India? Can India achieve
2017/ IES these objectives in the post-liberalization period? (300 words)
What were the economic and non-economic relationale for adopting mixed economy
2016/ CSE model in India? 10C
2016/ CSE Discuss the basic features of second Five Year Plan in India. 10C
What were the major hurdles to development as experienced in India during first
decade after independence? Discuss them and what steps were taken to remove
2016/ CSE them? 15
Describe India's development strategy of selective inter-dependence after attaining
2014/ IES independence. (100 words)
Differentiate between self-sufficiency and self-reliance as an objective of Indian
2013/ IES Planning. (100 words)
Mixed economy is an outcome of compromise between laissez-faire capitalism and
2013/ CSE socialist state control of resources. Elaborate. Mention its salient features. 10C
2013/ CSE State the basic features of Mahalanobis model. 10C
Explain why in spite of economic planning economic-distribution has turned more
2012/ CSE unequal through time. 12C
"PC Mahalanobis' four sectoral model of second five year plan failed as it was based on
2011/ IES wrong assumption of the Indian economy." Do you agree? (150 words)
"It was needless export pessimism that led India to adopt import substitution strategy
2010/ CSE of industrialisation in the pre-liberalisation period." Critically examine. 30
2010/ CSE Delineate the role of the District Planning Committee. 15C
Is Economic planning relevant in the context of the Globlised Economy of India?
2007/ CSE Elucidate. 20C
Write a detailed note on the importSubstitution and export promotion strategy of
2007/ CSE India. 60
Account for the transition from central planning, to indicative planning in India. Do you
think that adoption of PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) attempts a
2004/ CSE reconciliation between employment and GDP growth objectives? 60
PSUs
2017/ IES Critically evaluate the government policies towards the public sector enterprises since
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 2 of 13
 1991. Do you think these Enterprises are still relevant for the industrial development
in India? (200 words)
During post independence era India assigned the role of "Commanding Heights" to the
2016/ CSE public undertakings. Should this policy be continued. Give reasons for your answer. 20
How far is the restructuring of PSUs to make them more competitive a batter strategy
to enhance their relevance, rather than the tacit policy of privatizing them? Discuss in
2014/ IES the light of practical evidence and recommendations. (200 words)
Delineate the trends in the growth and industrial composition of public sector in India
2012/ CSE during the pre liberalisation period. 20
rd th
73 & 74 Constitutional Amendment Act
Explain the salient features of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments in India and
2016/ CSE elaborate the impact of its implementation. 10C
"Indian planning structure and system still remains largely in favour of a centralised
nature of planning. The 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments have hardly brought
about any change in reality in the nature of Indian planning process." Critically
2013/ CSE evaluate this statement. 25
2011/ CSE Discuss the salient economic features of 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments. 20
Land Reforms
Why are land reforms still not complete in India? What are the obstacles in its way?
2014/ CSE Elaborate. 15
What are the components of land reforms in India? Has it been completed? If not,
2013/ CSE then what are the obstacles? 10C
2012/ IES Highlight the nature of a land reforms still needed in the Indian economy. (50 words)
Evaluate the track record of land reforms in India and its various aspects, bringing out
2009/ CSE inter-state differences. How would you interpret this record? 60
Green Revolution
"Green Revolution in India has improved Indian farming but his failed to address
2016/ IES challenges." Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer. (300 words)
Do you agree with the view that an increase in productivity of agriculture as a result of
2016/ CSE Green revolution was only short term? Give reasons. 10C
Why green revolution lost its steam and India needs yet another Green Revolution or
2014/ CSE Evergreen Revolution? Discuss. 20
What were the components of new agricultural strategy adopted in the late sixties?
Narrate the positive and negative impacts of Green Revolution. At present, what
measures should be adopted to bring Second Green Revolution in Indian agriculture?
2012/ IES (250 words)
"India urgently needs yet another Green Revolution by infusing modern technologies
like ICT and space technologies and Strategic Management techniques to come up
with demand side pressures resulting in persistent food inflation in the economy." Do
2011/ CSE you agree? 30
"The success of Green revolution shows the importance of the State in agrarian
2009/ CSE transformation." Comment. 20C
Agriculture
Would you advocate that the income of rich farmers should be taxed in India? Give
2017/CSE reasons. 10C
Relative contribution of agriculture to GDP of India has been going down steadily since
2017/CSE Independence. Do you think this highlights a weakness of the economy? Explain. 10C
Even though India is self sufficient in the production of foodgrains, Indian agriculture is
2017/CSE faced with some major challenges. Elucidate. 15
Do you think that the agricultural income in India I should be taxed? Give reasons for
2017/ IES your answer. (100 words)
2017/ IES Agricultural credit from institutional sources is a chronic problem in India. In this
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 3 of 13
 context, explain the role of commercial banks in disbursing agricultural credit. (200
words)
Agro based industries, especially food processing units, can alter the fate of rural India.
2015/ CSE Discuss. 15
What is your opinion on the view that the economic reform process has largely
2015/ CSE bypassed agriculture? 15
What are the factors responsible for large number of farmers' suicide in relatively
2014/ CSE richer Indian States? Examine. 15
Discuss the major weakness is in Agricultural Price Policy of India. Suggest suitable
2013/ IES remedial measures. (200 words)
How is agricultural price policy determined in India? Does the process take note of
2012/ IES Agricultural subsidies? (150 words)
Distinguish between Cooperative, contractual and corporate farming. Which of these
2012/ CSE is best suited for India and why? 20
Discuss the factors responsible for slow growth in agriculture in recent years. What
2012/ CSE steps out to be taken for sustained growth in this sector? 12C
Analyse the recent trends of gross capital formation in agriculture. Has it, do you think,
2011/ CSE been responsible for the sluggish growth rate in agriculture? 30
"Declining public expenditure in agriculture is largely responsible for deceleration of
2010/ CSE growth in this sector in India." Critically examine the validity of this statement. 20
Critically evaluate the reasons for fluctuation in agricultural price in India. What would
2007/ CSE be the components of an optimum agricultural price policy regime for India? 60
What would be the constituents of an optimal agricultural exports strategy for India?
2005/ CSE 60
Finance Commission
Do you think that the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission will help in
2016/ IES promoting Cooperative federalism in the country? (200 words)
2015/ IES State the major recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission. (100 words)
2015/ CSE What are the major recommendations of 14th Finance Commission? 20
Examine the changing criteria adopted by the finance commissions for the vertical
2014/ IES distribution of Central Tax proceeds among the states. (100 words)
What do you mean by vertical and horizontal inequalities? How is the 13th finance
commission helped in meeting the fiscal needs of States in India to solve this problem?
2012/ IES Comment on the scheme of special grants-in-aid. (250 words)
Discuss the major recommendations of the 13th finance commission with regard to
2012/ CSE augmentation of resources of local governments. 20
Write a critical note on the criteria and relative weights for determining inter-se share
2011/ IES of states in fiscal transfer in India. (150 words)
Bring out the role of state finance commissions in India, with particular reference to
2010/ CSE the rural economy. 20C
2009/ CSE Critically assess the key recommendations of 12th finance commission. 20C
What are the recommendations of the Eleventh Finance Commission to reduce budget
2004/ CSE deficits? Enumerate the actions taken by the Government of India on them. 60
Do you think that the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission will help in
2016/ IES promoting Cooperative federalism in the country? (200 words)
Centre-State Relations/ Fiscal Federalism
Give a short analysis of the state of devoluation of resources from the Centre to the
2017/CSE States in India in light of the idea of fiscal federalism. 15
Describe briefly how resources are transferred from the centre to the states in India.
2017/ IES (100 words)
Why all states in India not satisfied with financial arrangement between the centre and
2017/ IES the states? In this context, what were the major recommendations of the Sarkaria
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 4 of 13
 Commission? (200 words)
Enumerate constitutional provisions relating to financial relations between the centre
2016/ IES and the states. (100 words)
Comment on the major federal fiscal problems between the centre and the states in
2015/ IES India. (200 words)
Mention five issues of conflict between centre and states financial relations. (100
2013/ IES words)
Critically examine the state financiers and suggest alternative sources of financing a
2013/ IES State Government other than Grants and loans from Central Government. (200 words)
Distinguish between fiscal federalism and political federalism. How has fiscal
federalism been evolving in relation to special category states in particular and other
2012/ CSE states in general? 20
Critically examine the fiscal federal system as it operates in India presently. What
2010/ CSE improvements would you suggest? 30
Fiscal Policy / Budget/ Fiscal Consolidation
Distinguish between revenue deficit, effective revenue deficit, fiscal deficit and
2016/ IES primary deficit. (100 words)
Despite increased collections from taxes, tax-GDP ratio in the case of Central
2016/ IES Government continues to be stagnant. Give reasons. (200 words)
Do you think that the Union Budget 2016-17 is pro-poor? Give reasons in support of
2016/ IES your answer. (300 words)
2016/ CSE Critically examine the salient features of Fiscal responsibility at. 10C
Do you think that Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003 should be
2015/ IES modified? Give reasons. (100 words)
2014/ CSE What are the salient features of FRBM Act? Examine the criticism labelled against it. 20
2013/ IES Discuss the major problems in implementation of FRBM Act in India. (200 words)
Examine the causes of fiscal deficit in India and highlight feasible mitigation strategies.
2012/ IES (150 words)
Explain the salient features of Fiscal Responsibility Act. Explain to what extent has the
2012/ CSE Government to of India been able to adhere to the provisions of this act? 30
Why are fiscal deficit and revenue deficit a cause of concern, especially for a
2011/ IES developing country like India? Give recent examples. (150 words)
Portraying the profile of 'public debt' in India, highlight the related positive and
negative aspects and suggest reforms to be undertaken in the coming years. (300
2011/ IES words)
2009/ CSE Whether public and private investment in India are complementary or competing. 20
Tax Reforms/ Taxations/ GST
2017/CSE Explain GST. Analyse how it is going to impact Indian business. 15
Do you think the implementation of GST will lead to enhanced tax collection for the
centre and the states? Will it reduce the incidence of taxation on common people?
2017/ IES (200 words)
Examine the process of introducing and passing GST bill in Parliament. How it helps in
2016/ CSE fiscal consolidation in the country? 15
2015/ CSE What are the broad features of the proposed GST model. 10C
2014/ IES Mention the major hurdles in implementing the GST in the country. (100 words)
Do you agree that there is significant divergence between statutory rate of taxes and
2014/ IES effective rates of taxes? Give reasons in support of your answer. (300 words)
What are the major objectives of the Direct Taxes Code Bill, 2010? Will it be effective
2013/ CSE in generating enhanced tax revenues? 25
How is GST different from VAT? What is the Grand bargain suggested by 13 finance
2012/ CSE commission for implementation of GST? 20
2009/ CSE Explore the nature of tax reforms India needs to ensure inclusive growth, spelling out
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 5 of 13
 their basic components as you see them. 60
2007/ CSE Examine the role of indirect taxes in India's Economic Development. 20C
2007/ CSE Examine the Progress of Tax Reform in India. 20C
Discuss the Kelkar Task Force recommendations on indirect taxes. Has the Government
2004/ CSE implemented them? 20C
2005/ CSE What are the major characteristics of Value Added Tax (VAT) in India? 20C
EXIM/ Trade Policy
Mention the major trade policy reforms in India since 1991. How has it affected the
2017/ IES structure of India's foreign trade? (100 words)
2016/ CSE Bring out the salient feature of new EXIM policy of Government of India. 10C
What are the key initiatives proposed in Foreign Trade Policy, 2009-2014 for market
2013/ CSE diversification and technological upgradation to give a boost to exports? 10C
Examine the new EXIM policy. Given the tough competition in international trade what
corrective measures would you suggest to make it more successful in boosting Indian
2012/ CSE exports? 30
What are the main features of Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2004-09 adopted by
2011/ IES Government of India? Has India conformed to this? (150 words)
Disinvestment
2017/CSE Critically examine the disinvestment policy of the Government of India. 15
Disinvestment policy of government has failed to deliver desired results. Do you
2016/ IES agree? Give reasons. (100 words)
What is the present policy of disinvestment of Government of India? What
2013/ CSE modifications can be introduced in order to make it fruit-bearing? 25
In quantitative terms, bring out how far the disinvestment policy has been successful
2012/ IES in India? (50 words)
Can disinvestment in public sector units be a sustainable alternative for raising
2012/ CSE resources for government expenditure? 12C
Evaluate critically the privatisation and disinvestment programmes pursued by India
since the 1991 reforms. Enumerate the reasons for the slowing down of these
2011/ IES programmes in recent years. (300 words)
Critically examine the arguments usually put forward in favour of disinvestment of
2009/ CSE public sector enterprises. 20C
Various Government Policies- SEZ/ Industrial/Mfg /Labour
What is your assessment of principal impact of the recent demonetization in India in
2017/CSE the immediate and medium terms? 15
2017/CSE Explain the concept and the underlying rationale of 'Universal Basic Income'. 10C
2015/ CSE What are the main components of National Manufacturing Policy, 2014? Discuss. 15
How far can India's New Competition Policy help to make Indian industry more
competitive especially vis-a-vis MNCs? Analyse and support with evidence. (200
2014/ IES words)
Examine the labour policy of India and its impact on employment (labour) market in
2014/ CSE Indian economy. 15
2014/ CSE Write on the look East policy of India. 15
The industrial development agenda framed by the Industrial Policy, 1956 transformed
the Indian economy substantially from and agricultural to an industrial economy.
Elucidate. State in brief sectoral composition of growth during the period before 1990.
2013/ CSE 25
What has been the experience of India in relation to SEZ policy framework? Is it
2011/ IES satisfies the requirement of all principal stakeholders? (150 words)
Write in brief on special economic zones (SEZ) and their socio-economic repercussions.
2011/ CSE 20
Government Schemes- MNREGA/ Debt Waiver/ NFSA/ PDS etc.
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 6 of 13
 What are the merits and demerits of the case of farmers' loan waiver in India? Explain.
2017/CSE 15
What are the flowers in Public Distribution system (PDS) in India do you think targeted
2017/ IES Public Distribution system (TPDS) can remove these flaws? Explain. (300 words)
2016/ CSE Examine the basic features of national food security act 2013. 10C
2016/ CSE Write short note on 'skill India' and 'make in India'. 10C
What are the basic features of new National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme?
2016/ CSE What are the impediments in their implementation? 20
Highlight the basic features of National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. Can it solve the
2015/ CSE problem of malnutrition in the country. Discuss. 10C
In the context of Information Technology Revolution, Digital India Programme, is a
2015/ CSE significant instrument of Administrative Reforms. Do you agree? 20
Critically discuss India's Food Security Act, 2013 and point out its incongruity with the
2014/ IES WTO norms as recently proclaimed at the recently concluded Bali Summit. (200 words)
What provisions have been enshrined in the National Social Security Act, 2008 for
unorganised sector workers? Discuss critically giving evidence on its progress and
2014/ IES achievements so far. (300 words)
National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme should be reoriented to create
productive permanent assets to promote employment and generate income in the
2014/ CSE rural sector. Critically evaluate. 20
Comment on Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) for removing urban poverty
2013/ IES and unemployment in India. (200 words)
Do you agree that focused and target oriented technological intervention under
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) have made significant impact since its
2013/ CSE inception? Justify. 10C
What are the governmentally run schemes for providing gainful employment in rural
2012/ IES areas? (50 words)
2011/ CSE Analyse the impact of MNREGA on rural and urban wages and rural migration. 20
Assess the degree of success of targeted Public Distribution system in the country in
2010/ CSE meeting its objectives. 30
Examine the key elements of the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SJSY). What
2010/ CSE are the major problems in its implementation? 20
What do you think has been the impact of targeted Public Distribution system in India
2009/ CSE on food security for the rural poor? Justify your answer. 20C
Make a critical assessment of National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme in India.
2007/ CSE 60
Critically apprise the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme that has recently
2005/ CSE been proposed by the Government of India. 20C
2004/ CSE Make a critical appraisal of the Common Minimum Programme. 20C
Poverty- Concept & Determinants
Critically examine the difference between absolute poverty and relative poverty.
2016/ CSE Between the two which is more appropriate? Give reasons. 20
Highlight the issues of Bhagwati-Sen controversy over tackling poverty and slow
2014/ CSE growth rate. 10C
Define and distinguish between primary poverty and secondary poverty in Indian
2013/ IES context. (100 words)
How is development looked upon by A K Sen in terms of freedom and poverty as
2013/ CSE unfreedoms? Point out his narration of five dimensions of poverty. 10C
Recent trends show that poverty incidence in urban areas is higher than its rural
2010/ CSE counterpart in more prosperous states. What factors, do you think, explain this? 20
Discuss the nature and incidence of the problem of rural poverty in India. What
2007/ CSE suggestions do you offer to solve it? 20C
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 7 of 13
2005/ CSE Write a detailed note on the structure & determinants of rural poverty in India. 20C
Poverty Measurement
2016/ IES Comment on the present poverty line and poverty ratio debate in India. (200 words)
Comment on the plausibility of the current poverty estimates in the context of the
2014/ IES controversy surrounding the procedures for poverty estimation. (100 words)
How are absolute and relative poverty measured? What modification in it has been
suggested by Amartya Sen? What are the recent advances in the area of poverty
2013/ CSE measurement? Discuss. 25
Why has the poverty line methodology given by Planning Commission of India become
2011/ IES controversial? Is the criticism really justified? Examine critically. (150 words)
Discuss Amartya Sen's poverty measure and recent advances in poverty measurement.
2011/ CSE 15C
"By restricting social benefits to BPL households, the poverty line (in India) will be fully
converted from a statistical benchmark to a real life social division" (Dreze). Discuss.
2011/ CSE 15C
Critically assess the Tendulkar Committee's approach to measuring poverty in India.
2010/ CSE 15C
Carefully examine and analyse the argument that over the last two decades there is an
increasing divergence between the incidence of poverty based on the Planning
Commission's Expert Committee methodology and that based on calorie intakes as
2009/ CSE obtained from the National Sample Surveys. 60
Poverty Alleviation
The various anti-poverty programmes have not achieved the desired socio economic
progress in India. Write down the major programs and your broad based assessment
2017/CSE of their weaknesses. 20
What are the various dimensions of poverty? Has the economic reform package
2017/ IES ultimately reduced the incidence of poverty in India? (100 words)
Market economy excludes poor from the consumer as well as employment market.
2015/ CSE Discuss how one can safeguard the interests of population below poverty line. 15
Anti poverty programmes need to be reoriented for asset creation rather than
2015/ IES providing employment in rural areas. Comment. (100 words)
It is not the population but the poverty and unemployment are the two most chronic
problems of the Indian economy. What policy measures would you suggest to solve
2015/ IES these problems? (300 words)
Rural poverty continues to be chronic problem in India which cannot be taken care of
by anti-poverty programmes but by creation of permanent productive assets. Discuss.
2015/ CSE 20
Elaborate the growth-mediated security and support-led security strategies of poverty
2014/ CSE alleviation given by Jean Dreze and Amartya Sen. 20
Discuss the various measures of poverty with policy implications for removal of
2012/ CSE poverty. 20
Explain why in spite of poverty alleviation schemes number of the poor has not fallen
2012/ CSE very much. 12C
Poverty alleviation strategy of the day is moving ahead of Redistribution with Growth
(RWG) of Chenery and the World Bank and Dreze and Sen's Growth-mediated security
and Support-led security strategies to Empowerment, Opportunities and Security lines.
2011/ CSE Even. 30
Employment/ Unemployment/ Skill Development
The quality of employment, in general, in India is perceived to be alarming. How would
2017/CSE you analyse the situation? 20
Do you think that the Employment generation strategy adopted by the government of
2017/ IES India since 1991 can reduce unemployment significantly? (200 words)
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 8 of 13
 India is presently facing dual challenges of developing skills and using skills. Discuss.
2016/ IES (200 words)
Skill development and increase in labour productivity will impact India's growth rate. In
2015/ IES this context, would you suggest changes in India's education policy? (200 words)
How is unemployment measured in India? Discuss giving estimates of various forms of
2014/ IES unemployment in the Indian economy. (200 words)
Employment pattern in India in post-reform period has moved in favour of contractual,
casual and self-employment. How public sector employment deceleration would
2014/ CSE impact the future of labour (employment) market in India. Elaborate. 10C
Account for the changes in employment pattern in india after liberalisation. What are
the suggestions for employment security in the 'informal' sector of the economy?
2013/ CSE Discuss. 25
Suggest appropriate strategies for self-sustained employment generation in the rural
economy of India. Do you think that the proposed National Employment Guarantee
2004/ CSE Act is a model safety net for those without work? 60
Labour Market/ Reforms
In what way are India's labour market rigid? Enlist the recommendations of second
National Commission on Labour to provide flexibility to Indian labour markets. (200
2014/ IES words)
Comment on the findings of latest report of the National Commission on Labour
2012/ IES regarding informal sector employment. (150 words)
Examine unit labour cost as a tool for competitiveness in India. Compare this with
2011/ IES some developed countries of the world. (50 words)
Population / Demography
India has highest potential to read the demographic dividend. Explain the point and
2017/CSE discuss the necessary measures to realise it. 15
How does population growth affect economic development of a country? Can age
structure of population alter the pattern of development in a country? Examine in light
2015/ CSE of Indian experience. 20
Malthus made a case for delayed marriages to control population but he was silent on
the different age specifications for male and female. Why in, India, we have different
2013/ IES minimum ages for marriage for boys and girls? (100 words)
What are the changes which have been incorporated in the National Population Policy-
2012/ IES 2000, to improve the quality of population? (150 words)
"Population is not just a denominator to deflate aggregate it is determined by the label
2012/ CSE and pattern of economic development." Comment. 20
What is Innovative demography? What is required in India for this to be attained? (50
2011/ IES words)
What are some demographic issues which are a matter of concern for India, as
2011/ IES brought out in Census 2011? (50 words)
Subsidy
"Subsidies are a source of inefficiency and corruption." Do you agree with this
2017/CSE statement in Indian context? justify your answer. 10C
"Agriculture subsidy is both an economic as well as social issue, hence the government
2016/ CSE finds it difficult to take a decisive decision." Comment on the above statement. 15
Subsidies are source of inefficiency and corruption. They should be rationalised and
2015/ IES ultimately phased out. Illustrate your answer in Indian context. (300 words)
What are different types of agriculture subsidies that are given to the farmers in India?
2015/ CSE How can these be rationalised? 15
High minimum support price (MSP) induce distortions, some of which ultimately hurt
2015/ CSE the poor. Examine its merits and demerits. 15
2013/ IES Give arguments against subsidies in India. (100 words)
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 9 of 13
 What are the important forms of farm subsidies in India and what is their justification?
2011/ IES (50 words)
Discuss the rationale of government subsidies to various categories of goods in India. Is
2004/ CSE granting subsidies to non-merit goods justified? 20C
Dichotomy of Development/ Crony Capitalism/ Urban Bias/ Elitist bias
What is crony capitalism? Is it true that almost all developing countries are facing the
2016/ CSE threat of crony capitalism in their development efforts? 20
The 'dichotomy of development' in India emerged owing to governance deficit and
2015/ CSE crony capitalism. Examine. 15
In Indian economy, dichotomy of development emerged during the pre-reform period
2014/ CSE despite efforts of holistic development. Delineate the factors responsible for it. 15
'Elitist bias' and 'crony capitalism' have eclipsed issues of efficiency and distributive
2014/ CSE justice in India. Elaborate. 20
2013/ CSE Write on 'dichotomy of development' and 'urban bias' in Indian economy. 10C
What is 'crony capitalism'? How it compromises economic and social justice issues?
2013/ CSE Explain. 10C
GDP/ National Income
How did per capita income in India behave since Independence? Has it improved the
2017/CSE well being of the people uniformly. Give specific reasons. 15
2016/ CSE Discuss the changes in sectoral composition of GDP in recent years. 15
Why socialist model of development could not bring about an equitable distribution of
income in India and the country remained on a slow growth trajectory of 3 to 3.5% for
2014/ CSE a long time. Discuss. 10C
2014/ CSE Highlight the structural changes in Indian economy before 1991. 15
Trace the growth of real per capita income in India in the pre liberalisation period,
keeping in view the interplay of increasing population and increasing real national
2012/ CSE income. 12C
What are the factors which determine the size and composition of National Income? In
2012/ CSE this respect contrast the scenarios between pre and post liberalization periods. 30
"The declining share of commodity producing sectors - agriculture and industry - and
rising share of service sector is creating imbalances of far-reaching consequences in
2011/ CSE the economic." Critically analyse. 30
Human Development
How will you explain the paradox of high economic growth and low human
2017/ IES development in India in recent times? (200 words)
Why is India's Human Development record still poor in spite of high GDP growth rate?
2016/ IES (100 words)
India's Human Development record continues to be gloomy. Can you suggest
2015/ IES measures to improve it? (200 words)
Transformation of rural sector is key to economic development as it contains two third
of Indian population. How physical connectivity, electronic connectivity and knowledge
2013/ CSE connectivity may be helpful in this transformation? Explain the linkages. 25
Inequality/ Inclusive Growth/ Income Distribution
India's economic growth is associated with rising inequality. How does it happen and
2017/CSE what actions need to be taken to mitigate the problem? 20
Explain the major tools for measuring inequality. Highlight the more appropriate
2016/ CSE method of measuring inequality. 15
Specify the main factors which hindered trickle-down in Indian economy and agenda
2014/ CSE of 'inclusive growth' is being pressed into for economic justice. 10C
Vitalization of rural economy is key to inclusive growth which is possible through
2014/ CSE strategic management and technological upgradation. Explain. 15
2012/ CSE Compare the strategies of trickle down growth with inclusive growth. Why should the
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 10 of 13
 strategy of inclusive growth be preferred? 20
Critically evaluate the process of ‘trickle down’ as a policy stance for Indian economy.
2005/ CSE 60
2005/ CSE What are the determinants of the distribution of income in India? 60
Growth, Development
Critically evaluate inclusiveness and sustainability of growth and development strategy
2017/ IES in India in recent times. (200 words)
Industrial development and agricultural development are the two sides of the same
coin. What policy prescriptions would you advocate in the context of Indian economy?
2015/ IES (300 words)
Explain the major factors that affected the growth rate of the economy in post
2015/ CSE independence India till 1991. 20
Do you think Gandhian vision of development is still relevant in India? Explain with
2014/ CSE reasons. 15
While Indian economic growth in recent years is service-led growth and Chinese model
is manufacturing-led growth show the implications of the two models for long-term
2014/ CSE sustainable development. 10C
Skill development and thereby raising labour productivity like that in China would be
2014/ CSE the only panacea for long-term growth in Indian economy. Discuss. 10C
How could e-governance tackle the issues of corruption and inefficiency in the
2014/ CSE government sector ti lead to higher growth rate in the economy? Discuss. 15
What do you mean by the Hindu rate of growth? Why has it been argued that poverty
2012/ CSE cannot be eradicated under the Hindu rate of growth? 12C
What are the non-economic factors that play a significant role in economic
2011/ IES development? (50 words)
Elaborate upon Gandhian versus Nehruvian visions of India's development. Do you
2011/ CSE think Gandhian approach is again attracting scholars and the people? Give reasons. 30
2011/ CSE Throw light on the PURA model of rural development. 15 C
Compare and contrast the Swadeshi of 1905 and the Swadeshi promoted later by
2010/ CSE Mahatma Gandhi. 20C
In a supply constraint economy, how was it argued in India in the 1950s that deficit
2010/ CSE financing would help raise the growth rate? In his, analyse the validity of this view. 30
Discuss the poverty trends- both rural and urban, between 1973-74 and 2004-05
across States in terms of pace of reduction and concentration and relate them with
2010/ CSE changes in growth rate between the pre- and the post-liberalization periods. 60
Provide an analytical description of growth and change in the Indian economy during
2009/ CSE the period from 1950-51 to 1966-67. 60
What is the role of the State in economic development in India in the context of
2004/ CSE globalization and privatization? 20C
Economic Crisis of 1991/ Socialist Order
How was the economic crisis faced by India in the early 1990s related to her internal
2017/ IES fiscal imbalance? (100 words)
Why did socialist order fail and the country had to resort to market economy system?
2015/ CSE Give reasons. 10C
LPG Reforms
The economic liberalisation in India in the mid 90s aimed at industrial growth, actually
2017/CSE the service sector led the economy. Elucidate. 10C
Do you agree with the view that the process of globalisation in India has led to
2016/ IES 'unequal competition'? (300 words)
"In the changing economic environment, the goal of self-reliance is a myth." Do you
2015/ IES agree? (200 words)
2015/ IES "Second generation economic reforms should be accompanied with human capital
Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 11 of 13
 formation for sustained development in India." Discuss. (300 words)
Has New Economic Policy promoted jobless growth in India? Comment with evidence.
2014/ IES (200 words)
What are the consequences of deviation from socialist pattern of society and economy
2014/ CSE particularly for the persons below poverty line? Explain. 10C
Second generation economic reforms are crucial for raising the growth rate of the
2014/ CSE economy. Throw light on these dimensions. 10C
Explain the nature and process of public sector reforms in India? What additional
2012/ IES measures are required? (250 words)
What policy instruments are used in fiscal reforms in India and for what effect? (50
2012/ IES words)
What are the measures adopted since 1991 for structural adjustment of Indian
2012/ IES economy? (150 words)
2011/ IES Give five arguments in favour of trade reforms introduced in India in 1991. (50 words)
"Financial Sector Reforms undertaken in 1991 and 1998, were an essential pre-
requisite, for a globally integrated, liberalised, market based economy." Elaborate.
2011/ IES (150 words)
2011/ CSE Write on second generation economic reforms in India. 15C
Examine critically the Economic Reforms underway since 1991 with reference to their
2009/ CSE effect on inequality, poverty reduction and vulnerability to external socks. 60
2007/ CSE Is privatization a boon or a bane in India. 20C
What has been the impact of import liberalisation on Indian Manufacturing Industries
2005/ CSE since July 1991? 20C
Make an appraisal of economic reforms in India. What has been their impact on GDP
2004/ CSE growth, employment and poverty? 60

Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 12 of 13

Previous years Questions Economics (Paper 2) Page 13 of 13