Q1.

“Antyodaya lies at the heart of India’s inclusive development model.”
Discuss in light of welfare measures adopted over the last decade. (GS Paper 2 – Governance, Welfare Schemes)

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Define Antyodaya: A Gandhian ideal and Deendayal Upadhyay’s philosophy of uplifting the “last person”.

• Mention how this vision aligns with the government’s approach in the Amrit Kaal.

Body:

A. Key Antyodaya-Driven Schemes and Data:

• PMGKY: Free foodgrains to 81 crore people.

• PMAY-Gramin: 4 crore houses.

• Jal Jeevan Mission: 15 crore rural households connected to tap water.

• PM SVANidhi: 68 lakh street vendors supported.

• MUDRA/Stand-Up India: >50% beneficiaries from SC/ST/OBC categories.

B. Structural Empowerment:

• Financial inclusion (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile trinity).

• Health (Ayushman Bharat, Jan Aushadhi Kendras).

• Digital delivery of services (UMANG app, Digilocker).

C. Impact:

• IMF and UNDP indicators: India has eliminated extreme poverty.

• Over 112 Aspirational Districts outpaced state averages.

Conclusion:

• India’s welfare architecture in the Amrit Kaal exemplifies “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” through universal access and targeted empowerment.

• Future focus: Quality enhancement and data-driven delivery.

Q2.

Evaluate the progress of India’s agricultural sector under the “Beej se Bazaar Tak” vision. What challenges remain? (GS Paper 3 – Agriculture, Economy)

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• “Beej se Bazaar Tak” signifies the full-cycle reform in agriculture – from input support to market linkages.

• Mention context: Amrit Kaal’s focus on doubling farmer income and modernizing agriculture.

Body:

A. Achievements:

• PM-KISAN: ₹3.7 lakh crore direct benefit transfers.

• MSP procurement up: Pulses by 7350%, Oilseeds by 1500%.

• e-NAM: 1,473 mandis integrated.

• Agri Infra Fund: ₹1 lakh crore for logistics, cold chains.

• Shree Anna Mission: International Year of Millets (2023).

• RKVY: 1943 agri-startups supported.

B. Outcomes:

• Foodgrain output: 347 MMT.

• Processed food exports doubled to $9.03 bn.

• 63.56% rise in milk production.

C. Challenges:

• Small landholdings and productivity gaps.

• Market inefficiencies and middlemen control.

• Climate change impacts on crops and yields.

• Regional disparities in MSP access.

• Dependence on subsidies vs long-term reform.

Conclusion:

• Strong foundation laid, but must now focus on climate-smart agriculture, water-use efficiency, and value-chain integration.

Q3.

“Women-led development is no longer a slogan but a reality.”
Critically examine the policy initiatives and outcomes driving Nari Shakti in recent years. (GS Paper 2 – Women Empowerment)

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Begin with the concept of women-led development replacing women-centric development.

• Reference lifecycle-based empowerment approach in the report.

Body:

A. Policy Initiatives:

• MUDRA Loans: 35.38 crore loans to women (68% of total).

• SHGs & Lakhpati Didis: 10 crore women involved, 3 crore targeted as micro-entrepreneurs.

• Paid Maternity Leave: Extended to 26 weeks.

• Ujjwala Yojana, PMMVY, Mission Shakti, Mahila Samman Savings Certificate.

B. Outcomes:

• Sex Ratio at Birth: Improved to 1020:1000.

• Institutional Deliveries & MMR: Significant improvement.

• PMAY Ownership: 73% houses in women’s names.

• Entrepreneurship: 50,000 startups with a woman director.

C. Critical Analysis:

• Positive progress in access, participation, and visibility.

• Gaps in safety, representation in corporate/governance leadership.

• Skilling & digital literacy still uneven.

Conclusion:

• India’s model can be a global example if economic, social and digital empowerment of women is deepened alongside mindset change.

Q4.

Discuss the impact of digital infrastructure on improving the quality of life of India’s middle class. (GS Paper 2/3 – Governance, Technology)

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Define the growing middle class and its aspirations (housing, services, mobility, digital access).

• Digital India as a key enabler during Amrit Kaal.

Body:

A. Digital Platforms for Public Services:

• UMANG App: 2297+ government services digitized.

• DigiLocker: 52 crore users; digital certificates.

• UPI: 46 crore users; seamless digital transactions.

• 5G rollout: 99.6% districts in 22 months.

B. Housing and Mobility:

• 4 crore homes under PMAY.

• Metro expansion: From 5 to 23 cities.

• SWAMIH Fund: ₹37,000 crore to revive stalled real estate.

C. Empowerment through Financial Inclusion:

• New Tax Regime: Relief for salaried taxpayers.

• GST simplification, Svamitva Yojana for rural property titles.

Conclusion:

• The middle class has become a digital citizen—empowered, connected, and participatory.

• Further reforms needed in education, health, and employment security.

Q5.

How has India’s approach to public health changed post-pandemic? Discuss with reference to Amrit Kaal healthcare initiatives. (GS Paper 2 – Health)

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• COVID-19 as a turning point for healthcare expansion and digitization.

• India shifted from reactive to proactive and preventive care.

Body:

A. Infrastructure and Capacity Building:

• 220 crore+ vaccine doses administered.

• 1.18 lakh MBBS and 74,000 PG seats.

• AIIMS expansion: Especially in the Northeast.

B. Digital and Affordable Healthcare:

• Ayushman Bharat: 9+ crore hospital admissions (₹1.3 lakh cr).

• ABHA Cards: 77 crore health IDs.

• e-Sanjeevani: 37 crore+ teleconsultations.

C. Jan Aushadhi & Financial Protection:

• 16,000+ Jan Aushadhi Kendras saved ₹38,000 crore.

• PM-ABHIM for health infrastructure.

D. Health Indicators Improvement:

• MMR dropped from 130 to 80.

• Institutional deliveries increased.

Conclusion:

• India is moving toward Universal Health Coverage with digital-first, inclusive, and low-cost models.

• Focus ahead: rural access, quality care, and preventive health.