2016 · GS Paper 3 · Q6 · 12 marks
Comment on the challenges for inclusive growth which include careless and useless manpower in the Indian context. Suggest measures to be taken for facing these challenges.
In short
India's inclusive growth is held back by manpower that is under-educated, unskilled, unhealthy and trapped in informal farm work, a failure of investment rather than of people. The 2015 Skill Policy recorded only 4.69% of the workforce formally skilled, against 96% in South Korea.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 271 words
Weak foundations
ASER 2023 found about a quarter of rural 14-18 year-olds unable to read a Class II text fluently in their own language.
Skill gap
The 2015 Skill Policy recorded only 4.69% of the workforce formally skilled, against 96% in South Korea.
Poor health
NFHS-5 (2019-21) found 35.5% of under-five children stunted, a deficit that lowers adult learning and productivity.
Disguised unemployment
About 46% of workers remain in agriculture (PLFS 2023-24) and nearly 90% of jobs are informal.
Foundational learning
NIPUN Bharat and NEP 2020's vocational exposure should fix literacy and blend skills into school.
Demand-led skilling
Skill India Digital Hub, PMKVY and apprenticeships designed with employers, as in Germany's dual system, can link certificates to jobs.
Job-rich growth
Textiles, food processing and tourism, backed by the Employment Linked Incentive scheme of the 2024-25 Budget, can absorb farm workers.
Health and women's work
POSHAN Abhiyaan and creches can lift productivity and female participation, which reached 41.7% in 2023-24.
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Inclusive Growth11 questions
Asked in 9 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026Examine the view that financial inclusion is an integral part of social and economic inclusion in a country like India. Also throw light on the usefulness of the R.B.I.'s Financial Inclusion Index. (Answer in 150 words)
- 2023Distinguish between 'care economy' and 'monetized economy'. How can care economy be brought into monetized economy through women empowerment?
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.