Social Issue UPSC Mains Topic wise Previous Year Questions (1979-2023)

1. Social Welfare

The International Year of the Child. 1979
The Backward Classes Commission, which was constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri B. P. Mandal has recommended that 27% of vacancies should be reserved for “backward classes”. In addition to the existing reservations for persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, this reservation will apply to admissions in the educational institutions. State briefly the points, which may be urged in favour of and against the above recommendation. What are your views? (200 words) 1982
Explain the implications of the recent Supreme Court verdict on reservations in private and minority educational institutions. 2005
Write a brief note on the ‘Swavalamban’ Scheme. 2010
The Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach to sanitation. Comment. 2011
“An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. 2016
What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence, addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (150 words) 2017

2. Demography/Human Resource/ Management/Population Issues

What are the major recommendations of the Swaminathan Committee Draft National Population Policy, relating to gender issues? 1994
Review the population policy of the Gort. of India, giving the distinguishing features. 2001
Explain the UNDP Report on Human Development in India. 2004
Bring out the significance of GDI and GEM as components of the UN India s’ Human Development Report (HDR). Comment on relative rankings with regard to HDI and GDI. 2010
What do you understand by the term “Innovation”? Discuss the need for launching a national innovation policy in India. (250 words) 2012
Keeping in views the informal sector’s share in the total workforce of the country, and critically examines the relevant inclusive measures intiated by the Government of India and their effectiveness. (250 words) 2012
The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. 2014
“When we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employ ability.” What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain. 2014
Critically examine whether the growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. 2015
Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for the assertion of Dalit identity work towards the annihilation of caste. 2015
How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favorable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? 2015
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. 2015
Why are the tribal in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. 2016
“Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? 2016
Explore and evaluate the impact of Work From Home’ on family relationships. (Answer in 150 words) 2022

3. Literacy/Education

Of late, it has been felt that due to various uncontrollable forces the degrees given by many universities in India do not properly reflect the merit and caliber of their holders. As such employment should be de-linked from degrees. Express your own views on this issue. (200 words) 1984
The New Educational Policy has since been approved by the Parliament in May, 1986. How is it new? What are the salient points of this policy? What is the concept of Model Schools? What are your views on the New Educational Policy? (About 200 words) 1986
What are the recommendations of the Ramamurthi Committee in respect of Navodaya Schools? What are the observations of the Committee of Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) on its recommendations? (About 125 words each) 1992
Write a note on the National Literacy Mission. 1996
What is the Prime Minister’s Five-point agenda for India’s development as a Knowledge Society? 2003
Is greater spending on education linked to higher literacy?” Discuss. 2004
Write short note on National knowledge Commission in about 200 words. 2005
What are the linkages to be developed under the Knowledge Revolution for Rural India Plan?2006
Bring out the issues involved in implementing compulsory primary education in India. 2006
Write notes on: Prime Minister’s 5-point agenda for India’s development as a knowledge society. (125words)2007
Mushrooming of Higher Educational Institutions was a matter of grave concern for Yashpal Committee. With reference to the relevant portion of that report your views on how to harmonies. 2009
private investment and quality of education. Comment on the recent launching of the National Mission on Libraries (NML). (50 words) 2012
The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss. 2015
Professor Amartya Sen has advocated important reforms in the realms of primary education and primary health care. What are your suggestions to improve their status and performance? 2016
How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (250 words)2020
“Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful. (150 words)2021
Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio – economic development? Examine with justification.2021

4. Corruption In Public Life

What was the Recruit Scandal? What have been its implications? 1989
For what purposes was the Consumers Protection Act enacted in India? How far would the latest amendments in the Act help the self-employed persons? 1993
On what issues had Sunderlal Bahuguna been lately resorting to fasts? 1996
Suggest measures for the eradication of wide spread corruption in Public Life in India. 2003
What are the distinctive features of the Lokpal Bill introduced in the Parliament? 2003
In the light of the Satyam Scandal, 2009, discuss the changes brought in the corporate governance to ensure transparency and accountability. 2015
In the integrity index of Transparency International, India stands very low. Discuss briefly the legal, political, economic, social and cultural factors that have caused the decline of public morality in India. 2016

5. Rehabilitation

What are the issues involved in solving the problem of refugees from Bhutan? 1996
Write a short note on Rehabilitation of street children in India. 2005
What are the problems related to the rehabilitation of the mentally challenged persons in India? 2006
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS). Comment. (150 words) 2011

6. Urbanization

What is PURA? Discuss its major objectives. 2004
Housing for all by 2010 is the goal set by the National Habitat Policy. How far is it achievable? 2004
What is eco-tourism? How could it be promoted in India? 2005
“The conditions of the urban poor are more deplorable than that of their rural counterparts.” Give your views. (250 words) 2008
Examine the status of urbanisation among the states in India and bring out the spatial inequalities. 2009
Write about BSUP Scheme. 2009
Write a brief but precise note on “Break-of-bulk” towns. 2010
The significance of counter-urbanisation in the improvement of metropolitan cities in India. Examine. (150 words) 2011
Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanisation in India. (200 words) 2013
The basis of providing urban amenities to rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. (200 words) 2013
With a brief background of the quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the Smart City Programme”. 2016
What are ‘Smart Cities? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. 2016
How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? (Answer in 150 words) 2022

7. Effects Of Globalisation on Indian Society

Critically examine the effect of globalisation on the aged population in India. (200 words) 2013
Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalisation on women in India. 2015
To what extent globalisation has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. 2016
How globalisation has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalisation detrimental to the development of the country? 2016
‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to these cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in Indian Society. Elucidate. (250 words) 2018
Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (250 words) 2019
Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (250 words) 2020
Elucidate the relationship between globalisation and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (Answer in 250 words) 2022

8. Child Labour /Child Welfare

Why has the question of child labour become more important recently? How is it going to affect India? (100 words) 1993
Discuss the steps taken by the Government to check child labour and promote child welfare. 2003
What are the social and economic consequences of abolishing child labour in India? 2006
Examine the main provisions of the National Child Policy and throw light on the status of its implementation. 2006
Discuss the steps to get rid of child labour in India. (250 words) 2007
The Union Cabinet recently cleared the proposal to rename and amend the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. What are the salient features of the proposed amendments? (150 words) 2012

10. Gender Equality /Women/Women Organizations

The most striking change in our social life today is the improved status of women. Who and what organizations helped their cause enabling them to attain their present status? What important safeguards have been provided in the Constitution and the laws of the land for protection of women’s interests? In what directions are further legal measures for their protection called for? (200 words) 1980
In Delhi alone, 162 cases of burning of women have been reported to the police during the period between 1.4.83 and 30.6.83. Almost all of them were married young women alleged to have been maltreated or tortured for not bringing sufficient dowry. What are the reasons for this phenomenon? Why are such cases rare amongst the Muslims? What measures are being taken by the Government of India to root out the pernicious system of dowry and to stop “bride burning”? What further measures are called for, in your opinion. (150 words) 1983
Write on equality in India. 2003
Write a short note for equal rights for women in parental property. 2005
What is meant by ’empowerment of women’ in India? 2006
Explain the social constraints in bringing about gender equality in Indian society. 2006
Write about Female infanticide in about 20 words. 2006
What were the main recommendations of the Platform for Action (PFA) adopted at the Beijing Women Conference 1995? (250 words) 2007
Examine whether rural women in India have been empowered by their active participation in Panchayat Raj System. (150 words) 2008
“Decline in the sex ratio in India is an alarming sign for India’s future social development.” Discuss. (150 words) 2008
What are your views on the features and impact of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005? 2009
Bring out the salient features of the PCPNDT Act, 1994, and the implications of its amendment in 2003. (250 words) 2011
What is the ‘Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalat? (50 words) 2012
“Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias”. Comment. (200 words) 2013
How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in India? 2014
Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. 2014
Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving the increasing feminization of agriculture in India. 2014
Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? 2016
Is the National Commission for Women able to strategies and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (250 words) 2017
“Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata?’ Substantiate your view. (250 words) 2018
“Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss (150 words) 2019
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (250 words) 2019
“Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (250 words) 2021
Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (150 words) 2021

11. Poverty And Development Issues

COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (150 words) 2020

12. Law Enforcement Issues

What are the important recommendations of the technical committee headed by Air Marshal Ramdass regarding operation of A-320 aircraft in Indian Airlines? (30 words) 1990
For what reasons have the Parliamentarians recently stressed the importance of setting up a National Security Council in India? (100 words) 1995
Write about MTP Act. (200 words) 2008
Write a brief note on National Security Advisory Board. 2009
The Bihar Special Courts Act, 2009 and why it has been in the news recently? Comment. 2011
Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra-constitutional authorities, often delivering pronouncements amounting to human rights violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative, executive and judiciary to set things right in this regard. 2015

13. Human Rights

How do the recommendations of the World Conference on Human Rights held at Vienna reflect India’s concern on terrorism and self-determination? 1993
What measures would you suggest to make Human Rights effective and operative? 1996
Discuss the provisions of the Human Rights Protection Act (1993) relating to the following: (i) Defiintion of human rights. (ii) Composition of the National Human Rights Commission (iii) Functions of the Commission. (iv) What suggestions have been made for amending the Act for making the role of the NHRC more effective? 2000
Discuss the propositions laid down by the Supreme Court of India in the context of Torture in Prisons and Human Dignity. 2000
What are the Human Rights issues involved in relation to the arrest of M. Karunaindhi in Tamil Nadu in July 2001? 2001
Though Citizens’ charters have been formulated by many public service delivery orgainsations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and the quality of services being provided. Analyse. (200 words) 2013
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of the above observation, assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting human rights standards. 2014
Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measure. (250 words) 2021

14. Programmes

Immediately after Independence, Land reform measures were initiated to achieve the twin objectives of increasing agricultural production and attainment of social justice. What types of measures have been taken by the states to achieve these objectives and with what results? What is the role of the Uinon Government in these matters? (150 words) 1983
Is there any scheme of social security for industrial workers in India? If so, what benefits does it provide to them? 1985
Write notes on Swarn Jayanti Gram Swaraj Yojana. 2001
What is “TRIFED”? What are its objectives? 2002
What is Integrated Wastelands Development Programme? 2002
Write briefly about Desert Development Programme. 2002
Write briefly about the Programmes for the Welfare of the Disabled. 2002
Write a note on the Sethu samudram Project. 2005
Write a note on Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). (125 words) 2007
Write on Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Indhi (RGVN) in about 20 words. 2009
Comment on the recommendations of the Wadhwa Commission on the Public Distribution System. 2010
“Success of Make in India’ program depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments. 2015

15. Institutions

Write a note on Universal Postal Union. 2000
Write about CRY in 20 words. 2000
Write a note on Law Commission of India. 2001
Write a note on Lalit Kala Akademi. 2001
Write about ICCR in 20 words. 2001
Write about Sports Authority of India. 2001
Write about NCERT in 20 words. 2001
Write on Natural Heritage and Cultural Heritage. 2003
Write about the following: (a) ISRO (b) Central Vigilance Commission (c) NDDB. (20 words)2004
“Upliftment of the neglected sections of society will be best served with many more centers of the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University.” Expand on the assertion made. 2010
The Jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging an FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the State to withhold consent of the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India. (250 words) 2021

17. Drug Abuse

What are psychedelic drugs? Give a few examples. What are their effects? Drug abuse and drug addiction have become a serious problem in many countries. What steps are being taken to help the victims of drug abuse? 1985

18. Communal Harmony/National Integration/Diversity of India

What do you consider are the problems of National Integration in India? Suggest suitable remedies. (250 words) 1988
What is the National Integration Council? Is there a need for it? What was the major outcome of the recent meeting of the National Integration Council? 1991
What are the features of the Uttar Pradesh Regulation of Public Religious Buildings and Places Bill, 2000, that have caused widespread protests from minorities? 2000
Discuss the problems in achieving National Integration in India. (150 words) 2008
Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. 2015
In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples from your viewpoint. (150 words) 2017
The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from the very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. (250 words) 2017
“Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India”. Comment. 2018
Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (250 words) 2019
Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi – cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (150 words) 2020
Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (250 words) 2020
Given the diversities among the tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (Answer in 150 words) 2022
Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. (Answer in 250 words) 2022

19. Right To Information

Comment on the significance of the Preamble contained in the Right to Information Act. (50 words) 2012
“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss. (150 words) 2020

20. Food Security

Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (200 words) 2013
India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement. (200 words) 2013
How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (250 words) 2018

21. Public Health

In the context of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, India has emerged as a hub of commercial surrogacy. What key biological, legal and ethical issues merit consideration while framing the regulation to govern surrogacy in India? (100 words) 2012
Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (200 words) 2013
The public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? 2015

22. Self Help Groups/NGOs

The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. (200 words) 2013
The penetration of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine. 2014.
Examine critically the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. 2015
The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.2015
How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to the protection of the Environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. 2015
“The emergence of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in contemporary times points to the slow but steady withdrawal of the State from developmental activities.” Examine the role of the SHGs in developmental activities and the measures taken by the Government of India to promote the SHGs. (250 words) 2017
“Micro-finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of the Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives of empowering women in rural India. (250 words) 2020
Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through the microfinancing of women SHGS? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 2021
Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental organisations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges to this alternative model. (250 words) 2021

23. Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism

What is Regionalism? In which way regionalism has affected the Indian polity? (250 words) 2007
How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the west? 2014
What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. 2016
Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. (250 words) 2017
How is the Indian concept of secularism is different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (150 words) 2018
Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (250 words) 2018
What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? (150 words) 2019
Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (150 words) 2020
Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 2022

24. Miscellaneous

How has the dwindling barbed variety of rice affected the Siliguri – Bagdogra belt with respect to man-animal conflict? 2002
What is Enterprise Resource planning? 2004
Write a short note on Ban on Bar Dancing. 2005
Write about R C I. 2005
“Globalisation has brought about a distinct class divide in India instead of ushering in a classless society.” Critically examine this argument. (250 words) 2008
What should be the role of the media in projecting’ mass reality’ in place of ‘illusion of reality? 2008
“Cost – benefit analysis should not be the sole consideration, while deciding to host events like the Commonwealth Games.” Critically comment on this perspective. 2010
What are the salient features of The National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan? 2010
You arrive first at, the scene where a bus accident has just occurred. What emergency measures should you immediately and safely adopt? 2010
Write a brief note on Babli Project. 2010
How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social value? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (250 words) 2021