Q. The demographic dividend, which has begun in India and is expected to last another few decades, is a great window of opportunity.
The demographic dividend is basically a swelling in the working age population, which conversely means that the relative ratio of very young and very old will, for a while, be on the decline. From the experience of Ireland and China, we know that this can be a source of energy and an engine of economic growth. The demographic dividend tends to raise a nation’s savings rate since in any nation, it is the working age population that is the main saver. And since the savings rate is an important driver of growth, this should help elevate our growth rate. However, the benefits of demographic dividend depend on the quality of the working age population. And this implies bringing back the importance of education, acquisition of skills and human capital.
Q. 1. Which of the following would invariably happen in a country, when the demographic dividend has begun to operate?
1. The number of illiterate people will decrease.
2. The ratio of very old and very young will decrease for a while
3. Population growth rate will quickly stabilize.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- a. 1 and 2 only
- b. 2 only
- c. 1 and 3 only
- d. 1, 2 and 3
Q. 2. With reference to the passage, which of the following inferenaces can be drawn?
1. Demographic dividend is an essential condition for a country to rapidly increase its economic growth rate.
2. Promotion of higher education is an essential condition for a country for its rapid economic growth.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- a. 1 only
- b. 2 only
- c. Both 1 and 2
- d. Neither 1 nor 2
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 CSAT Paper
Explanation :
Q1: Correct Answer – b. 2 only
Explanation – The correct answer is b. 2 only. The demographic dividend is a period when the working-age population swells and the relative ratio of very young and very old decreases for a while . This can lead to an increase in savings rate and economic growth . However, it does not necessarily mean that the number of illiterate people will decrease or that population growth rate will quickly stabilize .
Q2: Correct Answer – d. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation – Statement 1 incorrect: As per the passage, demographic dividend provides a (great) opportunity for economic growth, as is exemplified by the lines “The demographic dividend, which has begun in India and is expected to last another few decades, is a great window of opportunity.” However, this does not imply that is an “essential condition” for economic growth. That means that economic growth might be possible even if a country is not in its demographic dividend phase.
Statement 2 incorrect: The passage only talks about the importance of education (acquisition of skills and human capital). It does specify higher education as such- For example, vocational education also helps in the acquisition of skills. Hence, based on the information provided in the passage, we cannot infer that higher education is an essential condition for a country for its rapid economic growth.
