NGOs, SHGs and Civil Society

17 UPSC Mains GS II questions on NGOs, SHGs and Civil Society, 2013 to 2025, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on NGOs, SHGs and Civil Society toppers answered.

1. 2025 Q6Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2025 Q8Civil Society Organizations are often perceived as being anti-State actors than non-State actors. Do you agree? Justify.10 marks · 150 words
3. 2025 Q15What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2024 Q6Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2023 Q14Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2022 Q17Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process ? Justify your answer.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2021 Q8Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.10 marks · 150 words
8. 2021 Q18Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organizations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2020 Q17“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 along with empowering women in rural India.15 marks · 250 words
10. 2019 Q17The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process.15 marks · 250 words
11. 2017 Q16“The emergence of the 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.15 marks · 250 words
12. 2016 Q10“In the Indian governance system, the role of non-state actors has been only marginal.” Critically examine this statement.12.5 marks · 200 words
13. 2015 Q8Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976.12.5 marks · 200 words
14. 2015 Q9The Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme (SBLP), which is India’s own innovation, has proved to be one of the most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programmes. Elucidate.12.5 marks · 200 words
15. 2015 Q10How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.12.5 marks · 200 words
16. 2014 Q10The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing socio-cultural hurdles. Examine.12.5 marks · 200 words
17. 2013 Q11The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss.10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.