Welfare Schemes

13 UPSC Mains GS II questions on Welfare Schemes, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Welfare Schemes toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q7Malnutrition in India is not merely a public health concern; it is also a challenge of social equity, human development and effective welfare governance. Discuss.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2026 Q17Can the constitutional mandate of rights-based welfare be effectively realised in the context of non-integrated governance and minimal public investment ? Examine.15 marks · 250 words
3. 2023 Q17“Development and welfare schemes for the vulnerable, by its nature, are discriminatory in approach.” Do you agree ? Give reasons for your answer.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2022 Q8Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.10 marks · 150 words
5. 2022 Q16Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
6. 2019 Q18Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. — Discuss.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2017 Q8Hunger and poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement.10 marks · 150 words
8. 2017 Q17“Poverty alleviation programmes in India remain mere showpieces until and unless they are backed up by political will.” Discuss with reference to the performance of the major poverty alleviation programmes in India.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2014 Q11Do government's schemes for up-lifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies ?12.5 marks · 200 words
10. 2014 Q15Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz. the Adhaar Card and NPR, one as voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth.12.5 marks · 200 words
11. 2013 Q9The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginnings in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success.10 marks · 200 words
12. 2013 Q12The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate.10 marks · 200 words
13. 2013 Q13Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment.10 marks · 200 words

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