1999 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1999 · General Studies

Question 75: Economy and Social Development

The population growth rate in Kerala is the lowest among major Indian states. Which one of the following is the most widely accepted reason for this?

aKerala has made the highest investment in family planning
bKerala has the highest literacy rate in India
cKerala has invested heavily in promoting literacy and public health and placed high priority on social policies
dThe population pyramid in Kerala has relatively fewer women in the reproductive age group

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Kerala's population growth is the lowest mainly because of heavy investment in literacy (especially women's), public health and social policies, which brought low infant mortality, later marriage and acceptance of smaller families. It does not have the highest spending on family planning, and its age structure is not the cause. Remember: the Kerala model is education, health and women's status.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Wrong. Kerala did not spend the most on family planning; its gains came from social development.
  • (b) Wrong. Literacy is part of the reason, but the full explanation is broader social investment.
  • (c) Right. Heavy investment in literacy, public health and social policy explains it.
  • (d) Wrong. Its age structure is not the reason.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1999, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.