UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies
Question 8: Polity and Governance
Consider the following statements:
- 1.There is no provision in the Constitution of India to encourage equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
- 2.The Constitution of India does not define backward classes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
Article 39(d), a Directive Principle, directs the State to secure equal pay for equal work for men and women, so statement 1 is false. The Constitution refers to 'socially and educationally backward classes' (Articles 15(4) and 340) but never defines the term; its meaning has been worked out by commissions and the courts. Statement 2 is therefore correct. Remember that Directive Principles are not enforceable in court, yet they are still provisions of the Constitution.
- 1. Article 39(d) directs equal pay for equal work for men and women.
- 2. The Constitution uses 'backward classes' without defining it.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Article 39(d) directs equal pay for equal work for men and women.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (d) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: The Constitution uses 'backward classes' without defining it.
Only (b) is left. This one needs every statement.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Statement 1 is false because Article 39(d) covers equal pay for men and women.
- (b) Correct: only statement 2 holds.
- (c) Statement 1 fails, since Article 39(d) provides for equal pay.
- (d) Statement 2 is true, so this cannot be right.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.