2017 CSAT, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2017 · CSAT

Question 42: Reading Comprehension

Passage—2 · as printed by UPSC
Passage beginning “There has been a significant trend worldwide…”Passage beginning “There has been a significant trend worldwide…”

Which among the following is the most logical, rational and critical inference that can be made from the above passage?

aEmergence of powerful mass leaders is essential to create sub-national political entities and thus ensure successful devolution and decentralization.
bThe upper tier of government should impose devolution and decentralization on the regional communities by law or otherwise.
cDevolution, to be successful, requires a democracy in which there is free expression of the will of the people at lower level and their active participation at the grassroots level.
dFor devolution to take place, a strong feeling of regionalism in the masses is essential.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

The passage says devolution rests on three things: mass demand from below (political legitimacy), decentralised authority and decentralised resources. When decentralisation is started from above without mobilisation at the grassroots, it often fails to meet its aims. So successful devolution needs people at the lower level to express their will and take part actively, which needs a democratic setting. Options needing mass leaders, imposition from above or strong regionalism go beyond or against the passage.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Powerful mass leaders are not mentioned as essential.
  • (b) Imposition from above is what the passage says often fails.
  • (c) Correct: legitimacy comes from below, and top-down decentralisation without grassroots mobilisation often fails.
  • (d) Regionalism is described as a trend, not a precondition; the condition is mass demand from below.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

Practise this paper timedPrevious questionNext question

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2017, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.