Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
5. Examine as to how the pandemic has further exacerbated economic inequalities in the country and suggest measures to overcome the same. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been growing concern over the extent to which income and wealth disparities have widened in the country during this period.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of pandemic on inequalities and measures to overcome it.
Directive:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by stating a fact highlighting growing inequalities due to the pandemic.
Body:
In the first part, write the about how the pandemic has further exacerbated economic inequalities in the country – The rising unemployment rate, increasing casualisation of the workforce, rising dependence on MGNREGA and financial distress among MSMEs, when seen against the booming profits of large firms, a soaring stock market, and the vaulting fortunes of the rich. Give facts and examples to substantiate.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to combat the same and reduce the growing inequalities.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
