PAPER - II - 2004 Time Allowed: Three Hours Maximum Marks: 300
Candidates should attempt Questions 1 and 5 which are compulsory and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each Section. SECTION A
1. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each: 20 x 3=60
(a) Discuss the 'Drain of Wealth Controversy' of the late 19th century.
(b) Make a critical appraisal of the Common Minimum Programme.
(c) Discuss the rationale of government subsidies to various categories of goods in India. Is granting subsidies to non-merit goods justified?
(d) What is the role of the State in economic development in India in the context of globalisation and privatisation?
2. Suggest appropriate strategies for self-sustained employment generation in the rural economy of India. Do you think that the proposed National Employment Guarantee Act is a model safety net for those without work? 60
3. What is the role of the small- scale industries in the Indian economy? Discuss briefly the main recommendations of the Study Group on Development of Small Enterprises. 60
4. Enumerate the recommendations of the Committee on Banking Sector Reforms (1998) in India. What follow-up actions have been undertaken by the Government for implementing these recommendations? 60
SECTION B
5. Answer any three of the following in about 200 words each: 20 x 3 = 60
(a) Has WTO helped the developing countries as wasprofessed at the time of its establishment? Givereasons for your answer with reference to the Indian economy.
(b) Discuss the Kelkar Task Force recommendations on indirect taxes. Has the Government implemented them?
(c) In what ways have banks in India diversified their functions and adopted new technologies since their nationalisation?
(d) Examine the need for foreign capital in the Indian economy and discuss critically the Government policy on foreign direct investment.
6. Make an appraisal of economic reforms in India. What has been their impact on GDP growth, employment and poverty? 60
7. Account for the transition from central planning, to indicative planning in India. Do you think that adoption of PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) attempts a reconciliation between employment and GDP growth objectives? 60
8. What are the recommendations of the Eleventh Finance Commission to reduce budget deficits? Enumerate the actions taken by the Government of India on them. 60