UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper 2 Q6: model answer
In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed, particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss.
What the question wants
Discuss why sound health policies for the elderly and for mothers are needed to advance social development.
How to structure it
Discuss: two groups, need, policies, gaps.
- Why these two
- Geriatric care
- Maternal care
- Way forward
How to think it through
India is ageing fast: about one in ten Indians is over 60, likely one in five by 2050. Maternal mortality has fallen sharply but anaemia persists. Two ends of life, both neglected by a hospital-centred system.
Model answer
Two groups reveal the health system's quality: the mother at childbirth and the elderly at the end of life. India has improved the first and barely begun on the second.
Geriatric care
- About 10% of Indians are over 60; the India Ageing Report 2023 projects about 20% by 2050.
- Chronic diseases, dementia, disability and loneliness; many elderly women are widowed and poor.
- Policies: the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (2010), the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act (2007), and PM-JAY for everyone over 70 (2024).
- Gaps: few geriatric specialists, little home care, weak pension coverage.
Maternal care
- MMR has fallen below 100 per lakh live births (SRS), from over 500 in 1990.
- Institutional deliveries reached about 89% (NFHS-5).
- Policies: Janani Suraksha Yojana, PMSMA, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, LaQshya.
- Gaps: anaemia, teenage pregnancy, regional gaps (Assam and UP).
Way forward
Geriatric wards and home care, ASHA training for the elderly, anaemia control and nutrition for mothers.
Healthy mothers and dignified ageing mark a society's social development.
Draw: A lifecycle line with two marked points: childbirth and old age.
Keywords, cases and data to drop in
India Ageing Report 2023, NPHCE 2010, MWPSC Act 2007, PM-JAY 70+, MMR (SRS), JSY, PMSMA, PMMVY, LaQshya, anaemia.
Where most answers lose marks
- Covering only one of the two groups.
Related Mains PYQs
- The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without… UPSC 2022 · GS-II
- “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyze. UPSC 2021 · GS-II
- National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in… UPSC 2020 · GS-II
- Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced… UPSC 2019 · GS-II
Fresh examples from current affairs
Panel to review pharma marketing code: UCPMP 2024 and why a voluntary code is not enough
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has set up a committee under Dr. M. Srinivas, Member, NITI Aayog, to review how drug companies market medicines and to suggest ways to curb unethical practices, PIB said on 23 October 2026. Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan and Dr. Naresh Trehan of Medanta are members, and the report is due within two months of its first meeting. The core issue: the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices is still voluntary.
UPSC angle: Prelims: UCPMP, Department of Pharmaceuticals, NITI Aayog. · Mains GS-II: health governance, regulation and ethics.
24 Oct 2026
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan reaches 35 crore people: demand reduction and the 2029 drug-free goal
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said on 22 October 2026 that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has reached over 35 crore people, including 13.94 crore youth and 10.86 crore women, and more than 32 lakh educational institutions. Launched on 15 August 2020 in 272 vulnerable districts, it now runs across the country. It is the demand side of a twin strategy, while police and the NCB attack supply, with the Home Minister’s target of uprooting the drug trade by 31 December 2029.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NMBA, NAPDDR, Article 47, NDPS Act, helpline 14446. · Mains GS-II/III: drug abuse, demand and supply reduction.
23 Oct 2026
FSSAI notices to Nestlé and Zydus over baby-food and Complan claims: what the rules say
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued show-cause notices to Nestlé India over two infant products and to Zydus Wellness over Complan, asking for scientific proof of claims such as ‘easy to digest’, ‘supports normal immune system’ and ‘2X Faster Growth’. The move comes as FSSAI also proposes ending the allowance for added sucrose and fructose in foods for infants up to six months.
UPSC angle: Prelims: FSSAI, IMS Act 1992, Codex, HMOs. · Mains GS-II: regulation of food advertising; child nutrition.
22 Oct 2026
NMC withdraws MSMER-2023: medical colleges lose the fixed penalty rulebook, annual disclosure stays
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has de-notified the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER-2023) by a notification dated 14 October 2026, published in the Gazette on 16 October. Its fixed penalties, including seat cuts and fines of up to ₹5 lakh for false records, go with it. The Annual Disclosure Report stays.
UPSC angle: Prelims: NMC Act 2019, autonomous boards, Concurrent List Entry 25. · Mains GS-II: regulation of medical education.
19 Oct 2026Learn the concept
Question text as printed in the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) question paper. The model answer is original Battle IAS work; use it to learn structure, not to memorise.
Want every PYQ in one place? See the Battle IAS PYQ Book.