The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted the systemic barriers that impede job opportunities for women. To sustain and enhance women’s participation in the workforce, it is essential to remove restrictions on women working in certain occupations. This responsibility lies with state governments. As women cite childcare responsibilities as a consideration in deciding on employment, childcare facilities and crèches will go a long way in female participation in the labour force. Additionally, policies should prioritise targeted skill development and support for emerging sectors while encouraging transitioning from traditional to non-traditional roles. Aligning skill development programmes with industry needs and adopting a long-term strategy focused on women and girls will prepare them for evolving job opportunities and help India effectively leverage its demographic dividend. Reshaping the labour market with an emphasis on women-led development is crucial for achieving gender parity and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage?
(a) Non-traditional job roles and emerging sectors offer the only viable employment opportunities for women in India's evolving economy.
(b) India's path to leveraging its demographic dividend and achieving inclusive economic growth is critically dependent on state governments prioritizing the removal of all occupational restrictions for women.
(c) To enhance women's participation in India's workforce, a comprehensive strategy is required, involving the removal of occupational barriers, provision of childcare, and targeted, industry-aligned skill development for women.
(d) India's demographic dividend can only be effectively realized if women are exclusively channelled into emerging high-tech sectors through specialized skill development.

Question

The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted the systemic barriers that impede job opportunities for women. To sustain and enhance women&rsquo;s participation in the workforce, it is essential to remove restrictions on women working in certain occupations. This responsibility lies with state governments. As women cite childcare responsibilities as a consideration in deciding on employment, childcare facilities and cr&egrave;ches will go a long way in female participation in the labour force. Additionally, policies should prioritise targeted skill development and support for emerging sectors while encouraging transitioning from traditional to non-traditional roles. Aligning skill development programmes with industry needs and adopting a long-term strategy focused on women and girls will prepare them for evolving job opportunities and help India effectively leverage its demographic dividend. Reshaping the labour market with an emphasis on women-led development is crucial for achieving gender parity and fostering inclusive economic growth.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage?
(a) Non-traditional job roles and emerging sectors offer the only viable employment opportunities for women in India's evolving economy.
(b) India's path to leveraging its demographic dividend and achieving inclusive economic growth is critically dependent on state governments prioritizing the removal of all occupational restrictions for women.
(c) To enhance women's participation in India's workforce, a comprehensive strategy is required, involving the removal of occupational barriers, provision of childcare, and targeted, industry-aligned skill development for women.
(d) India's demographic dividend can only be effectively realized if women are exclusively channelled into emerging high-tech sectors through specialized skill development.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement (a) is not correct: The passage encourages "transitioning from traditional to non-traditional roles" and support for "emerging sectors," but doesn't claim these are the only viable opportunities. The aim is broader preparation for "evolving job opportunities."

Statement (b) is not correct: Removing restrictions is stated as essential and a state responsibility, but the passage also stresses childcare and skill development as vital. It's one key part of a broader strategy.

Statement (c) is correct: This statement accurately summarizes the main components of the proposed solution for enhancing women's workforce participation: removing restrictions, providing childcare support, and implementing targeted skill development, all aimed at achieving the broader goals of gender parity and inclusive growth.
Statement (d) is not correct: The passage mentions support for "emerging sectors" and "non-traditional roles" but doesn't argue for exclusive channeling or only high-tech sectors. The focus is broader.

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The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted the systemic barriers that impede job opportunities for women. To sustain and enhance women’s participation in the workforce, it is essential to remove restrictions on women working in certain occupations. This responsibility lies with state governments. As women cite childcare responsibilities as a consideration in deciding on employment, childcare facilities and crèches will go a long way in female participation in the labour force. Additionally, policies should prioritise targeted skill development and support for emerging sectors while encouraging transitioning from traditional to non-traditional roles. Aligning skill development programmes with industry needs and adopting a long-term strategy focused on women and girls will prepare them for evolving job opportunities and help India effectively leverage its demographic dividend. Reshaping the labour market with an emphasis on women-led development is crucial for achieving gender parity and fostering inclusive economic growth. Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage? (a) Non-traditional job roles and emerging sectors offer the only viable employment opportunities for women in India's evolving economy. (b) India's path to leveraging its demographic dividend and achieving inclusive economic growth is critically dependent on state governments prioritizing the removal of all occupational restrictions for women. (c) To enhance women's participation in India's workforce, a comprehensive strategy is required, involving the removal of occupational barriers, provision of childcare, and targeted, industry-aligned skill development for women. (d) India's demographic dividend can only be effectively realized if women are exclusively channelled into emerging high-tech sectors through specialized skill development.