UPSC Prelims 2020— Question 88

This question tests post-1991 rural-urban structural change. The key concept is: Post-1991 India saw strong growth in non-farm rural activity and declining growth in rural employment relative to earlier periods, while rural workforce shares did not steadily increase. The statement about urban worker productivity rising while rural productivity fell is not accepted in the form stated. The correct combination is statements 3 and 4. The verified answer for the uploaded Set-B paper is option B. Option A — 1 and 2 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Post-1991 India saw strong growth in non-farm rural activity and declining growth in rural employment relative to earlier periods, while rural workforce shares did not steadily increase. The statement about urban worker productivity rising while rural productivity fell is not accepted in the form stated. The correct combination is statements 3 and 4. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option B — 3 and 4 only: This is the correct option. It matches the verified conclusion because Post-1991 India saw strong growth in non-farm rural activity and declining growth in rural employment relative to earlier periods, while rural workforce shares did not steadily increase. The statement about urban worker productivity rising while rural productivity fell is not accepted in the form stated. The correct combination is statements 3 and 4. The wording of the option is consistent with the governing concept tested by the question. Option C — 3 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Post-1991 India saw strong growth in non-farm rural activity and declining growth in rural employment relative to earlier periods, while rural workforce shares did not steadily increase. The statement about urban worker productivity rising while rural productivity fell is not accepted in the form stated. The correct combination is statements 3 and 4. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. Option D — 1,2 and 4 only: This is not the correct option. The option does not match the verified combination or conclusion. The decisive point is the distinction explained above: Post-1991 India saw strong growth in non-farm rural activity and declining growth in rural employment relative to earlier periods, while rural workforce shares did not steadily increase. The statement about urban worker productivity rising while rural productivity fell is not accepted in the form stated. The correct combination is statements 3 and 4. Therefore this alternative should be eliminated even if part of its wording appears plausible in isolation. For UPSC-style elimination, first identify the exact proposition being tested, then evaluate each statement independently before comparing the answer codes. Avoid treating a broad or absolute statement as correct merely because its general theme is familiar. The precise qualifiers in the question—such as 'all', 'only', 'cannot', 'largest', 'always' or a specific institutional role—often determine the answer. On that basis, option B is the verified answer.