The demographic dividend, which has begun in India and is expected to last another few decades, is a great win

Question

The demographic dividend, which has begun in India and is expected to last another few decades, is a great window of opportunity. The demographic dividend is basically a swelling in the working age population, which conversely means that the relative ratio of very young and very old will, for a while, be on the decline. From the experience of Ireland and China, we know that this can be a source of energy and an engine of economic growth. The demographic dividend tends to raise a nation's savings rate since in any nation, it is the working age population that is the main saver. And since the savings rate is an important driver of growth, this should help elevate our growth rate. However, the benefits of demographic dividend depend on the quality of the working age population. And this implies bringing back the importance of education, acquisition of skills and human capital.

With reference to the passage, which of the following inferences can be drawn?

1. Demographic dividend is an essential condition for a country to rapidly increase its economic growth rate. 
2. Promotion of higher education is an essential condition for a country for its rapid economic growth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

Accepted Answer

The passage describes the demographic dividend as a "great window of opportunity" and a potential "engine of economic growth," but it does not state that it is an "essential condition" for rapid economic growth. It suggests it can help elevate growth, but not that growth is impossible or slow without it. Therefore, statement 1 cannot be inferred.

Statement 2 claims "promotion of higher education is an essential condition for a country for its rapid economic growth." The passage states that "the benefits of demographic dividend depend on the quality of the working age population. And this implies bringing back the importance of education, acquisition of skills and human capital." This links education (broadly, not just higher education) to realizing the benefits of the demographic dividend, not as an essential condition for *all* rapid economic growth. The passage does not make such a universal claim about higher education and overall economic growth. Therefore, statement 2 cannot be inferred.

Both statements make stronger claims ("essential condition") than what is supported by the passage, which uses more conditional and suggestive language.

The final answer is D.

Answer

1 only

Answer

2 only

Answer

Both 1 and 2

Answer

Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

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