Passage

If the social inequality is the most acutely felt social problem in India, insecurity, more than poverty, is the most acutely felt economic problem. Besides those below the official poverty line, even those just over the poverty line are subject to multiple economic insecurities of various kinds (due to wealth and/or health risks, market fluctuations, job-related uncertainties). Many Government policies are actually intended towards mitigating these insecurities.

QUESTION

CSAT

Medium

Comprehension

Prelims 2025

With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made:

I. People above the poverty line also are prone to suffer from anxiety about economic insecurity. II. Eradication of poverty can result in peace and social equality in the country.

Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Assumption I is correct: The passage explicitly states, “even those just over the poverty line are subject to multiple economic insecurities of various kinds.” This directly supports the assumption that people who are above the poverty line — though not poor by official standards — still face economic instability and anxiety. Hence, this assumption is valid.

Assumption II is incorrect: There is no reference in the passage linking the eradication of poverty to the achievement of peace or social equality. The author’s focus is on economic insecurity as a broader issue that affects people both below and above the poverty line, not on the consequences of eradicating poverty itself. Therefore, assumption II goes beyond the scope of the passage and is invalid.

Hence, only Assumption I is valid.