Statement: Should there be a maximum limit for the number of ministers in the Central Government?
Arguments:
No. The political party in power should have the freedom to decide the number of ministers to be appointed.
Yes. The number of ministers should be restricted to a certain percentage of the total number of seats in the parliament to avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Options
A. Only argument I is strong
B. Only argument II is strong
C. Either I or II is strong
D. Neither I nor II is strong
E. Both I and II are strong
Correct Answer
Only argument II is strong
Explanation
Clearly, there should be some norms regarding the number of ministers in the Government, as more number of ministers would unnecessarily add to the Government expenditure. So, argument II holds strong; Also, giving liberty to the party in power could promote extension of unreasonable favour to some people at the cost of government funds. So, argument I does not hold.
Statement and Argument problems
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1. Statement: Should all the unauthorized structures in the city be demolished?
Arguments:
No. Where will the people residing in such houses live?
Yes. This will give a clear message to general public and they will refrain from constructing unauthorized buildings.
The demolition of unauthorized buildings would teach a lesson to the unscrupulous builders and also serve as a warning for the citizens not to indulge in such activities in the future. This is essential, as unauthorized constructions impose undue burden on the city's infrastructure. So, only argument II holds strong.
2. Statement: Should internal assessment in colleges be abolished?
Arguments:
Yes. This will help in reducing the possibility of favouritism.
No, teaching faculty will lose control over students.
Abolishing the internal assessment would surely reduce favouritism on personal grounds because the teachers would not be involved in examination system so that they cannot extend personal benefits to anyone. So, argument I holds strong. But it will not affect the control of teaching faculty on students because still the teachers would be teaching them. So, argument II is vague.
3. Statement: Should the railways in India be privatized in a phased manner like other public sector enterprises?
Arguments:
Yes. This is the only way to bring in competitiveness and provide better services to the public.
No. This will pose a threat to the national security of our country as multinationals will enter into the fray.
Privatization would no doubt lead to better services. But saying that this is the 'only way' is wrong. So, argument I does not hold. Argument II also seems to be vague.
4. Statement: Can pollution be controlled?
Arguments:
Yes. If everyone realizes the hazards it may create and cooperates to get rid of it, pollution may be controlled.
No. The crowded highways, factories and industries and an ever-growing population eager to acquire more and more land for constructing houses are beyond control.
The control of pollution, on one hand, seems to be impossible because of the ever-growing needs and the disconcern of the people but, on the other hand, the control is possible by a joint effort. So, either of the arguments will hold strong.
5. Statement: Should the prestigious people who have committed crime unknowingly, be met with special treatment?
Arguments:
Yes. The prestigious people do not commit crime intentionally.
No. It is our policy that everybody is equal before the law.
The Constitution of India has laid down the doctrine of 'equality before the law'. So, argument II holds strong. Also, we cannot judge the intentions of a person behind committing a crime, So, argument I is vague.
6. Statement: Should foreign films be banned in India?
Arguments:
Yes. They depict an alien culture which adversely affects our values.
No. Foreign films are of a high artistic standard.
Clearly, foreign films depict the alien culture but this only helps in learning more. So, argument I does not hold. Also, the reason stated in argument II is not strong enough in contradicting the ban. So, it also does not hold.
7. Statement: Is buying things on instalments profitable to the customer?
In buying things on instalments, a customer has to pay more as the interest is also included. So, argument I does not hold. Moreover, one who buys an item on instalments maintains his future budget accordingly as he is well acquainted with when and how much he has to pay, beforehand. So, argument II is also not valid.
8. Statement: Should Doordarshan be given autonomous status?
Arguments:
Yes. It will help Doordarshan to have fair and impartial coverage of all important events.
No. The coverage of events will be decided by a few who may not have healthy outlook.
Clearly, the autonomous status of the Doordarshan will be a step towards giving it independence for an impartial coverage. Autonomous status does not mean that the coverage will be decided by a few. So, only argument I holds.
9. Statement: Should adult education programme be given priority over compulsory education programme?
Arguments:
No. It will also help in success of compulsory education programme.
Yes. It will help to eliminate the adult illiteracy.
Clearly, argument I gives a reason in support of the statement and so it does not hold strong against it. The adult education programme needs to be given priority because it shall eliminate adult illiteracy and thus help in further spread of education. So, only argument II is strong enough.
10. Statement: Should new universities be established in India?
Arguments:
No. We have still not achieved the target for literacy.
No. We will have to face the problem of unemployed but highly qualified people.
Clearly, instead of improving upon higher education, increasing the literacy rate should be heeded first. So, argument I holds. Also, more number of universities will produce more degree holders with the number of jobs remaining the same, thus increasing unemployment. So, argument II also holds strong.