Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: if neither I nor II is strong
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Retirement-age policy impacts pension burdens, productivity, intergenerational employment balance, and workforce planning. A strong argument must link the proposal to such policy objectives, not merely cite external analogies or popularity.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Evaluate whether each argument is policy-relevant and evidence-oriented rather than an appeal to trend or numbers.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Argument I: “Other countries did it.” Cross-country emulation without context is a weak analogy. Countries differ in demographics, labor markets, and pension systems; this does not prove raising retirement age is right for India.Argument II: “Large employee demand.” Popular demand does not establish policy merit. A decision should weigh fiscal sustainability, promotion bottlenecks, and job creation for youth, none of which are addressed here.
Verification / Alternative check:
A strong “Yes” would argue improved longevity with adequate health, skill relevance, and fiscal benefits; a strong “No” would cite youth unemployment and productivity patterns. Neither argument provides such reasoning.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any option endorsing I or II mistakes appeal to authority (other countries) or popularity (employee demand) for a substantive basis.
Common Pitfalls:
Assuming policy transferability without conditions; equating stakeholder preference with public interest.
Final Answer:
Neither I nor II is strong.
Discussion & Comments