Should school education be made completely free in India? Arguments: I. Yes, because this is one of the most effective ways to improve the literacy rate in India. II. No, because making all school education free will add to the already heavy burden on the Government exchequer.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Both arguments I and II are strong

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is about making school education free in India. One argument supports the idea to improve literacy, and the other warns about increased financial burden on the Government. You must decide whether each argument is strong.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Statement: School education should be made free.
  • Argument I: Yes, this will help increase literacy rates.
  • Argument II: No, it will put additional pressure on the Government budget.
  • We assume that both literacy and fiscal responsibility are important policy goals.


Concept / Approach:
Strong arguments can exist on both sides of a socio economic policy. Argument I emphasises social benefits: more children can attend school when it is free. Argument II emphasises economic limitations: Government funds are limited and additional commitments may affect other sectors.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Evaluate argument I. Making school education free removes financial barriers for poor families, thereby promoting literacy. Step 2: This is a direct and realistic reason in favour of the proposal, so argument I is strong. Step 3: Evaluate argument II. Education spending must come from tax revenues or borrowing. If everything is free, the Government budget may become severely stretched. Step 4: This is also a valid concern and therefore argument II is strong as well.


Verification / Alternative check:
Real world debates on universal free education always balance social justice and financial feasibility. That is exactly what these two arguments represent.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options that select only one argument ignore either the social or the financial dimension. The option that neither is strong is clearly wrong because both arguments tackle major aspects of the policy. The option that the economic impact cannot be judged is incorrect; we can at least see that expenditure will rise significantly.


Common Pitfalls:
Many students think there must be a single correct side in policy questions. In reality, exams often test your ability to see valid points on both sides.


Final Answer:
Hence, both arguments I and II are strong, so the correct option is the one that selects both arguments as strong.

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