Comprehension
Although cynics may like to see the government’s policy for women in terms of the party’s internal power struggles, it will nevertheless be churlish to deny that it represents a pioneering effort aimed at bringing about sweeping social reforms. In its language, scope and strategies, the policy document displays a degree of understanding of women’s needs that is uncommon in government pronouncements. This is due in large part to the participatory process that marked its formulation, seeking the active involvement right from the start of women’s groups, academic institutions and non-government organizations with grass roots experience.
The result is not just a lofty declaration of principles but a blueprint for a practical programme of action. The policy delineates a series of concrete measures to accord women a decision-making role in the political domain and greater control over their economic status. Of especially far-reaching impact are the devolution of control of economic infrastructure to women, notably at the gram panchayat level, and the amendments proposed in the Hindu Succession Act of 1956 to give women coparcenary rights.
 An enlightened aspect of the policy is its recognition that actual change in the status of women cannot be brought about by the mere enactment of socially progressive legislation. Accordingly, it focuses on reorienting development programmes and sensitizing administrations to address specific situations as, for instance, the growing number of households headed by women, which is a consequence of rural-urban migration. The proposal to create an equal-opportunity police force and give women greater control of police stations is an acknowledgement of the biases and callousness displayed by the generally all-male lawenforcement authorities in cases of dowry and domestic violence. While the mere enunciation of such a policy has the salutary effect of sensitizing the administration as a whole, it does not make the task of its implementation any easier. 
This is because the changes it envisages in the political and economic status of women strike at the root of power structures in society and the basis of man woman relationships. There is also the danger that reservation for women in public life, while necessary for their greater visibility, could lapse into tokenism or become a tool in the hands of vote seeking politicians. Much will depend on the dissemination of the policy and the ability of elected representatives and government agencies to reorder their priorities.
Question: 1

What can be inferred from the opening lines of the passage?

Updated On: Dec 17, 2025
  • The government’s policies are formulated through participatory process
  • There is need for stricter legislation regarding women’s issues
  • The policy recommends reservation for women
  • Domestic violence is on the rise
  • Women already had coparcenary rights
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

The question asks for an inference based on the opening lines of the passage provided. To determine the correct inference, we need to analyze the initial segment of the comprehension and its implications. Let's assess the possible options against the content of the passage.

  1. The passage mentions that the government's policy represents a "pioneering effort aimed at bringing about sweeping social reforms." Specifically, it emphasizes the policy's understanding of women's needs and highlights the "participatory process" involving various stakeholders, suggesting a significant, thoughtful approach to women's issues.
  2. The passage further elaborates on how the policy aims for practical implementation rather than just stating principles, with strategies addressing women's decision-making roles and economic control.
  3. The crucial point here is about the policy recommending reservation for women, as the passage mentions "reservation for women in public life" and discusses its implications.

Based on this analysis, let's evaluate each option:

  • The government’s policies are formulated through participatory process: Although the passage mentions a participatory approach, this point is not directly linked to the inference about the policy but rather the process behind it.
  • There is need for stricter legislation regarding women’s issues: While the passage discusses women's issues, it focuses more on the policy's comprehensive approach and reorientation of programs rather than just proposing stricter legislation.
  • The policy recommends reservation for women: This is directly mentioned and discussed in the passage concerning women's visibility and the potential risks associated with reservation in public life, thus making it the correct inference.
  • Domestic violence is on the rise: The passage notes biases in law enforcement but does not infer a rise in domestic violence as a direct conclusion of the opening lines.
  • Women already had coparcenary rights: This is factually incorrect according to the passage, which notes amendments to provide these rights.

Thus, the correct inference from the opening lines of the passage is that The policy recommends reservation for women.

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Question: 2

Pick out the true statement with regard to the policy.

Updated On: Dec 17, 2025
  • This is yet another pronouncement by the government
  • It is a pioneering effort
  • It is not based on the understanding of woman’s needs
  • It has made many loud declarations
  • In its formulation, participatory approach was not followed
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The given passage discusses the policy by the government for women. This comprehension provides insights into why the policy is considered groundbreaking and focuses on the specific needs of women, emphasizing the participatory approach in its formulation and detailing concrete legislative proposals. Let's evaluate each option based on the passage:

  1. The statement 'This is yet another pronouncement by the government' suggests it is a usual announcement without significance. However, the passage strongly indicates that the policy represents a pioneering effort. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
  2. The statement 'It is a pioneering effort' aligns perfectly with the passage. The document indeed represents a pioneering effort aimed at sweeping social reforms. Thus, this is the correct option.
  3. The statement 'It is not based on the understanding of woman's needs' contradicts the passage, which clearly states there is a degree of understanding of women's needs reflected in the policy document. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
  4. The statement 'It has made many loud declarations' is refuted by the passage, which emphasizes that the policy is a blueprint for practical actions rather than just declarations. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
  5. The statement 'In its formulation, participatory approach was not followed' contradicts the passage, which credits the policy's understanding and effectiveness to the participatory approach involving women's groups and NGOs. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

In conclusion, the true statement with regard to the policy is "It is a pioneering effort", as it clearly aligns with the descriptive details and opinion expressed within the provided passage.

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Question: 3

According to the passage, what is the consequence of rural-urban migration?

Updated On: Dec 17, 2025
  • There will not be any development in rural areas
  • Many women migrate to urban areas leaving their family in the rural areas
  • Industries do not get sufficient manpower in rural areas
  • Rural children’s education suffers badly
  • A growing number of households are headed by women
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

The question requires us to identify the consequence of rural-urban migration, as mentioned in the provided passage. Let's examine the passage:

  1. The passage describes a policy focused on improving the status of women and mentions different measures including economic and political empowerment.

  2. An important aspect of the policy is recognizing specific situations, notably "the growing number of households headed by women," identified as a consequence of rural-urban migration.

Now, let's analyze each option:

  • Option 1: There will not be any development in rural areas

    The passage does not discuss the absence of development in rural areas as a result of rural-urban migration. Thus, this option is not supported by the passage.

  • Option 2: Many women migrate to urban areas leaving their family in the rural areas

    The passage does not indicate that women are the ones migrating to urban areas and leaving families behind. This option is incorrect.

  • Option 3: Industries do not get sufficient manpower in rural areas

    The passage does not mention the impact on industries' manpower in rural areas as a consequence of rural-urban migration. Hence, this option is not justified.

  • Option 4: Rural children’s education suffers badly

    The passage does not state that rural children's education suffers due to rural-urban migration. Therefore, this option is not relevant.

  • Option 5: A growing number of households are headed by women

    This option is directly stated in the passage. The policy document acknowledges "the growing number of households headed by women" as a consequence of rural-urban migration, hence making this the correct choice.

After evaluating all the options, we can conclude that the correct answer is:

A growing number of households are headed by women

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Question: 4

What is the far-reaching impact of the policy?

Updated On: Dec 17, 2025
  • To render women coparcenary rights
  • To prepare women to face the challenges
  • To create an equal-opportunity police force
  • To accord women a decision making role in political sphere
  • To give women the power to rule the nation
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The question asks about the far-reaching impact of a particular policy discussed in a reading comprehension passage. Let's analyze the passage and determine the correct answer.

The passage outlines a policy aimed at bringing about substantial social reforms concerning women's rights and roles. Key points include:

  1. The policy is a pioneering effort involved in a participatory process with active involvement from women's groups, academic institutions, and NGOs.
  2. It addresses women's decision-making roles in politics and their economic status control.
  3. Of special note, the policy includes proposals to amend the Hindu Succession Act of 1956 to provide women with coparcenary rights. This is highlighted as having especially far-reaching impacts in the passage.
  4. Other aspects include creating an equal-opportunity police force and giving women greater control over police stations.

Given these details, the correct choice is the option that pertains to the amendments in the Hindu Succession Act, focusing on giving women coparcenary rights. This aspect of the policy is deemed to have particularly far-reaching implications.

Here is a breakdown of why the other options are incorrect:

  • To prepare women to face the challenges: While the policy may indirectly prepare women for challenges, the far-reaching impact mentioned is specifically granting coparcenary rights.
  • To create an equal-opportunity police force: This is an important aspect of the policy but is not highlighted as the far-reaching impact being asked about.
  • To accord women a decision-making role in the political sphere: Although this is a feature of the policy, the passage explicitly states amending the Hindu Succession Act as far-reaching.
  • To give women the power to rule the nation: This is an exaggeration and not explicitly mentioned in the passage.

Therefore, the correct answer is: To render women coparcenary rights.

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Question: 5

Choose the statement which is not true.

Updated On: Dec 17, 2025
  • The policy gives a blueprint for a programme of action
  • Women should be given greater control of police stations
  • There is no bias in dowry cases though the law enforcement authorities are men
  • For effective implementation, the government agencies will have to reorder their priorities
  • The policy is based on the understanding of the needs of women
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine the statement which is not true based on the comprehension provided, let's evaluate each option against the given passage:

  1. The policy gives a blueprint for a programme of action.
    • This statement is true according to the passage, which mentions that the policy "is not just a lofty declaration of principles but a blueprint for a practical programme of action."
  2. Women should be given greater control of police stations.
    • This statement is also true. The passage acknowledges the proposal to create an equal-opportunity police force and give women greater control of police stations as a method to address biases in law enforcement.
  3. There is no bias in dowry cases though the law enforcement authorities are men.
    • This statement is false according to the passage. The passage explicitly mentions the "biases and callousness displayed by the generally all-male law enforcement authorities in cases of dowry and domestic violence," indicating that biases do exist.
  4. For effective implementation, the government agencies will have to reorder their priorities.
    • This statement is true. The passage mentions that "Much will depend on the dissemination of the policy and the ability of elected representatives and government agencies to reorder their priorities."
  5. The policy is based on the understanding of the needs of women.
    • This statement is true. The passage states that the policy document "displays a degree of understanding of women’s needs that is uncommon in government pronouncements."

Therefore, the statement that is not true is: There is no bias in dowry cases though the law enforcement authorities are men. This statement contradicts the passage, which acknowledges the presence of biases by male law enforcement authorities.

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Question: 6

Which of the following has the danger of lapsing into tokenism?

Updated On: Dec 17, 2025
  • Socially progressive legislation
  • Policy for women
  • Coparcenary rights to women
  • Reservation for women
  • Man-woman relationships
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

To determine which option has the danger of lapsing into tokenism, we must understand the context provided in the comprehension passage. The passage discusses the government's policy for women, aiming at comprehensive social reforms. It highlights the extensive effort in crafting this policy through participatory processes, involving women's groups and NGOs. The policy aims to address real issues through several initiatives, including coparcenary rights and economic participation.

Now, let's analyze each option based on the passage:

  1. Socially progressive legislation: These are laws aimed at advancing social welfare and equality. The passage mentions that merely enacting such legislation is not enough, but it does not refer to them as lapsing into tokenism.
  2. Policy for women: The entire passage focuses on this, highlighting it as a robust, action-oriented plan involving real participation and addressing actual needs. It is not suggested as being tokenistic.
  3. Coparcenary rights to women: This is a specific amendment in the Hindu Succession Act discussed in the passage, aimed at real empowerment. It is mentioned as having a far-reaching impact, not as tokenism.
  4. Reservation for women: The passage explicitly mentions that while necessary for their visibility, reservations could lapse into tokenism or be used by politicians for votes, which directly matches our requirement.
  5. Man-woman relationships: This is not directly an option where tokenism is discussed; rather, the policy aims to re-balance existing relationships, which is a substantial goal, not tokenism.

Based on the passage analysis, "Reservation for women" is the option that has the risk of lapsing into tokenism, as it could merely be used to enhance visibility without real empowerment.

This conclusion is drawn from the passage's statement reflecting concerns over reservations potentially becoming a mere formality or political tool instead of driving actual change.

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Question: 7

Choose the word that is opposite in meaning to ‘lofty’ as used in the passage?

Updated On: Dec 17, 2025
  • Purified
  • Humble
  • Inferior
  • Exalted
  • Undignified
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

To determine the word opposite in meaning to ‘lofty’ as used in the passage, let us first understand its contextual usage. The passage mentions, "The result is not just a lofty declaration of principles but a blueprint for a practical programme of action." Here, 'lofty' refers to something that is elevated, superior, or high in standards or ideals.

  1. Analyzing the options:
    • Purified: This means cleansed or made pure, and does not semantically oppose 'lofty.'
    • Humble: While this can oppose 'lofty' in some contexts, it doesn't quite fit the precise meaning used in the passage.
    • Inferior: This means lower in quality or rank, but it doesn't fully encompass the opposite connotation here.
    • Exalted: Similar in meaning to 'lofty,' not opposite.
    • Undignified: This means lacking in dignity, not elevated or impressive, effectively contrasting with 'lofty.'
  2. Based on the context and the meanings of the options, the word that is opposite in meaning to 'lofty' in this passage is 'Undignified.'

Therefore, the correct answer is: Undignified.

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Question: 8

The basic block in the effective implementation of the policy is

Updated On: Dec 17, 2025
  • Prevalent power structure in India
  • Inadequate legislation
  • Insensitive administration
  • Lack of political will
  • Male dominated law-enforcing authorities
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The given question asks for the basic block in the effective implementation of the policy as discussed in the comprehension. We need to identify the correct option from the given choices:

  1. Prevalent power structure in India
  2. Inadequate legislation
  3. Insensitive administration
  4. Lack of political will
  5. Male dominated law-enforcing authorities

From the comprehension, the passage describes a policy aimed at improving women's status and removing discriminatory practices against them. The ultimate goal is to ensure women have greater control over economic and political conditions and equal opportunities in law enforcement.

The comprehension outlines how the policy's implementation requires a change in the societal power structures, particularly those that traditionally hold back women's development and equality. Specifically, the passage states, "This is because the changes it envisages in the political and economic status of women strike at the root of power structures in society and the basis of man-woman relationships."

Tackling these power structures is key to implementing the policy effectively. Without altering these structures, other measures (like improvements in legislation or administration) would be less effective or even ineffective. Thus, the primary block in the successful implementation of such policy reforms is the prevalent power structure in India.

Hence, the correct answer is option Prevalent power structure in India. This option is justified as the root challenge that policy changes aim to address housing many obstacles affecting women's empowerment.

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