Minimalist IAS
CSAT 2019 paper

UPSC CSE CSAT 2019 · Question 45 · Reading comprehension

The passage seems to argue

Passage—4

The interests of working and poor people have historically been neglected in the planning of our cities. Our cities are increasingly intolerant, unsafe and unlivable places for large numbers of citizens and yet we continue to plan via the old ways — the static Development Plan — that draws exclusively from technical expertise, distanced from people’s live experiences and needs, and actively excluding large number of people, places, activities and practices that are an integral part of the city.

CSAT 2019 · Q45

Reading comprehension Easy

The passage seems to argue

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) in favour of participation of peoples’ groups in city planning.

The passage faults a planning method that draws 'exclusively from technical expertise', is 'distanced from people's live experiences' and excludes large numbers of people. The remedy it points to is bringing people's groups into city planning.

  • ✗ (a) Builders and elites are not mentioned; the target is the technocratic, static Development Plan.
  • ✗ (b) Global or smart cities are not discussed.
  • ✗ (c) The passage wants the excluded brought in, not cities planned 'mainly' for one class — that would be a new exclusion.
  • ✓ (d) Criticism of expert-only, exclusionary planning implies a plea for participation by people's groups.

Remember · Find what the author criticises and choose its remedy; avoid options that swap one exclusion for another.

Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2019, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·

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