CAT 1999 — VARC Question 8
Directions: Read the short passages given below and answer the question that follows it.
Developed countries have made adequate provisions for social security for senior citizens. State insurers (as well as private ones) offer medicare and pension benefits to people who can no longer earn. In India, with the collapse of the joint family system, the traditional shelter of the elderly has disappeared. And the state faced with a financial crunch is not in a position to provide social security. So, it is advisable that the working population give serious thought to building a financial base for itself.
Which one of the following, if it were to happen, weakens the conclusions drawn in the above passage the most?
Answer & solution
- A
The investible income of the working population, as a proportion of its total income, will grow in the future.
- B
The insurance sector is underdeveloped and trends indicate that it will be extensively privatized in the future.
India is on a path of development that will take it to a developed country status, with all its positive and negative implications.
- D
If the working population builds a stronger financial base, there will be a revival of the joint family system.
(c) is the correct answer choice.
The arrangement emerges somewhat like this:- Premise – I: If developed country, then social security for the elderly.
Premise – II: No social security for the elderly in India, as it is not a developed country and also the traditional support system for them is vanishing.
Conclusion: Therefore, working people in India must save for their old age.
(c) announces the good news for Indian working people:
‘India will become a developed country in the future,’ implying social security for the elderly, thereby weakening the conclusion.
(a) and (b) indicate some encouraging future trends, but do not obviate the necessity for Indian working people to save for their old age.
(d) Strengthens the conclusion, rather than weakening it.