Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Resource planning is described as a complex process because of India's extreme regional imbalance in resource availability — some states like Jharkhand are mineral-rich but lack other resources, while Rajasthan has solar and wind energy but lacks water. Managing such diversity requires careful, multi-level planning.

The three stages are:

1. Identification and inventory — surveying, mapping, and qualitative/quantitative estimation of resources across regions.
2. Evolving a planning structure — developing appropriate technology, skills, and institutional setup to implement resource development plans.
3. Matching with national development plans — aligning resource development with overall national goals.

These stages are deeply interconnected. Identifying resources alone is meaningless without the technology and institutions (Stage 2) to develop them. Similarly, resource development plans must align with national priorities (Stage 3), or efforts remain fragmented. History shows that resource-rich regions can remain economically backward when technology and institutions are absent. Development succeeds only when all three stages work in coordination.

Source: Resources and Development, Chapter 1 — Resource Planning in India

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• The examiner expects you to define why it is complex (regional imbalance) and then name and explain all three stages, not just list them.
• The key insight examiners reward: resources alone ≠ development — technology, institutions, and national planning alignment are equally essential. Use the example of resource-rich but economically backward regions.
• Avoid writing a general essay on resources; stay focused on the three stages and their interconnection.
• Mentioning India's Five Year Plans as a concrete effort earns a bonus impression.