‘Structural adjustment programme’ is associated with reforms in which of the following area?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Economic reforms
Option (1) Political Reforms — Incorrect. Political reforms would change how power is organised, for example the working of parties or institutions. The structural adjustment programme concerned the economic policy followed by the governments, not the political system.
Option (2) Social reforms. — Incorrect. Social reforms deal with customs and relations in society, such as caste or the status of women. The programme was about the direction of the Indian economy.
Option (3) Economic reforms — Correct. The radical turn in economic policy started by Rajiv Gandhi, and very visible from 1991, is known as the structural adjustment programme or the new economic reforms.
Option (4) Electoral Reforms — Incorrect. Electoral reforms change the way elections are held, such as the method of voting. The structural adjustment programme changed economic policy, not elections.
NCERT (2025-26): “Context of the 1990s … This is known as the initiation of the structural adjustment programme or the new economic reforms. Started by Rajiv Gandhi, these changes first became very visible in 1991 and radically changed the direction that the Indian economy had pursued since Independence. These policies have been widely criticised by various movements and organisations. But the various governments that came to power in this period have continued to follow these.” |