RAS question
Rajasthan's mining sector currently contributes what percentage to state GDP?
Correct answer: (B) 3.4%.
Rajasthan's mining sector currently contributes 3.4% to the State's Gross State Domestic Product.
Explanation
Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024 gives the current figure directly: in FY 2023-24, Rajasthan's mineral sector contributed 3.4% to the State's Gross State Domestic Product. That is why 3.4% is the correct answer, not a rounded or target value. The same policy also sets the growth path for this indicator, aiming to raise the mineral sector's GSDP contribution from 3.4% in 2023-24 to 5.0% by 2029-30 and to 8.0% by 2046-47. The current baseline is 3.4%, while the higher figures are future policy targets.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 1.8% is not the current GSDP contribution stated in Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024; the policy gives the current figure as 3.4%.
- (C) 7.5% does not match either the current 3.4% baseline or the stated future targets of 5.0% by 2029-30 and 8.0% by 2046-47.
- (D) 5.0% is a future target for 2029-30, not the current contribution of the mining sector to Rajasthan's GSDP.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan economy data from the mining and mineral policy area, especially the difference between a current baseline and a policy target. RAS often repeats such figures because mining is a major state-specific economic theme and policy documents give exam-ready numerical targets.