- A. Education system must be strengthened in rural areas.
- B. Large scale and effective implementation of skill development programme is the need of the hour.
- C. For economic development, health and nutrition of only skilled workers needs special attention.
- D. For rapid economic growth as envisaged by us, attention should be paid to health and nutrition of the people.
Answer: D
Explanation
The passage details how widespread health issues like anaemia and tuberculosis reduce productivity, and how malnutrition in children impairs cognitive ability, posing a challenge for an economy needing skilled workers. The overarching message is that poor health and nutrition undermine both current productivity and future potential, directly impacting economic development. Option (D) accurately captures this by stating that ‘attention should be paid to health and nutrition of the people’ for rapid economic growth. Options (A) and (B) introduce topics (education system, skill development) not directly discussed as the primary implication. Option (C) is too narrow, as the passage discusses health impacts on working-age adults and children generally, not just skilled workers. This question assesses the ability to grasp the central theme and implication of the passage, a crucial skill for CSAT.