All questions of National Integration for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Option no.b

Chairman of the National Integration Council (NIC) reconstituted in 2010:

The Chairman of the National Integration Council (NIC) that was reconstituted in 2010 was Dr. Manmohan Singh.

1. National Integration Council:

The National Integration Council (NIC) is a non-statutory advisory body in India that was established in 1962. It aims to promote unity, integrity, and communal harmony in the country. The council consists of representatives from the central government, state governments, political parties, and eminent personalities from various fields.

2. Reconstitution of the National Integration Council in 2010:

In 2010, the National Integration Council was reconstituted under the chairmanship of the then Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. The reconstitution of the council was done to address the challenges of maintaining social harmony and communal peace in the country.

3. Dr. Manmohan Singh:

Dr. Manmohan Singh served as the Chairman of the National Integration Council during his tenure as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. He is an economist and a renowned politician who played a significant role in shaping India's economic policies. He is known for his emphasis on inclusive growth and social harmony.

4. Significance of Dr. Manmohan Singh as Chairman:

As the Chairman of the National Integration Council, Dr. Manmohan Singh played a crucial role in fostering national integration and communal harmony. Under his leadership, the council addressed various issues related to social, religious, and ethnic tensions in the country. The council provided a platform for dialogue, discussion, and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders to promote unity and integrity.

Conclusion:

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, served as the Chairman of the National Integration Council that was reconstituted in 2010. His leadership and efforts contributed to the council's objective of promoting national integration, communal harmony, and social cohesion in the country.

Explanation:

Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are individually true, but R is not the correct explanation of A. Let's break down the statement and analyze each part:

Assertion (A): Regionalism in Indian politics reflects the cultural diversity of the country.

This statement is true. India is a culturally diverse country with a rich heritage and a diverse population comprising various ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups. This diversity is reflected in the regional politics of India, where political parties and leaders often align themselves with specific regional identities and issues. Regionalism in Indian politics is a manifestation of the cultural diversity and distinct identities present within the country.

Reason (R): Political leaders whip up ethnic identities.

This statement is also true. In Indian politics, political leaders often try to mobilize support by appealing to ethnic identities and regional aspirations. They may use language, symbols, and cultural references associated with specific regions or communities to establish a connection with the electorate. By emphasizing regional identities, political leaders can gain support and consolidate their vote bank within a particular region. However, this reason alone does not fully explain why regionalism exists in Indian politics.

Analysis:

While it is true that political leaders whip up ethnic identities to gain support, it is not the only reason for the existence of regionalism in Indian politics. Regionalism is deeply rooted in the diverse cultural, linguistic, and historical backgrounds of different regions in India. It is a reflection of the aspirations, grievances, and demands of the people belonging to specific regions. Factors such as economic disparities, historical grievances, linguistic differences, and cultural distinctiveness also contribute to the rise of regionalism in Indian politics.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Assertion (A) is true as regionalism in Indian politics reflects the cultural diversity of the country. Reason (R) is also true as political leaders do whip up ethnic identities to gain support. However, Reason (R) alone does not provide a comprehensive explanation for the existence of regionalism in Indian politics. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A.

The correct answer is option 'C', which states that cyber-security threat is not considered or confronted by the National Integration Council. The National Integration Council (NIC) is a government body in India that aims to address and resolve issues related to the integration of diverse communities and regions of the country. It was established in 1961 and consists of representatives from political parties, religious groups, academia, and civil society.

Linguism:
Linguism refers to discrimination or prejudice based on language. In a country as linguistically diverse as India, where multiple languages are spoken, language-based discrimination can be a significant challenge to national integration. The National Integration Council recognizes the importance of addressing linguism and works towards promoting harmony and equality among different linguistic communities.

Casteism:
Casteism is a social issue deeply rooted in the Indian society, where individuals are discriminated against based on their caste. The caste system has been a long-standing challenge to national integration, as it creates social divisions and hinders the progress and unity of the country. The National Integration Council recognizes the importance of eradicating casteism and works towards creating a more inclusive and equal society.

Threat of Regional Violence:
The threat of regional violence refers to conflicts and tensions between different regions or states within the country. Regionalism can sometimes lead to violence and disruption of peace, which poses a challenge to national integration. The National Integration Council aims to address and resolve such regional tensions through dialogue, negotiation, and policy interventions.

Cyber-security Threat:
Cyber-security threats, on the other hand, are not directly related to national integration. While cyber-security is an important issue for the overall security and well-being of the nation, it is not specifically within the purview of the National Integration Council. Cyber-security threats are typically addressed by specialized agencies and departments, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and various law enforcement agencies.

In conclusion, the National Integration Council primarily focuses on addressing issues related to linguism, casteism, and the threat of regional violence. While cyber-security is an important concern, it falls under the domain of specialized agencies and departments rather than the National Integration Council.

Explanation:

b) Only 2
- The National Integration Council is not a constitutional body.
- It was set up as a recommendation body to address issues of national integration and communal harmony in India.
- The NIC was established in 1961 and has the Prime Minister as its chairperson.
- It includes members from various political parties, states, and union territories, as well as eminent personalities from different fields.

a) Only 1
- Therefore, the correct statement is that the National Integration Council is a recommendation body.

The correct answer is option 'C' - 1992.

The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) was established in 1992 by the Government of India as an autonomous organization under the Societies Registration Act. It was formed with the objective of promoting communal harmony, peace, and national integration in the country.

The establishment of NFCH was a response to the rising communal tensions and conflicts that plagued the nation during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The government recognized the need for a dedicated institution to address these issues and work towards fostering harmony among different religious and ethnic communities in India.

The key objective of NFCH is to provide assistance and support to the families affected by communal violence and to promote communal harmony through various programs and initiatives. The foundation aims to create an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can coexist peacefully and respect each other's beliefs and cultures.

Here are some key points about the National Foundation for Communal Harmony:

1. Establishment: NFCH was established in 1992 by the Government of India.
2. Legal Status: It is registered as an autonomous organization under the Societies Registration Act.
3. Objective: The primary objective of NFCH is to promote communal harmony, peace, and national integration in the country.
4. Assistance to Victims: NFCH provides financial assistance to the families affected by communal violence, including medical aid, educational support, and rehabilitation.
5. Rehabilitation Programs: The foundation organizes various rehabilitation programs for the victims of communal violence, including skill development training, vocational courses, and livelihood support.
6. Awareness Campaigns: NFCH conducts awareness campaigns and workshops to promote communal harmony and spread the message of peace and unity among different communities.
7. Financial Support: The foundation receives financial support from the government, public donations, and other sources to carry out its activities.
8. Partnerships: NFCH collaborates with various organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to implement its programs and initiatives effectively.
9. Awards and Recognition: NFCH has instituted various awards to recognize individuals and organizations working towards communal harmony and peace in the country.

By establishing NFCH, the government aimed to address the root causes of communal disharmony and create a society where people can live together in peace and harmony, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. The foundation's efforts have played a significant role in promoting communal harmony and national integration in India.

The role of elite-mass linkage in national integration is essential for fostering a sense of unity and cohesion within a nation. It refers to the relationship and interaction between the political elites (such as government officials, leaders of political parties, and influential figures in society) and the general public.

1. Promotes Shared Goals and Values:
Elite-mass linkage plays a crucial role in national integration by promoting shared goals and values among the citizens. Through their interactions and communication, political elites can articulate and disseminate a common vision for the nation, emphasizing the importance of unity, social harmony, and national identity.

2. Mediates Between Government and Citizens:
Elite-mass linkage serves as a bridge between the government and the citizens. It enables the political elites to understand and address the concerns, aspirations, and needs of the general public. By actively engaging with the masses, the elites can act as representatives, advocates, and mediators, fostering a sense of inclusivity and ensuring that the government's policies and decisions align with the interests of the people.

3. Facilitates Political Participation and Representation:
Elite-mass linkage also facilitates political participation and representation. By establishing channels of communication, political elites can encourage the active involvement of the masses in political processes, such as voting, participating in public debates, and joining political organizations. This inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives enhances democratic governance and strengthens the bonds between different sections of society.

4. Builds Trust and Legitimacy:
Effective elite-mass linkage helps build trust and legitimacy in the government and its institutions. When political elites are responsive to the concerns of the masses, it enhances the credibility and acceptance of the government's authority. This, in turn, promotes national integration by fostering a sense of shared ownership and confidence in the collective future of the nation.

5. Counters Regionalism and Linguism:
Elite-mass linkage plays a crucial role in countering regionalism and linguism, which can be divisive forces within a country. By promoting a national identity and emphasizing the importance of unity, political elites can mitigate the tendencies towards regional or linguistic identities. They can highlight the shared history, cultural heritage, and common interests that bind the nation together, thereby fostering national integration.

In conclusion, elite-mass linkage is an essential factor in promoting national integration. It helps establish shared goals and values, facilitates political participation and representation, builds trust and legitimacy, and counters regional and linguistic divisions. By actively engaging with the masses and articulating a common vision, political elites play a vital role in fostering a sense of unity and cohesion within a nation.

State Reorganisation Act, 1956 in India

Purpose:
The purpose of the State Reorganisation Act, 1956 in India was to create states on linguistic grounds.

Explanation:
- Linguistic Basis: The State Reorganisation Act, 1956 was a significant step towards reorganizing states in India based on linguistic considerations. This act aimed to create states that had a common language spoken by the majority of the population in that region.
- Historical Context: Before the enactment of this act, states were organized on administrative convenience, historical and geographical factors rather than linguistic considerations. This led to linguistic disparities and issues among various linguistic communities in different states.
- Implementation: The Act resulted in the creation of states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc., which were formed on linguistic lines to address the linguistic aspirations of the people.
- Impact: The reorganization of states based on linguistic grounds helped in promoting linguistic harmony, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering a sense of identity among the people of those regions.
- Constitutional Relevance: The State Reorganisation Act, 1956 was a significant milestone in the federal structure of India as it recognized the importance of linguistic diversity and promoted the principle of linguistic states in the country.

In conclusion, the State Reorganisation Act, 1956 in India was aimed at creating states based on linguistic considerations to address the linguistic disparities and promote linguistic harmony among the diverse linguistic communities in the country.