UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  Why do people prefer open defecation and not ... Start Learning for Free
Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.

Q.
Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?
  • a)
    The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.
  • b)
    People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.
  • c)
    People cannot change their old habits.
  • d)
    People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they ...
Let us evaluate the options:
(a) The ideas of purity and pollution are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people….If the passage were to suggest that ideas of purity and pollution, arguably the reason behind people’s preference for open defecation, are so entrenched that they cannot be altered then it shall not suggest remedy to bring out behavioral changes in people…..OUT
(b) People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting…..This is indeed the message of the passage that we have being about a change in the perception of the people and make them see toilet use and pit-emptying as clean……..ANSWER
(c) People cannot change their old habits……If the passage meant that people cannot change their old habits it would not go on to suggest that we should counter the people’s perceived notions to bring about a change in their preference for open defecation…OUT
(d) People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy………The passage is not a commentary on the civic sense of the people and is rather in the nature of trying to figure out the reason behind the preference for open defecation………..OUT
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they ...
Understanding the Message of the Passage:
The passage discusses the reasons why people prefer open defecation over using toilets. It highlights two critical elements that contribute to this preference: ideas of purity and pollution, and the aversion towards pit or septic tank filling. The passage argues that in order to eradicate the practice of open defecation, these issues need to be addressed and resolved properly.

Explanation of the Correct Answer:
The most crucial message conveyed by the passage is option B: People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.

Reasoning:
The passage discusses the importance of changing people's perception regarding toilets and pit-emptying. It suggests that in order to eliminate open defecation, individuals must view the use of toilets as a clean and hygienic practice, and not perceive the emptying of pits or septic tanks as polluting. This implies that people need to overcome their aversion towards these aspects and understand the benefits and importance of proper sanitation practices.

Elaboration:
To eradicate open defecation, it is essential to address the psychological and cultural factors that influence people's behavior. The passage emphasizes the need to change the perception of individuals regarding the cleanliness of toilets and the polluting nature of pit or septic tank emptying.

1. Ideas of Purity and Pollution:
- The passage mentions that ideas of purity and pollution play a significant role in people's preference for open defecation.
- This suggests that individuals may associate open spaces with being pure, while perceiving toilets as polluting.
- To overcome this mindset, it is crucial to educate and convince people that using toilets can be clean and hygienic, and does not contribute to pollution.

2. Aversion towards Pits or Septic Tanks Filling:
- The passage highlights the aversion people have towards pits or septic tanks filling up.
- This aversion may stem from the inconvenience and effort required to empty these pits or tanks.
- To address this issue, alternative sanitation solutions that do not require frequent emptying should be explored and implemented.

3. Importance of Perception Change:
- The passage argues that in order to completely eliminate open defecation, it is necessary for people to perceive toilet use as clean and not polluting.
- This indicates that changing people's perception is crucial for encouraging the adoption of proper sanitation practices.
- Education and awareness campaigns should focus on dispelling myths, addressing cultural beliefs, and highlighting the benefits of using toilets.

In conclusion, the passage emphasizes the importance of changing people's perception regarding the cleanliness of toilets and the polluting nature of pit or septic tank emptying. This is crucial in eradicating the practice of open defecation and promoting proper sanitation practices.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Why do people prefer open defecation and not want toilets or, if they have them, only use them sometimes? Recent research has shown two critical elements: ideas of purity and pollution, and not wanting pits or septic tanks to fill because they have to be emptied. These are the issues that nobody wants to talk about, but if we want to eradicate the practice of open defection, they have to be confronted and dealt properly.Q.Which among the following is the most crucial message conveyed by the above passage?a)The ideas of purity and pollutions are so deep-rooted that they cannot be removed from the minds of the people.b)People have to perceive toilet use and pit-emptying as clean and not polluting.c)People cannot change their old habits.d)People have neither civic sense nor sense of privacy.Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev