Which was not a challenge to nation-building faced by independent India?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → To establish a liberal capitalist model of economic development.
Option (1) To shape a nation that is united and accommodative of the diversity in our society. A challenge (Incorrect). This was the first and immediate challenge.
Option (2) To develop democratic practices consistent with the Constitution. A challenge (Incorrect). This was the second challenge, to establish democracy.
Option (3) To evolve effective policies for eradication of poverty. A challenge (Incorrect). This was part of the third challenge, the development and well-being of the entire society.
Option (4) To establish a liberal capitalist model of economic development. Not a challenge (Correct). India faced three challenges: unity with diversity, democracy and development for all. Setting up a liberal capitalist model was not one of them; the Constitution set welfare goals in the Directive Principles instead.
NCERT (2025-26): “Three Challenges … Broadly, independent India faced three kinds of challenges. The first and the immediate challenge was to shape a nation that was united, yet accommodative of the diversity in our society.… Three Challenges … The second challenge was to establish democracy. You have already studied the Indian Constitution. You know that the Constitution granted fundamental rights and extended the right to vote to every citizen. India adopted representative democracy based on the parliamentary form of government. These features ensure that the political competition would take place in a democratic framework. A democratic constitution is necessary but not sufficient for establishing a democracy. The challenge was to develop democratic practices in accordance with the Constitution.… Three Challenges … The third challenge was to ensure the development and wellbeing of the entire society and not only of some sections. Here again the Constitution clearly laid down the principle of equality and special protection to socially disadvantaged groups and religious and cultural communities. The Constitution also set out in the Directive Principles of State Policy the welfare goals that democratic politics must achieve. The real challenge now was to evolve effective policies for economic development and eradication of poverty.…” |