The concept of National Integration involves political, economic, social, cultural and psychological dimensions and the inter-rel…

Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): The concept of National Integration involves political, economic, social, cultural and psychological dimensions and the inter-relation between them.

Reason (R): The National Integration Council was constituted in 1961 on the principle of 'Unity in Diversity'.

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A) (Correct answer)
2. B. (A) is false, but (R) is true
3. C. (A) is true, but (R) is false
4. D. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Correct Answer

Option A — Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

Key Points

• Assertion is true. National integration is a multi-dimensional concept covering political, economic, social, cultural and psychological dimensions and the relations among them.
• Reason is true. The National Integration Council (NIC) was indeed constituted in 1961, and works on the principle of "Unity in Diversity".
• (R) does not explain (A). The existence and date of a council is a factual statement about an institution; it does not explain *why* the concept of national integration has several dimensions. Both are true but unconnected as cause and effect — hence option (a).

Additional Information

• The National Integration Council was set up in 1961 following a National Integration Conference convened by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to address communalism, casteism, regionalism and linguism.
• Constitutional provisions supporting national integration: a single citizenship, an integrated judiciary, All India Services, Article 51A Fundamental Duties (notably to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood), and Articles 1 and 3 treating India as a "Union of States".
• 19 November, the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, is observed as Quami Ekta Diwas (National Integration Day), and the week that follows as Quami Ekta Week.
• 31 October, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).