Think Learn & Perform (TLP)

The Only Dedicated Platform for UPSC Mains Answer Writing

Day 5 – Q 5.Is it ethical to build a statue costing the exchequer millions of dollars in a country where more than 20% of the population lives below the poverty line? Critically comment.

5. Is it ethical to build a statue costing the exchequer millions of dollars in a country where more than 20% of the population lives below the poverty line? Critically comment.

क्या एक ऐसे देश में जहां 20% से अधिक आबादी गरीबी रेखा से नीचे रहती है, लाखों डॉलर की लागत वाली मूर्ति बनाना नैतिक है? समालोचनात्मक जांच करें।

Answer:

Sardar Patel statue was recently inaugurated on Oct 31st by Prime Minister of India.

The expenditure on the statue has ignited a debate among critics whether India needs to spend such amounts for construction of statue when more than 20%of its population is below poverty line

Arguments in favour of statue construction

  1. It will help boost tourism as people learn more about leaders who have contributed immensely in the development of nation.
  2. Help in development of area in and around the statue and will generate employment for people and promote local culture too.
  3. Develop a sense of pride among Indians.

However, the construction of statues has been in for criticism too

1) Environmental Concerns: Sardar statue is built on a remote island and environmentalist have criticised its sustainability.

2) Displacement of tribes: Many tribes were displaced and they have been vehemently opposing the construction.

3) India has been ranked abysmally low in Global Hunger Index –there is an urgent need to provide food and health care to people over expenditure on statues.

The need is to balance spending in statue construction which will have long term benefits over challenges faced continuously like Hunger and poverty.

Best Answer: Arvind

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/d0693d0425cea7afbecf55d18a6a6d088729bb020b96f50f7ae720ffc14deb10.jpg

https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/7d1b2291b92a5205a7398ed672e3b158a7068b3c8533e96070c9929dd1d0ba93.jpg

Print Friendly, PDF & Email