Q1.Consider the following statements regarding the impact of liberalization on the Indian industrial sector:
- It led to increased competition from foreign companies.
- It resulted in the closure of some inefficient domestic industries, while others persisted despite challenges.
- It promoted technological upgradation and modernization in many industries.
- It contributed to an increase in industrial output and employment, though the extent and distribution of this increase varied across sectors.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: D [All of the above]
Explanation:Statement 1 is correct: Liberalization policies, such as reduced tariffs and easier foreign investment norms, directly increased competition from foreign companies in the Indian market.
Statement 2 is correct: While liberalization did lead to the closure of some inefficient domestic industries unable to compete with foreign counterparts, many others, even if inefficient, continued to operate, often by restructuring, focusing on niche markets, or leveraging existing distribution networks.
Statement 3 is correct: Facing competition, many Indian industries adopted technological upgrades and modernized their operations to improve productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Statement 4 is correct: Liberalization generally led to increased industrial output and employment. However, this growth was not uniform across all sectors. Some sectors benefited more than others, and the impact on employment varied depending on factors like automation and the specific nature of the industry.