NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

mcqmedium

What was the primary rationale for permitting the establishment of the Union Carbide plant in a populated area in Bhopal?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe government was unaware of the hazardous nature of the chemicals.
BThere were no laws regulating industrial location at the time.
CTo generate employment and attract industrial investment.
DThe land was donated by the company for public welfare.

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

To generate employment and attract industrial investment.

Explanation

The establishment of the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant in Bhopal serves as a critical case study in the trade-off between industrial development and public safety standards. During the period of its establishment, the prevailing policy focus in many developing regions was on rapid industrialization to support economic growth.

Option Analysis

The government was unaware of the hazardous nature of the chemicals. Incorrect: The hazardous nature of the chemicals involved, particularly Methyl Isocyanate (MIC), was known to scientific and industrial communities. The permission was not based on ignorance of the chemical properties but rather a prioritization of other factors over potential risks.
To generate employment and attract industrial investment. Correct: The primary rationale for the state government permitting the plant in a populated area was the promise of employment generation and the attraction of industrial investment. The plant was viewed as a significant economic asset that would provide jobs to the local population and modernize the region's industrial base.
There were no laws regulating industrial location at the time. Incorrect: It is factually incorrect to state there were no laws. Legislations such as the Factories Act, 1948 existed to regulate industrial safety. However, the enforcement of these laws, particularly regarding the zoning of hazardous industries near residential areas, was lax and ineffective.
The land was donated by the company for public welfare. Incorrect: The land was not donated by the company for public welfare. The company established the plant for commercial production of pesticides (Sevin), and the government facilitated the land acquisition to support industrial activity.

Key Takeaway

The authorization of the Union Carbide plant in a densely populated zone was driven by the state's objective to secure jobs and investment, leading to a compromise on safety standards and zoning regulations.

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of markets and economic interactions: 1. Laws are enacted solely to protect the profit margins of producers without regard for consumers. 2. State intervention is often required in markets to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable groups. 3. The chain of markets linking producers to buyers involves buying and selling at every step. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the concept of 'Minimum Wages' in India, consider the following 1. The primary objective of the minimum wage law is to ensure that workers are not underpaid by their employers. 2. Once set, the minimum wages remain fixed for a period of ten years to ensure stability. 3. This law is intended to protect the interests of various types of workers, including farm labourers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the context of the Indian textile industry, 'Power Looms' are best described as:

medium

With reference to the role of Workers' Unions, consider the following statements: 1. They allow workers to use combined power to demand better working conditions. 2. They are strictly prohibited by law in the informal sector such as domestic work. 3. They facilitate bargaining for fair wages. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

In the framework of governmental functions, which term refers to ensuring that laws enacted by the legislature are implemented and complied with?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is

To generate employment and attract industrial investment.

Explanation

Option Analysis

The government was unaware of the hazardous nature of the chemicals. Incorrect: The hazardous nature of the chemicals involved, particularly Methyl Isocyanate (MIC), was known to scientific and industrial communities. The permission was not based on ignorance of the chemical properties but rather a prioritization of other factors over potential risks.
To generate employment and attract industrial investment. Correct: The primary rationale for the state government permitting the plant in a populated area was the promise of employment generation and the attraction of industrial investment. The plant was viewed as a significant economic asset that would provide jobs to the local population and modernize the region's industrial base.
There were no laws regulating industrial location at the time. Incorrect: It is factually incorrect to state there were no laws. Legislations such as the Factories Act, 1948 existed to regulate industrial safety. However, the enforcement of these laws, particularly regarding the zoning of hazardous industries near residential areas, was lax and ineffective.
The land was donated by the company for public welfare. Incorrect: The land was not donated by the company for public welfare. The company established the plant for commercial production of pesticides (Sevin), and the government facilitated the land acquisition to support industrial activity.