Passage

It is often forgotten that globalization, is not only about policies on international economic relationships and transactions, but has equally to do with domestic policies of a nation. Policy changes necessitated by meeting the internationally set conditions (by WTO etc.) of free trade and investment flows obviously affect domestic producers and investors. But the basic philosophy underlying globalization emphasizes absolute freedom to markets to determine prices and production and distribution patterns, and view government interventions as processes that create distortions and bring in inefficiency. Thus, public enterprises have to be privatized through disinvestments and sales; sectors and activities hitherto reserved for the public sector have to be opened to the private sector. This logic extends to the social services like education and health. Any restrictions on the adjustments in workforce by way of retrenchment of workers should also be removed and exit should be made easier by removing any restrictions on closures. Employment and wages should be governed by free play of market forces, as any measure to regulate them can discourage investment and also create inefficiency in production. Above all, in line with the overall philosophy of reduction in the role of the state, fiscal reforms should be undertaken to have generally low levels of taxation and government expenditure should be kept to the minimum to abide by the principle of fiscal prudence. All these are policy actions on the domestic front and are not directly related to the core items of the globalization agenda, namely free international flow of goods and finance.
QUESTION

CSAT

Easy

Comprehension

Prelims 2014

According to the passage, in the process globalization the State should have

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement A is incorrect. The passage does not support an expanding role of the State; rather, it argues for reducing government intervention.

Statement B is correct. The passage clearly emphasizes that globalization advocates for a reduction in the role of the State. It mentions that government interventions are viewed as distortions, and policies should focus on privatization, deregulation, and fiscal prudence by minimizing government expenditure and taxation. This aligns with the idea that the State should have a reducing role in economic activities.

Statement C is incorrect. The passage does not mention a statutory role for the State, implying governance through laws or regulations. Instead, it stresses a market-driven approach with minimal state interference.

Statement D is incorrect. The passage does not imply that the State should have no role at all; rather, it should have a minimal role in economic activities.

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