The author prefers government as the umpire and private sector as players because
aGovernment prescribes norms for a fair play by the private sector.
bGovernment is the ultimate in policy formulation.
cGovernment has no control over private sector players.
dNone of the above statements is correct in this context.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
The author's picture is a game: the state referees and private firms play, in sectors that need regulation. The state's part is to lay down and enforce the rules so that competition is fair. State ownership, by contrast, tends to bring weaker productivity and a clash between being owner and regulator. So the reason given is that government prescribes norms for fair play.
Why each option is right or wrong
(a) Right. As umpire, the government sets and enforces the rules for fair competition.
(b) Being the ultimate policy maker is not the reason given.
(c) The government regulates private firms; it does not lack control.
(d) Option (a) states a reason that the passage supports.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
