UPSC Prelims 2022 Q74: Indian Polity – Government Organizations
Consider the following statements:
1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by
the Government of India and the World Health Organization.
2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs in Government of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of
Urban India.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
India Sanitation Coalition and NIUA
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. ISC is funded by the Government of India and WHO | Incorrect | ISC was launched in June 2015 at FICCI as a multi-stakeholder platform; it is not funded by GoI and WHO |
| 2. NIUA is an apex body of MoHUA providing solutions for urban India | Correct | Set up in 1976, NIUA is the premier research and capacity-building institute supporting the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs |
What each does:
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| India Sanitation Coalition | Brings together corporates, government, civil society and donors for sanitation under Swachh Bharat |
| NIUA | Research and support for Smart Cities, AMRUT and urban policy |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false: ISC is a FICCI-hosted coalition, not funded by GoI and WHO.
- (b) CORRECT. NIUA (1976) is MoHUA's apex research body for urban challenges.
- (c) Incorrect. The WHO funding claim in statement 1 is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is correct; NIUA supports MoHUA on urban policy and missions.
Key point
India Sanitation Coalition: 2015, FICCI-hosted multi-stakeholder platform (not GoI-WHO funded). NIUA: 1976, MoHUA's apex urban research institute.
Remember
ISC = FICCI coalition; NIUA = MoHUA's urban think tank. Answer: 2 only.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any national sanitation platform is funded by the WHO.
- Not knowing the ISC was launched at FICCI with private-sector backing.
- Doubting NIUA's link to MoHUA; it is the ministry's main urban think tank.
Exam tip
Check the funding claim. UPSC often makes a statement false by adding a wrong funder or partner.
Sources
- India Sanitation Coalition — About ISC (FICCI, 2015)
- National Institute of Urban Affairs — About NIUA