Assertion (A): Governments all over the world increasingly link communication policy to economic interests.
Reason (R): Technology promotion in the communication sector is a viable development strategy.
(A) Both (A) and (R) are true.
(B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(C) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(D) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
Technology in the communication sector offers a powerful path toward development. It enhances education, increases access to information, and fosters innovation. Therefore, the reason is true—many governments recognize technology promotion as a viable development strategy.
Projects like broadband expansion, 5G rollout, and digital literacy programs all support growth. These initiatives bridge digital divides and empower both rural and urban populations. Additionally, they stimulate job creation and attract foreign investment. Countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America have adopted such approaches to accelerate progress and participation in the digital economy.
However, the assertion is false because it overstates a trend. While many governments do link communication policy with economic interests, this is not a universal or increasing pattern. In several regions, communication policy is more closely tied to political control, social inclusion, or cultural preservation, rather than just economic goals.
Moreover, not all governments prioritize economic benefits when shaping communication policies. In some cases, policies aim to protect national security, manage media content, or regulate online behavior, especially in authoritarian regimes. Therefore, it would be incorrect to claim that governments increasingly and uniformly align communication policies with economic agendas.
In conclusion, the reason stands as accurate, yet it fails to justify the assertion. The assertion makes a broad generalization that doesn’t hold globally. Thus, the correct answer is (D): The assertion is false, but the reason is true.