Question

The offer of the government to make iodised salt available at a low price of one rupee per kilo is welcome, especially since the government seems to be so concerned about the ill effects of non iodised salt. But it is doubtful whether the offer will actually be implemented. Way back in 1994, the government, in an earlier effort, had prepared reports outlining three new and simple but experimental methods for reducing the costs of iodisation to about five paise per kilo. But these reports have remained just those-reports on paper. Which one of the following, if true, most weakens the author's contention that it is doubtful whether the offer will be actually implemented?

• A. The government proposes to save on costs by using the three methods it has already devised for iodisation.
• B. The chain of fair-price distribution outlets now covers all the districts of the state.
• C. Many small-scale and joint-sector units have completed trials to use the three iodisation methods for regular production.
• D. The government which initiated the earlier effort is in place even today and has more information on the effects of non-iodised salt.

Hint:

To weaken a doubt about feasibility, show that the previously missing step has now been completed successfully.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The author's doubt arises because earlier methods were never implemented. Option (3) directly weakens this by showing that the iodisation methods have now been successfully trialed for production, making implementation far more feasible.