University social responsibility role – UGC NET Question

When universities run literacy campaigns, health camps or environmental drives for surrounding communities, they are fulfilling their social responsibility. This role extends beyond teaching and research to direct contribution to societal development. The stem highlights such outreach initiatives, so “social” responsibility is the correct term.

Option A:
Social responsibility recognises higher education institutions as public institutions that must contribute to justice, equity and sustainability. Outreach and extension activities are concrete expressions of this obligation, which is why this option fits.

Option B:
A purely commercial responsibility would emphasise profit-making and market interests, which is not the primary motive for community outreach programmes described in the stem. Hence, this option is not suitable.

Option C:
Military responsibility relates to defence and security functions that are outside the scope of typical university outreach. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

Option D:
Electoral responsibility concerns conducting or regulating elections, which is not what is being discussed in relation to community-focused programmes. Thus, this option does not match the stem.