The passage explains that the press should not be afraid to uphold and support just and righteous causes, to criticise the government in a healthy manner, and to protect the rights of workers and suppressed sections, while also giving a balanced view to help people form healthy public opinion. On the basis of this passage, which of the following statements is best supported about the role of the press in a democracy?

Introduction / Context:
This theme detection question focuses on the responsibilities of the press in a democracy. The passage states that the press should support just causes, criticise the government in a healthy manner, protect the rights of workers and suppressed groups, and provide a balanced view so that people can form healthy public opinion. Based on this description, we must choose the option that best expresses the overall role of the press without adding claims that are not made in the passage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The press should uphold and support just and righteous causes.
• The press should criticise the government in a healthy and constructive manner.
• The press must be vigilant in protecting the rights of workers and suppressed sections.
• The press should provide balanced coverage to help people form sound public opinion.
• Democracy requires informed citizens and open discussion.

Concept / Approach:
We need the option that summarises the described responsibilities of the press in a democratic context. The passage emphasises multiple tasks: watchdog role, support for justice, voice for the marginalised, and balanced reporting. This all points toward a broad, central role for the press in democracy. Statements that declare the press to be the only means of communication or that focus only on government use of press are too narrow or off target. The correct option should encompass the overall importance and responsibility of the press.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Examine option c. It says that the press has a great role to play in a democracy. This matches the passage general emphasis on the multiple duties of the press.Step 2: Consider option a. It mentions freedom of the press as essential for democracy. Although this is a widely accepted idea, the passage does not directly discuss legal freedom or constitutional rights, only what the press should do.Step 3: Consider option b. It claims the press is the only means for governments to project policies. The passage does not mention government projections at all.Step 4: Consider option d. It states that the press can be used by governments for upliftment, which shifts focus from independent press action to government use of media, not described in the text.Step 5: Since option c neatly captures the broad and responsible role highlighted, option e, which rejects all statements, cannot be correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Summarise the passage: Press must support just causes, criticise the government constructively, protect rights of weaker sections, and provide balanced information to form healthy public opinion. The natural conclusion is that the press plays a crucial and responsible role within a democracy. Option c expresses this directly. Option a, while normally true, emphasises legal freedom and constitutional necessity, which are not explicitly discussed. Therefore option c is the best supported statement.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Option a moves from described duties to an institutional requirement of freedom, which, though closely related, is not the passage direct focus.
• Option b restricts the press to a government mouthpiece, which contradicts the criticising and watchdog roles mentioned.
• Option d focuses on the government using the press as a tool, again ignoring its independence and critical functions.
• Option e is wrong because option c clearly summarises the intended message.

Common Pitfalls:
Many candidates automatically choose option a, since the idea that freedom of the press is essential for democracy is familiar from civics. However, examination passages often require precise matching rather than general knowledge. Another pitfall is to think of the press only as a channel for government policy, while this passage stresses its independent responsibilities toward justice, criticism, and public opinion formation.

Final Answer:
The press has a great and responsible role to play in a democratic system.