In a recent survey conducted by the India Today Group, in collaboration with How India Lives and Kadence International, the focus was on measuring civic sense and responsible public behavior across India. The survey, titled the Gross Domestic Behavior (GDB) Survey 2025, covered a wide range of topics, including public safety, gender attitudes, and diversity and discrimination. Among the 21 states and one Union Territory surveyed, 9,188 respondents shared their perspectives, shedding light on the civic behaviors of the Indian population.
The survey revealed some interesting insights into the civic sense of Indian states. Here's a closer look at the top 10 states that scored highest for civic sense and responsible public behavior:
- Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu took the top spot, with a remarkable 75% of respondents strongly disagreeing with the idea of bribery. This indicates a strong sense of integrity and ethical behavior among its citizens.
- West Bengal: West Bengal demonstrated exceptional behavior in helping accident victims. A significant proportion of respondents in this state expressed a willingness to stop, assist, and call for emergency services after witnessing an accident.
- Odisha: Odisha secured the third position, showcasing a strong rejection of bribery. With 73% of respondents strongly disagreeing that paying a bribe is sometimes necessary, Odisha sets a positive example for ethical conduct.
- Delhi: Delhi, as the highest-performing Union Territory, excelled in public transport etiquette. Respondents in Delhi were more likely to adhere to rules, such as traveling with a ticket or paying the correct fare.
- Kerala: Kerala's commitment to public cleanliness and responsible use of public services is commendable. It ranked first in justifying littering due to the unavailability of garbage bins, indicating a proactive approach to environmental responsibility.
- Haryana: Haryana's residents demonstrated a strong concern for climate change, with 78% strongly agreeing that they care about it. This environmental awareness is a positive sign for the state's future sustainability efforts.
- Jharkhand: Jharkhand's respondents displayed responsible attitudes towards littering, ticketless travel, and bribery. This state's performance highlights the importance of everyday etiquette and ethical behavior.
- Himachal Pradesh: Himachal Pradesh's residents showed a relatively responsible approach to littering, ticketless travel, and bribery. The state's performance suggests a culture of accountability and civic duty.
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand, particularly Rishikesh, scored well on environmental awareness and public service behavior. The state's concern for climate change and willingness to help accident victims are commendable.
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra's residents demonstrated a strong willingness to help accident victims and performed well on several other civic questions, including rejecting bribery. This state's performance highlights the importance of empathy and ethical behavior.
These rankings provide a glimpse into the civic sense and responsible behavior of Indian states. While it is encouraging to see these positive examples, it also underscores the need for continued efforts to promote and uphold these values across the country. The survey's findings can serve as a benchmark for other states to strive for improvement and foster a culture of civic responsibility and ethical conduct.
