In a recent survey, the India Today Group, in collaboration with How India Lives and Kadence International, ranked Indian states based on their civic sense and responsible public behavior. The survey, titled the Gross Domestic Behaviour (GDB) Survey 2025, covered a wide range of topics, including public safety, gender attitudes, and diversity and discrimination. The results provide an interesting insight into the civic behavior of Indians across different states.
One of the most striking findings is the top-ranked state, Tamil Nadu. The survey revealed that 75% of respondents in Tamil Nadu strongly disagreed with the idea of bribery, showcasing a strong sense of civic responsibility. This is a significant achievement, as it indicates a high level of ethical behavior among the state's citizens.
West Bengal, ranked second, demonstrated a strong sense of public duty. When asked about helping people after accidents, a significant proportion of respondents in West Bengal said they would stop, help, and call the police or an ambulance. This highlights the state's commitment to public safety and the well-being of its citizens.
Odisha, ranked third, also performed exceptionally well in the survey. With 73% of respondents strongly disagreeing with the idea of bribery, the state showcased a strong rejection of corrupt practices. This is a positive sign for the state's ethical standards and public trust.
Delhi, the highest-performing Union Territory, ranked fourth. Its strong showing on public transport etiquette is particularly noteworthy. The majority of respondents in Delhi agreed to travel without a ticket or pay the required fare, indicating a high level of civic responsibility and awareness.
Kerala, ranked fifth, performed well on questions related to public cleanliness and responsible use of public services. The state's respondents showed a strong sense of environmental responsibility, ranking first on the question of littering. This is a positive development, as it reflects a growing awareness of the importance of maintaining clean and sustainable public spaces.
Haryana, ranked sixth, recorded strong responses on environmental responsibility. A high percentage of respondents strongly agreed that they cared about climate change, indicating a growing awareness of environmental issues. This is a positive trend, as it suggests a willingness to address environmental challenges.
Jharkhand, ranked seventh, also performed well on certain everyday public etiquette questions. The state's respondents showed responsible attitudes towards littering and ticketless travel, indicating a commitment to maintaining public order and discipline.
Himachal Pradesh, ranked eighth, demonstrated relatively responsible attitudes towards littering, ticketless travel, and bribery. The state's respondents showed a willingness to uphold civic standards and contribute to a well-functioning society.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, ranked ninth, performed well on environmental awareness and public-service behavior. The state's respondents showed a strong concern for climate change, ranking second nationally. This is a positive sign, as it reflects a growing awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability.
Finally, Maharashtra, ranked tenth, showed a strong willingness to help people involved in accidents. The state's respondents also performed well on several other civic questions, including rejecting the idea of bribery. This indicates a commitment to public safety and ethical behavior.
Overall, the survey's findings highlight the varying levels of civic sense and responsible public behavior across Indian states. While some states excel in specific areas, others may need to improve in certain aspects. The survey serves as a reminder that civic responsibility is a collective effort, and every state has the potential to enhance its civic standards and contribute to a more ethical and responsible society.
