Practice 150 Social Sector Initiatives MCQs for UPSC Prelims with a focus on important concepts, policy approaches, implementation challenges and outcomes related to India’s social sector. This hard-level quiz covers major areas including health, education, nutrition, food security, women’s welfare, social security, housing, skill development and digital governance. The questions are designed to test conceptual understanding, analytical reasoning and the ability to evaluate statements in the context of social-sector policies and programmes.
The quiz also covers broader themes such as inclusive development, last-mile service delivery, beneficiary identification, outcome-based policy evaluation, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Aadhaar, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), DigiLocker, primary healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, social security and the relationship between social-sector development and economic development.
Each question is accompanied by the correct answer and a detailed explanation, making the quiz useful not only for testing preparation but also for revision and conceptual clarity. The interactive test provides a timer, question navigation and scoring, while the complete list of questions, answers and explanations is available for further revision. This practice set is particularly relevant for UPSC Prelims aspirants preparing the Economics and Social Development portion of the examination.
Social Sector Initiatives MCQs for UPSC Prelims: 150 Questions
Description
Practice 150 Social Sector Initiatives MCQs for UPSC Prelims covering health, education, nutrition, food security, women, social security, housing, skill development and digital governance.
Difficulty
Hard
Num Questions
150
Points Per Question
1
Time Limit
120 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
All MCQ Questions with Answers and Explanations
Question 1: With reference to various social sector initiatives, which of the following statements is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
C
— Various social sector schemes can contribute to one another in achieving the broader objectives of human development, social security and inclusive development.
Explanation:
Health, education, nutrition, housing, water, sanitation, skills and social security are distinct policy areas, but their outcomes are interconnected. Their combined impact can influence human capital, living standards, productivity, social security and inclusive development.
Question 2: With reference to ‘last-mile service delivery’ in social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Announcement of a scheme and actual delivery of services to beneficiaries are two distinct stages. (2) In last-mile service delivery, administrative and digital barriers, along with geographical distance, can also be important. (3) Merely providing an online application ensures equal access for all citizens.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Announcement of a scheme does not automatically ensure receipt of the benefit. Access to services may be affected by barriers such as distance, awareness, documentation, administrative capacity, digital literacy and connectivity. Therefore, merely providing an online facility does not guarantee universal access.
Question 3: Which of the following approaches in social sector schemes is closest to inclusive development?
Correct Answer:
B
— Improving access of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups to basic services, opportunities and social security
Explanation:
The objective of inclusive development is to extend the benefits and opportunities of development to a broad section of the population. Increasing the access of vulnerable groups to services such as health, education, nutrition, housing, social security and skills plays an important role in this.
Question 4: With reference to the federal implementation of social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Successful implementation of a scheme does not depend only on policy formulation by the Central Government. (2) The administrative capacity of States and institutions at the local level can affect service delivery. (3) Given the same policy, its outcomes will necessarily be the same in all States.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
The actual impact of many social sector schemes depends on grassroots administration, institutional capacity, beneficiary identification, local conditions and the quality of service delivery. Therefore, even with the same policy, outcomes can differ across States.
Question 5: With reference to Direct Benefit Transfer, Aadhaar and digital public infrastructure in social sector schemes, which of the following statements is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
D
— These are distinct concepts, but they can be complementary in certain processes involving digital identification, payments and service delivery.
Explanation:
Aadhaar is related to digital identification and authentication, Direct Benefit Transfer is related to the mechanism of delivering benefits directly to beneficiaries, while digital public infrastructure refers to the broader concept of digital systems and the foundation for public digital services. They are distinct, but can be complementary in certain circumstances.
Question 6: With reference to the identification of targeted beneficiaries in social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Correct identification of beneficiaries can help direct limited resources towards priority groups. (2) Errors in identification can create the problem of eligible persons being excluded or ineligible persons receiving benefits. (3) The use of digital identification automatically eliminates all administrative problems related to identification.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Correct identification of beneficiaries is extremely important in targeted schemes. Errors in identification can result in eligible persons being excluded or ineligible persons being included. Digital identification can assist in these processes, but it does not automatically eliminate all administrative problems.
Question 7: Which of the following statements are correct? (1) Investment in education can contribute to human capital formation. (2) Improvements in health and nutrition can affect labour productivity. (3) Public expenditure on the social sector has no relationship with economic development.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Education strengthens human capital through the development of knowledge and skills. Better health and nutrition can contribute to an individual’s work capacity and productivity. Statement 3 is incorrect because development of the social sector can influence the potential for long-term economic growth.
Question 8: Which of the following combinations correctly reflects the relationship between the objectives of social sector schemes and their broader outcomes?
Correct Answer:
D
— Social security — reducing income or risk-related insecurity
Explanation:
The broader objective of social security is to help protect individuals and families from insecurity arising from income, illness, accidents, old age or other socio-economic risks. The other options narrow the broader objectives of the respective schemes excessively.
Question 9: With reference to schemes related to health, nutrition and sanitation, which of the following conclusions is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
B
— Improvements in health, nutrition, safe water and sanitation can reinforce one another.
Explanation:
Health, nutrition, water and sanitation are interconnected social sectors. Safe water and improved sanitation can contribute to reducing the burden of diseases, while better health and nutrition strengthen human development.
Question 10: With reference to inclusive development in social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Even when a scheme has universal coverage, actual utilization can be affected by social and economic barriers. (2) Targeted schemes can focus limited resources on relatively more disadvantaged groups. (3) The choice between universal and targeted approaches in the social sector may depend on the objective of the scheme, resources and the problem being targeted. (4) In every circumstance, a universal approach is better than a targeted approach.
Correct Answer:
B
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Actual utilization of a formally available service can be affected by income, distance, awareness, social barriers or administrative difficulties. Statement 2 is correct. Targeted interventions can help focus limited resources on more disadvantaged groups. Statement 3 is correct. Both universal and targeted interventions can have contextual advantages. Statement 4 is incorrect. One approach cannot be considered superior in every circumstance.
Question 11: With reference to social security and the changing nature of the labour market, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Expanding social security for workers in the unorganized sector can be an important policy challenge. (2) Portability of a worker’s identity and social security benefits can be important in the context of their mobility. (3) Mere availability of employment automatically fulfils all social security requirements.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Workers in the unorganized sector may experience greater instability in income, employment and social security. Statement 2 is correct. Portability of benefits can be important in situations involving migration and changes in the place of employment. Statement 3 is incorrect. Employment and social security are distinct concepts. Even with employment, risks related to illness, accidents, old age or income instability may persist.
Question 12: With reference to an integrated approach to nutrition, health and sanitation in the social sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Understanding child malnutrition only in terms of food availability may be inadequate. (2) Improvements in clean water and sanitation can influence nutrition outcomes by reducing the burden of infections. (3) Linking nutrition programmes with health and sanitation interventions can provide a more holistic policy approach.
Correct Answer:
A
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
All three statements are correct. Nutrition is a multidimensional issue. Along with the quality and adequacy of food, infections, sanitation, water, health services and care conditions also influence nutrition outcomes. Therefore, coordination among various social sector initiatives is important.
Question 13: With reference to the increasing emphasis on an outcome-based approach in social sector schemes in recent years, which of the following options is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
D
— Along with the utilization of resources, it is also necessary to assess whether the targeted services generated the expected social outcomes.
Explanation:
An outcome-based approach does not merely examine how much money was spent or how many facilities were created. It also assesses the extent to which actual outcomes such as improvements in health, education, nutrition, income or quality of life occurred among the targeted population.
Question 14: With reference to social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Incorporation of digital technology into a scheme can increase administrative efficiency. (2) Even with the expansion of digital mechanisms, non-digital support mechanisms may continue to be necessary in certain circumstances to ensure access to the final beneficiary. (3) Expansion of digital governance automatically eliminates all problems of social exclusion.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Digital tools can make identification, payments, monitoring and record management more systematic. Statement 2 is correct. Support mechanisms may be necessary due to unequal access to digital tools, lack of digital literacy or difficulties related to authentication. Statement 3 is incorrect. Digital governance can provide new facilities, but the digital divide itself can become a cause of social exclusion.
Question 15: With reference to digital initiatives in the social sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Direct Benefit Transfer can facilitate the direct delivery of financial benefits to beneficiaries. (2) Digitization can help improve administrative transparency and monitoring. (3) Adoption of digital mechanisms automatically eliminates the problem of the digital divide. (4) Digital public infrastructure can help provide a shared digital foundation for the delivery of various public services.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1, 2 and 4
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Direct Benefit Transfer is a mechanism for directly transferring benefits to the beneficiary’s account. Statement 2 is correct. Digital records, authentication and monitoring can assist in administrative transparency. Statement 3 is incorrect. Despite the expansion of digital mechanisms, barriers related to devices, internet access, digital literacy and authentication may persist. Statement 4 is correct. Digital public infrastructure can provide a shared digital foundation for various services.
Question 16: With reference to skill development and employment, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Skill development can be a form of investment in human capital. (2) The economic returns to skill training can be influenced by its relevance to the labour market. (3) Increasing the number of training programmes automatically ensures a proportional increase in productive employment. (4) The impact of skill development may not remain limited to the trained individual, as an increase in productivity can have a broader economic impact.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1, 2 and 4
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct because skills are an investment that increases an individual’s productive capacity. Statement 2 is correct because the impact on employment and income is linked to the actual demand for skills. Statement 3 is incorrect. There is no automatically proportional relationship between the number of training programmes and productive employment. Statement 4 is correct. Better skills can increase productivity, which can have a broader economic impact.
Question 17: When housing, water and sanitation are viewed from the perspective of an integrated social policy, which of the following conclusions is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
B
— Safe housing, adequate water and sanitation facilities together can improve health and living conditions.
Explanation:
Housing, water and sanitation can be interconnected as social determinants. Along with safe housing, the availability of clean water and sanitation can help reduce infectious diseases, unhygienic living conditions and health risks.
Question 18: With reference to social security, which of the following statements are correct? (1) An insurance system can help reduce financial losses when a risk materializes. (2) A pension system can provide income security when the capacity to earn income decreases or ceases. (3) The objective of social security necessarily needs to be limited only to individuals living below the poverty line. (4) The issue of social security can be of particular importance for workers in the unorganized sector.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1, 2 and 4
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Insurance can reduce the financial impact of specific risks. Statement 2 is correct. A pension can provide income security during old age or when the capacity to earn income declines. Statement 3 is incorrect. The scope of social security need not be limited only to those living below the poverty line. Statement 4 is correct because workers in the unorganized sector often have limited access to formal social security.
Question 19: With reference to social initiatives related to nutrition, which of the following conclusions is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
B
— Food, health, sanitation, care and social conditions can have a combined role in nutrition outcomes.
Explanation:
Malnutrition is a multidimensional problem. Along with adequate and nutritious food, protection from infections, clean water, sanitation, health services, maternal health and appropriate care are also important. Therefore, merely increasing food availability cannot be considered sufficient.
Question 20: With reference to primary healthcare and health insurance in the health sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Strengthening primary healthcare can assist in the early detection and prevention of diseases. (2) Health insurance primarily addresses risks associated with the financial cost of treatment. (3) Merely expanding health insurance automatically eliminates the problem of physical availability of health services. (4) Primary healthcare and financial protection can be viewed as complementary to each other.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1, 2 and 4
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Primary healthcare is important for prevention and early detection. Statement 2 is correct. Insurance is a means of reducing the financial risks associated with treatment. Statement 3 is incorrect. Even when insurance is available, the physical availability of doctors, health centres, medicines and other services remains necessary. Statement 4 is correct. Both can strengthen the health system by addressing different barriers.
Question 21: With reference to an outcome-based policy approach in the social sector, which of the following sequences is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
A
— Resources → Service delivery → Utilization → Outcomes → Long-term impact
Explanation:
In an outcome-based approach, resources or inputs are used to provide goods and services, which must then be effectively utilized by the intended beneficiaries. Proper utilization can contribute to the achievement of immediate and intermediate outcomes, which may ultimately contribute to longer-term impacts.
Question 22: With reference to social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Determining the eligibility for a scheme and identifying a beneficiary can be two distinct administrative functions. (2) A digital identification system can assist in beneficiary identification, but it does not automatically resolve all questions of eligibility. (3) If an individual’s identity is verified, that person automatically becomes eligible for the benefits of a social scheme.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Identification determines who the individual is, whereas eligibility determines whether the person is entitled to the benefits of a particular scheme. Statement 2 is correct. Digital identification can facilitate authentication, but eligibility for a scheme depends on separate policy criteria. Statement 3 is incorrect. Verification of identity alone does not automatically establish eligibility for a scheme.
Question 23: With reference to social sector schemes, which of the following options presents the most appropriate set of indicators for assessing the actual impact of a scheme?
Correct Answer:
B
— Access, utilization, quality of service and targeted social outcomes
Explanation:
The success of a social scheme is not determined merely by expenditure or registration. It is necessary to assess whether the service reached the targeted population, whether it was actually utilized, what the quality of the service was, and whether the expected social outcomes were achieved.
Question 24: With reference to Direct Benefit Transfer and Aadhaar-based services, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Direct transfer of benefits can reduce the possibility of leakages occurring at certain intermediary levels. (2) Aadhaar-based identification can be used for beneficiary identification and authentication. (3) After the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer, the need for determining eligibility is eliminated. (4) Dependence on digital mechanisms may create new access-related challenges in implementation.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1, 2 and 4
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Direct transfers can help reduce certain types of leakages by reducing intermediary levels. Statement 2 is correct. Aadhaar can be used for identification and authentication. Statement 3 is incorrect. Determining beneficiary eligibility remains necessary. Statement 4 is correct. Digital access, authentication, banking facilities and technological barriers can affect implementation.
Question 25: With reference to the evaluation of women-focused schemes in the social sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Increased participation of women in a scheme may be a positive outcome, but it is not, by itself, a complete measure of empowerment. (2) Outcomes such as decision-making capacity and economic autonomy can be useful indicators of the extent of empowerment. (3) The impact of a women-focused scheme remains limited only to the woman beneficiary and has no impact on the family or society.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Higher participation may indicate greater reach or inclusion, but it does not by itself establish that women have gained substantive empowerment. Statement 2 is correct. Decision-making capacity, economic autonomy and greater control over resources can provide useful evidence of actual empowerment. Statement 3 is incorrect. Women’s empowerment can generate effects beyond the individual beneficiary, including changes within households and the wider community.
Question 26: With reference to food security and the Public Distribution System, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The Public Distribution System can help improve physical access to foodgrains for eligible households. (2) The existence of public stocks of foodgrains automatically ensures equal access to food for every individual. (3) Economic access is an important dimension of food security and is distinct from the mere physical availability of food.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The Public Distribution System facilitates the distribution of foodgrains to eligible households and can therefore improve their physical access to food. Statement 2 is incorrect. The mere existence of public stocks does not ensure that every individual can actually access food, because identification, distribution, affordability and other access-related barriers may remain. Statement 3 is correct. Food security requires more than physical availability; individuals must also have the economic and other means to obtain food.
Question 27: With reference to DigiLocker and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which of the following statements are correct? (1) DigiLocker can facilitate secure access to, sharing of, and verification of digital documents and certificates. (2) Digital Public Infrastructure can facilitate interoperability and more efficient interaction among different digital services and systems. (3) Digital governance is limited to converting physical documents into digital form.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct because DigiLocker is designed to provide secure access to digital documents and certificates and to facilitate their sharing and verification. Statement 2 is correct because DPI can provide common digital building blocks that enable interoperability and interaction across different services and systems. Statement 3 is incorrect because digital governance extends beyond digitisation of documents and can include service delivery, authentication, verification, interoperability, data exchange, and citizen access.
Question 28: With reference to the Atal Pension Yojana, which of the following statements are correct? (1) It is related to income security in old age. (2) It addresses the dimension of social security in which an individual needs regular income after working income ceases or decreases. (3) It can be classified only as a life insurance scheme.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
The Atal Pension Yojana is related to income security in old age. Pension and life insurance address different functions of social security. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Question 29: With reference to the Swachh Bharat Mission, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Improvement in sanitation can have an impact on public health. (2) Change in sanitation behaviour is not automatically ensured merely by constructing toilets. (3) It is more appropriate to view sanitation separately from water, health, and behavioural aspects.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Sanitation is related to the spread of diseases, environmental health, and quality of life. Merely constructing infrastructure may not be sufficient; its use and sustained behavioural change are also important. Statement 3 is incorrect because water, sanitation, and health are closely interconnected.
Question 30: With reference to the Jal Jeevan Mission, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Access to safe and adequate drinking water is closely related to public health. (2) Provision of drinking water at or near the household can reduce the time and effort spent by women and children in fetching water. (3) Drinking water, sanitation, and health outcomes are independent of one another.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct because access to safe and adequate drinking water is an important determinant of health and well-being. Statement 2 is correct because household-level access to water can reduce the time and physical effort required to collect water, particularly for women and children. Statement 3 is incorrect because water, sanitation, hygiene and health are closely interconnected.
Question 31: With reference to Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), which of the following statements are correct? (1) Rural housing policy may seek not only to provide a dwelling unit but also to facilitate access to basic amenities through convergence with other schemes. (2) Facilities such as sanitation, drinking water, and electricity can influence the quality and adequacy of rural housing. (3) Rural housing policy has no relationship with broader objectives of improving living standards.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct because rural housing is increasingly viewed in conjunction with access to basic amenities through convergence with other government programmes. Statement 2 is correct because sanitation, water, electricity and other basic services contribute to safe and dignified living conditions. Statement 3 is incorrect because rural housing is closely connected with broader objectives of social welfare and improvement in living standards.
Question 32: With reference to skill development schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The success of skill training should not be assessed only by the number of persons trained. (2) Outcomes such as employment or improvement in income after training can be important in evaluating the effectiveness of a scheme. (3) In rural skill development, it can be useful to consider local labour markets and migration trends.
Correct Answer:
B
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The ultimate objective of skill development is not merely to provide training. The quality of training, its linkage with employment, improvement in income, and its alignment with local and broader labour market requirements are also important. In rural areas, considering the patterns of employment and migration can be particularly useful.
Question 33: With reference to the welfare of senior citizens, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The welfare of older persons can include dimensions of health and social care along with income security. (2) Economic dependence in old age can increase the need for social security. (3) The issue of the welfare of older persons is limited only to pension payments.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
A comprehensive approach to the welfare of senior citizens is linked to income security along with health, care, social participation, and a dignified life. Therefore, it is not appropriate to limit it only to pension payments.
Question 34: With reference to the One Nation One Ration Card system, which of the following statements best expresses its major policy significance?
Correct Answer:
B
— It assists eligible beneficiaries in the portability of food security benefits in situations involving a change of location.
Explanation:
The major significance of the One Nation One Ration Card is associated with the portability of ration benefits. It can particularly assist migrant beneficiaries in maintaining access to eligible food security benefits when their place of residence changes.
Question 35: With reference to the National Food Security Act, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The issue of food security is not related only to foodgrain production. (2) The Public Distribution System can be a means of improving economic access to food. (3) Identification of targeted beneficiaries has no significance in the food security system.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
In addition to availability, access and utilisation are also important in food security. The Public Distribution System is a means of providing eligible families with access to foodgrains. Therefore, identification of beneficiaries is also administratively important. Statement 3 is incorrect.
Question 36: With reference to Saksham Anganwadi, which of the following approaches most appropriately reflects its broader objective?
Correct Answer:
C
— Strengthening Anganwadi infrastructure and services to improve the quality of nutrition, early childhood development, and related services
Explanation:
The Saksham Anganwadi approach is related to strengthening the capacity and quality of Anganwadi centres. It is associated with improving nutrition, early childhood development, and related services at the community level. It is not appropriate to understand it merely as food distribution or as a substitute for formal school education.
Question 37: With reference to POSHAN Abhiyaan and the Anganwadi system, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Merely providing food may not be sufficient to achieve nutritional goals. (2) Anganwadi-level services can play an important role in community-based nutrition and child development efforts. (3) Health, sanitation, and behavioural aspects can also be considered for improving nutritional outcomes.
Correct Answer:
A
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
Nutrition is a multidimensional subject. Along with the availability of food, factors such as health, sanitation, care, behaviour, and access to services can also affect nutritional outcomes. The Anganwadi system plays an important role in delivering such services close to the community.
Question 38: With reference to literacy programmes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Literacy is not a concept limited only to the ability to recognise letters. (2) Functional literacy can be useful in an individual’s daily economic and social activities. (3) Adult literacy programmes can be linked to social and economic inclusion. (4) Once literacy is achieved, an individual’s education and skill-related needs automatically cease.
Correct Answer:
D
— 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
The broader meaning of literacy can also be associated with the ability to use reading and writing skills in a practical manner. Adult literacy can assist in economic decision-making, access to public services, and social participation. Statement 4 is incorrect because the need for skills, knowledge, and continuous learning continues even after literacy is achieved.
Question 39: With reference to the PM POSHAN Scheme, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The objective of school meals may not only be to reduce hunger but may also be linked to children’s nutrition and school participation. (2) School nutrition programmes can provide an example of a policy linkage between the education sector and the nutrition sector. (3) Providing food in schools cannot have any potential role in improving children’s learning outcomes.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Initiatives such as PM POSHAN link nutritional support with school education. Adequate nutrition can contribute to attendance, concentration, and conditions conducive to learning in schools. The absolute form of Statement 3 is incorrect.
Question 40: With reference to Samagra Shiksha, which of the following statements best expresses its core approach?
Correct Answer:
A
— Viewing school education from pre-primary to senior secondary level as a continuous process
Explanation:
Samagra Shiksha seeks to view different levels of school education within a comprehensive and continuous approach. Its objective is not limited to building construction, but also includes strengthening access to education, quality, and the broader learning environment.
Question 41: With reference to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which of the following statements are correct? (1) It seeks to integrate Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) into the broader structure of school education. (2) Along with subject knowledge, it places emphasis on understanding, skills, and holistic development. (3) Its approach is limited only to higher education institutions.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct because NEP 2020 incorporates ECCE into the new 5+3+3+4 curricular and pedagogical structure. Statement 2 is correct because the policy emphasises conceptual understanding, skills, competency development, and holistic development. Statement 3 is incorrect because NEP 2020 covers both school education and higher education.
Question 42: With reference to skill development in the social sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Skill development can be linked to human capital formation. (2) The employability of training is influenced by labour market demand. (3) Merely obtaining a certificate guarantees productive employment.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Skill training can enhance human capital. However, its economic benefit depends on whether the acquired skills are actually in demand in the labour market. A certificate alone does not guarantee employment.
Question 43: Which of the following correctly distinguishes between input, output, and outcome in the context of a social sector scheme?
Correct Answer:
B
— Budget and human resources — Services provided — Improvement in social outcomes of the targeted population
Explanation:
Resources such as budget and human resources are inputs. Services provided or facilities constructed can be outputs. Improvement in outcomes such as health, education, or income of the targeted population can form part of the outcome.
Question 44: With reference to the potential benefits of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) It can help reduce the role of intermediaries in the transfer of benefits. (2) It can facilitate greater traceability and monitoring of benefit payments. (3) It eliminates the need to determine the eligibility of beneficiaries.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct because DBT seeks to transfer eligible benefits directly into the beneficiary's designated account, thereby reducing the role of intermediary levels in the payment process. Statement 2 is correct because digital payment records can improve traceability and monitoring of transactions. Statement 3 is incorrect because DBT does not eliminate the need to determine who is eligible to receive a particular benefit; eligibility continues to depend on the rules of the scheme.
Question 45: With reference to the National Food Security system, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Food availability and access to food are not synonymous with food security. (2) The Public Distribution System can be a means of improving access to food for the targeted population. (3) Food security is ensured merely through adequate foodgrain production.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Food availability is important, but the economic and physical access of an individual or household to food is also necessary. The Public Distribution System can be a means of improving this access. Therefore, production alone is not sufficient.
Question 46: Which of the following statements most appropriately reflects the relationship between nutrition and education in social sector schemes?
Correct Answer:
B
— Improvement in child nutrition can influence outcomes such as school attendance and learning ability.
Explanation:
There can be a bidirectional relationship between nutrition and education. Adequate nutrition can contribute to child development, concentration, and learning ability. Initiatives such as school meals can address both nutrition and education objectives.
Question 47: With reference to education policy, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Increasing access to education and improving the quality of education are not the same policy objective. (2) Despite an increase in school enrolment, learning outcomes may not be at the expected level. (3) Merely increasing the number of schools is sufficient evidence of improvement in the quality of education.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Access and quality are distinct but related dimensions of education. Statement 2 is correct. Enrolment achievement does not guarantee learning achievement. Statement 3 is incorrect. Along with infrastructure, teachers, pedagogy, the learning environment, and students’ learning achievement are also important.
Question 48: With reference to public initiatives in the health sector, which of the following options best expresses a comprehensive approach to the health system?
Correct Answer:
A
— Viewing prevention, primary care, treatment, and financial protection as mutually complementary dimensions
Explanation:
An effective health system does not depend only on hospital-based treatment. Disease prevention, primary healthcare, timely treatment, and financial protection from health expenditure are all important dimensions.
Question 49: With reference to child protection, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The objective of child protection is not merely to provide financial assistance to children. (2) Care, protection, rehabilitation, and institutional support can be important for children at risk. (3) Since the social conditions of every child are the same, targeted interventions are not required for child protection.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Child protection is a comprehensive system. Statement 2 is correct because financial assistance alone may not be sufficient for children at risk; protection, care, and rehabilitation may also be necessary. Statement 3 is incorrect. The circumstances of all children are not the same, and targeted protection mechanisms may be necessary for certain groups.
Question 50: In the context of food security, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Food availability and economic access to food are the same concept. (2) The Public Distribution System can support the access dimension of food security. (3) The availability of sufficient food in the market for an individual does not ensure that the individual can afford it.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Food availability and access to food are different dimensions. Statement 2 is correct. The Public Distribution System can support access to foodgrains for eligible families. Statement 3 is correct. The availability of food in the market and an individual’s ability to purchase it are different matters.
Question 51: With reference to Ayushman Bharat, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The approach of Ayushman Bharat is not limited only to financial assistance at the time of hospitalisation. (2) It envisaged strengthening primary healthcare through Health and Wellness Centres. (3) The objective of all components of Ayushman Bharat is only to provide treatment in private hospitals.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Ayushman Bharat was developed as a comprehensive healthcare approach. Statement 2 is correct. The objective of Health and Wellness Centres was to strengthen comprehensive primary healthcare services. Statement 3 is incorrect. The scheme is not limited only to private hospitals, and the public health system also has an important role.
Question 52: In the context of public policy in the health sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Improving access to health services is not ensured merely by increasing the number of hospitals. (2) Primary healthcare can play an important role in disease prevention and early detection. (3) Utilisation of healthcare depends only on curative services.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Actual access to health services involves several factors such as distance, cost, availability of human resources, availability of medicines, and quality of services. Statement 2 is correct. Primary healthcare is important for prevention, health promotion, and early detection. Statement 3 is incorrect because utilisation of healthcare is not limited only to treatment.
Question 53: With reference to social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The objective of a scheme and its final social outcome are the same thing. (2) The implementation of a scheme can be affected by local institutional capacity. (3) The actual impact of the same scheme can vary across different regions.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The objective of a scheme indicates the expected outcome, whereas the actual social outcome depends on implementation and other circumstances. Statement 2 is correct. Local administrative capacity, institutional arrangements, and service-delivery capacity can affect the outcomes of a scheme. Statement 3 is correct. Due to differences in regional conditions, the actual impact of the same scheme can vary across different regions.
Question 54: In the context of the effectiveness of Direct Benefit Transfer in the social sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Direct transfer of benefits can reduce some of the roles of intermediary levels. (2) Direct Benefit Transfer eliminates the need to determine the beneficiary’s eligibility. (3) In the absence of banking and digital access, the actual reach of the benefits of Direct Benefit Transfer may be affected.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Direct transfer aims to enable a system through which benefits are delivered directly to the beneficiary. Statement 2 is incorrect. Determining eligibility is still necessary. Statement 3 is correct. Conditions such as banking facilities, digital access, and transaction-related capabilities can affect the actual delivery of benefits.
Question 55: What is the major reason for viewing housing, water, and sanitation in an integrated manner in the context of the social sector?
Correct Answer:
B
— Housing quality, safe water, and sanitation can be interrelated determinants of health and quality of life.
Explanation:
Housing is not merely a matter of providing a roof. Safe water, sanitation, a clean environment, and basic services affect an individual’s health and quality of life. Therefore, convergence in these areas can improve social outcomes.
Question 56: With reference to skill development and social inclusion, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Skill development can contribute to enhancing an individual’s employability. (2) Merely providing training does not ensure that the trained person will obtain quality employment. (3) Skill development has no connection with the social sector because it is only a subject of industrial policy.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Skill training can improve employability. Statement 2 is also correct because, in addition to training, employment availability, market relevance of skills, and economic conditions also determine outcomes. Statement 3 is incorrect because skill development is also a social sector subject linked to human capital, employment, and socio-economic opportunities.
Question 57: With reference to social security schemes, which of the following statements is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
D
— Social security can include various means of protection against life, health, old age, accident, or income-related risks.
Explanation:
Social security is a broad concept. It can include pensions, insurance, assistance, and other arrangements for protection against various types of risks. It cannot be limited only to government employees or only to cash transfers.
Question 58: In the context of women’s empowerment schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Women’s empowerment can be evaluated only through an increase in women’s income. (2) Education, health, security, and decision-making capacity can be important dimensions of women’s empowerment. (3) Providing a woman with an opportunity to participate in economic activities can contribute to her empowerment, but it is not a sufficient indicator by itself.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is overly narrow and is therefore incorrect. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct because economic participation can be important, but actual empowerment also includes other dimensions such as education, health, security, access to assets, and decision-making capacity.
Question 59: In the context of targeted interventions in social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) A universal approach is always better than a targeted approach for all social problems. (2) In conditions of limited resources, a targeted system can be useful for reaching assistance to specifically disadvantaged groups. (3) Correct identification of beneficiaries can be important for the success of a targeted scheme.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Both universal and targeted approaches can have their own context and utility. Statement 2 is correct because in conditions of limited resources, assistance can be prioritised for more disadvantaged groups. Statement 3 is correct because incorrect identification can lead to the problem of exclusion or inappropriate inclusion.
Question 60: In the context of digital governance and social security, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Digital identity can help simplify the identification process of a beneficiary. (2) Merely having a digital identity makes a person eligible for every social security scheme. (3) Digital systems can enhance transparency and monitoring capacity in benefit delivery, although this does not automatically eliminate all administrative problems.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Digital identity can facilitate identification-related processes. Statement 2 is incorrect because identity and eligibility are distinct concepts. Statement 3 is correct. Digital systems can assist in monitoring and transparency, but digital tools themselves are not a complete solution to every administrative problem.
Question 61: In the context of convergence in social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Food assistance alone may not be sufficient to improve nutritional outcomes. (2) Improvement in safe drinking water and sanitation can influence nutritional outcomes. (3) Availability of health services is independent of nutritional outcomes.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct because nutrition is multidimensional, and factors such as health, sanitation, and care are also important along with food.
Question 62: With reference to the Jal Jeevan Mission, which of the following statements is most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
D
— Its major goal is to provide rural households with Functional Household Tap Connections supplying adequate quantities of prescribed-quality drinking water on a regular basis.
Explanation:
Jal Jeevan Mission focuses on drinking water service delivery to rural households through Functional Household Tap Connections. Functionality involves supplying water in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular basis. The programme is therefore not limited merely to creating water infrastructure.
Question 63: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin is primarily associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Assisting eligible rural households in obtaining pucca houses with basic amenities
Explanation:
PMAY-G aims to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to eligible houseless rural households and households living in kutcha or dilapidated houses. Eligibility is subject to specified criteria under the scheme.
Question 64: Which of the following is the major objective of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana?
Correct Answer:
A
— Enhancing the employability of youth through skill development, training and certification
Explanation:
PMKVY is aimed at improving the skills and employability of individuals through structured skill training and certification. Skill development does not imply a guarantee of government employment. The current PMKVY framework also emphasizes monitoring, assessment and certification.
Question 65: The core objective of the National Social Assistance Programme is most closely related to which of the following?
Correct Answer:
C
— Providing social assistance to poor and vulnerable households, including support related to old age, widowhood and disability
Explanation:
The National Social Assistance Programme represents a social assistance approach for poor and vulnerable households. Its components address situations such as old age, widowhood and disability, thereby providing a basic social security framework for vulnerable sections.
Question 66: Mission Vatsalya is primarily associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Protection, care and welfare of children
Explanation:
Mission Vatsalya focuses on child rights, care, protection and welfare, particularly for children in difficult circumstances. It seeks to strengthen the child protection system and emphasizes family-based non-institutional care, with institutionalization treated as a measure of last resort.
Question 67: What is the primary focus of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative?
Correct Answer:
C
— Promoting behavioural and social change for the protection, education and empowerment of girls
Explanation:
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is primarily a behavioural and social change programme. Its objectives include improving the sex ratio at birth, promoting girls' education, reducing dropout rates among girls and creating greater awareness regarding the protection and well-being of the girl child. The scheme does not provide Direct Benefit Transfers.
Question 68: With reference to Anganwadi Services, formerly known as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which of the following is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
A
— It adopts an integrated approach to child development, nutrition, health and Early Childhood Care and Education.
Explanation:
The Anganwadi Services framework addresses multiple dimensions of child development through services such as supplementary nutrition, pre-school education, nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-ups and referral services. These services now form part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
Question 69: With reference to Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
B
— It provides financial protection to eligible beneficiaries for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
Explanation:
PM-JAY is the hospitalization-focused component of Ayushman Bharat. It provides financial protection to eligible beneficiaries for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization, with benefits that are portable across the country.
Question 70: Which of the following pairs best represents the appropriate use of digital governance in the social sector?
Correct Answer:
A
— Poshan Tracker — Monitoring nutrition services and tracking last-mile service delivery
Explanation:
Poshan Tracker is an ICT-based governance tool under Mission Poshan 2.0. It supports near-real-time monitoring, dynamic identification of stunting, wasting and underweight among children, and last-mile tracking of nutrition service delivery.
Question 71: With reference to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban 2.0, which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
C
— It provides multiple housing-related options to address the needs of eligible urban EWS, LIG and middle-income households.
Explanation:
PMAY-U 2.0, launched with effect from 1 September 2024, seeks to address urban housing needs through four verticals: Beneficiary Led Construction, Affordable Housing in Partnership, Affordable Rental Housing and the Interest Subsidy Scheme.
Question 72: What is the main objective of the One Nation One Ration Card scheme?
Correct Answer:
D
— Providing portability of food entitlements to eligible beneficiaries at different locations across the country
Explanation:
The One Nation One Ration Card initiative enables nationwide portability of ration cards and food entitlements under the National Food Security Act. It is particularly useful for migrant beneficiaries who move across States and Union Territories. Beneficiaries can use their existing ration cards rather than obtaining a new ration card in the destination State or Union Territory.
Question 73: With reference to Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
B
— It brings together Anganwadi services, nutrition support and Early Childhood Care and Education within an integrated framework.
Explanation:
Anganwadi Services, formerly known as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), have been revised and subsumed under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. The scheme includes nutrition support, Early Childhood Care and Education, Anganwadi infrastructure and Poshan Abhiyaan.
Question 74: The major approach of Samagra Shiksha most closely aligns with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
C
— Strengthening school education holistically with emphasis on equity, inclusion, quality and learning outcomes
Explanation:
Samagra Shiksha treats school education as a continuum from pre-school to senior secondary level. Its objectives include improving learning outcomes, ensuring equity and inclusion, bridging social and gender gaps, and promoting quality school education.
Question 75: Which of the following is the proposed structure of school education under the National Education Policy, 2020?
Correct Answer:
A
— 5+3+3+4
Explanation:
NEP 2020 proposes a 5+3+3+4 curricular and pedagogical structure covering the age group of 3–18 years. It consists of the Foundational, Preparatory, Middle and Secondary Stages.
Question 76: With reference to the Universal Immunization Programme, which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer:
D
— Vaccines are provided free of cost to eligible beneficiaries according to the National Immunization Schedule.
Explanation:
Under the Universal Immunization Programme, vaccines are provided free of cost to beneficiaries according to the National Immunization Schedule. The programme covers eligible children and pregnant women and is implemented across the country.
Question 77: The broad objective of the National Health Mission is most closely associated with which of the following?
Correct Answer:
B
— Universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care services that are accountable and responsive to people's needs
Explanation:
The National Health Mission aims to make progress towards universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care services that are accountable and responsive to people's needs. It is also aligned with the broader objective of Universal Health Coverage.
Question 78: In the context of Ayushman Bharat, which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Correct Answer:
A
— Ayushman Arogya Mandirs — Comprehensive Primary Health Care
Explanation:
Ayushman Bharat comprises two major components: Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly Health and Wellness Centres) and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are intended to provide Comprehensive Primary Health Care close to the community, covering a range of preventive, promotive and curative health services.
Question 79: With reference to assessing the impact of social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) The success of a scheme can be assessed only on the basis of government expenditure incurred on it. (2) Actual access to services, quality and outcomes for beneficiaries are important for understanding the impact of a scheme. (3) Greater registration or coverage of beneficiaries does not necessarily prove that social outcomes have improved.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Government expenditure alone cannot establish the effectiveness or impact of a social sector scheme. Statement 2 is correct. Assessment should consider actual access, quality of services, utilization and outcomes experienced by beneficiaries. Statement 3 is correct. Greater registration or coverage may indicate reach, but it does not necessarily demonstrate improvement in final social outcomes. Impact assessment requires examination of outcomes and quality.
Question 80: With reference to the use of Digital Public Infrastructure in the social sector, which of the following statements is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
B
— Shared digital infrastructure can support innovation and access across areas such as identity, payments and service delivery.
Explanation:
Digital Public Infrastructure broadly refers to shared digital systems and foundational platforms that can support multiple services and applications. In the social sector, digital infrastructure relating to identity, payments, authentication and service delivery can facilitate access and improve administrative processes. It should not, however, be equated with any single government scheme.
Question 81: With reference to Aadhaar-based services, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Aadhaar-based authentication does not by itself determine eligibility for a government service. (2) Identification or authentication can be used as part of the process of service delivery. (3) Possession of an Aadhaar number by itself establishes eligibility for every government scheme.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Authentication is concerned with establishing or verifying identity, whereas eligibility depends on the rules and criteria of the concerned scheme. Statement 2 is correct. Identification and authentication may be used in various service-delivery processes. Statement 3 is incorrect. Possession of an Aadhaar number does not automatically establish eligibility for every government scheme.
Question 82: Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
Correct Answer:
C
— DigiLocker — Digital storage, access and verification of documents
Explanation:
DigiLocker is a digital platform associated with the storage, access, sharing and verification of digital documents and certificates. It is not a scheme specifically designed for foodgrain distribution, housing construction or school curriculum development.
Question 83: With reference to the e-Shram system, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Its objective includes creating a national database of workers in the unorganized sector. (2) Registration under e-Shram automatically guarantees a government job to every registered worker. (3) Identification of workers and consolidated information about them can help improve the reach of social security schemes.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The e-Shram portal was developed to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). Statement 2 is incorrect. Registration does not automatically provide or guarantee government employment. Statement 3 is correct. The portal is intended to improve the implementation of social security services and facilitate access to welfare schemes for unorganized workers.
Question 84: With reference to maternity benefit schemes, which of the following approaches is most consistent with social sector policy?
Correct Answer:
D
— Health, nutrition and income-related support during maternity can affect women’s and child health outcomes.
Explanation:
Maternity is closely linked to maternal and child health. Adequate healthcare, nutrition, care and income-related support during pregnancy and maternity can influence the health and well-being of both women and children. Therefore, maternity benefits can be understood within a broader framework of health, nutrition and social protection.
Question 85: With reference to Mission Shakti, which of the following statements are correct? (1) It is related to the safety, security and empowerment of women. (2) Women’s empowerment can be limited only to providing financial assistance. (3) Institutional support for the safety, assistance and empowerment of women can form part of social sector policy.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Mission Shakti is an umbrella initiative focused on the safety, security and empowerment of women. Statement 2 is incorrect. Women's empowerment involves more than financial assistance and may include access to support services, institutional mechanisms, safety, rights and opportunities. Statement 3 is correct. Institutional mechanisms for women's safety, assistance and empowerment are important components of social sector policy.
Question 86: With reference to the Public Distribution System, which of the following statements are correct? (1) One of its major functions is to distribute foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries. (2) It is merely a general market arrangement for selling foodgrains at prevailing market prices. (3) It plays an important role in the public policy framework for food security.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The Public Distribution System is an important mechanism for distributing foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries. Statement 2 is incorrect. The PDS is not merely a general market arrangement for selling foodgrains at prevailing market prices. Statement 3 is correct. It plays an important role in India's food security framework by facilitating access to foodgrains for eligible beneficiaries. The Department of Food and Public Distribution describes ONORC as a portability reform within the TPDS/NFSA framework.
Question 87: With reference to the convergence of various schemes in the social sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Nutritional outcomes of a child are determined only by the services of the nutrition department. (2) There may be interconnections among nutrition, sanitation, drinking water, health and early childhood care. (3) Convergence among social sector schemes can help address the multiple needs of the same family in a more comprehensive manner.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect because nutrition outcomes are influenced by several health, environmental, behavioural and socio-economic factors. Statement 2 is correct. Drinking water, sanitation, healthcare and early childhood care can all influence nutritional outcomes. Statement 3 is correct. Convergence can help address multiple and interconnected needs of beneficiaries and families.
Question 88: With reference to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, which of the following statements are correct? (1) It is related to skill development among rural youth. (2) Skill development can improve an individual’s employability. (3) Every person receiving skill training automatically becomes a government employee.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana is associated with skill development and employment-oriented training for rural youth. Statement 2 is correct. Skill development can enhance employability and facilitate access to employment opportunities. Statement 3 is incorrect. Skill training does not provide an automatic guarantee of government employment.
Question 89: To understand the potential policy convergence between Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission, which of the following statements is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
C
— Sanitation and safe drinking water can both affect public health and quality-of-life outcomes.
Explanation:
Swachh Bharat Mission focuses on sanitation and cleanliness, while Jal Jeevan Mission focuses on providing household tap water connections and drinking-water services in rural areas. Sanitation and safe drinking water are closely linked to public health, hygiene and quality of life. Therefore, convergence between the two can contribute to broader social and health outcomes.
Question 90: With reference to the rural and urban dimensions of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Since housing problems in rural and urban areas are essentially the same, exactly the same implementation mechanism is necessary for both. (2) Housing policy can be designed according to the social, economic and geographical conditions of the area. (3) Separate housing initiatives for rural and urban areas acknowledge differences in local conditions and policy requirements.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Housing needs and implementation challenges can differ between rural and urban areas because of differences in land arrangements, settlement patterns, infrastructure and socio-economic conditions. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Separate rural and urban components reflect the need to account for different local circumstances.
Question 91: With reference to POSHAN Abhiyaan, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Malnutrition can be completely eliminated merely by increasing the quantity of food available. (2) Convergence among different departments and sectors can be important for improving nutritional outcomes. (3) Sanitation, health and behavioural factors can affect nutritional outcomes.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Malnutrition is a multidimensional problem and cannot be addressed merely by increasing the quantity of food. Statement 2 is correct. Nutrition outcomes depend on multiple determinants, making convergence among different departments and programmes important. Statement 3 is correct. Health conditions, sanitation, infections, childcare practices and behavioural factors can influence nutritional outcomes.
Question 92: With reference to India’s immunization system, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Vaccination is concerned only with individual immunity. (2) Adequate population coverage can also contribute to reducing the spread of certain infectious diseases at the community level. (3) Vaccination programmes are an example of a preventive approach to public health.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Vaccination provides individual protection, but sufficiently high coverage can also reduce transmission of certain infectious diseases at the population level. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct because immunization primarily seeks to prevent disease rather than treat an illness after it occurs.
Question 93: With reference to the National Health Mission, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Its approach is limited only to the expansion of tertiary-level medical services in hospitals. (2) Strengthening primary healthcare and public health services is part of its broader approach. (3) Maternal and child health is among the areas addressed within its broader public health framework.
Correct Answer:
B
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Health Mission is not limited to the expansion of tertiary-level hospital services. Statement 2 is correct. Strengthening public health systems, primary healthcare and health-service delivery forms an important part of its broader approach. Statement 3 is correct. Maternal and child health is an important area within the broader public health framework associated with the National Health Mission. The NHM's current official material continues to highlight reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and nutrition.
Question 94: With reference to the use of digital tools in social sector schemes, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Digital identity can facilitate beneficiary identification and authentication. (2) Merely making digital systems available ensures equal actual access for all potential beneficiaries. (3) Challenges such as digital access, literacy and exclusion need to be considered in the use of digital systems.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Digital identity and authentication can facilitate identification and verification in service-delivery processes. Statement 2 is incorrect. The mere availability of digital systems does not ensure universal access. Lack of devices, internet connectivity, digital literacy or technical support can create barriers. Statement 3 is correct. Both efficiency and the risks of exclusion need to be considered while evaluating digital delivery mechanisms in the social sector.
Question 95: With reference to Direct Benefit Transfer in the social sector, which of the following statements are correct? (1) It can strengthen arrangements for delivering benefits more directly to intended beneficiaries. (2) Direct Benefit Transfer itself determines eligibility for a scheme. (3) Digital systems can be used in the benefit-transfer process to enhance administrative efficiency.
Correct Answer:
A
— Only 1 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. Direct Benefit Transfer can strengthen the process of transferring eligible benefits more directly to beneficiaries and can help reduce leakages and unnecessary intermediaries. Statement 2 is incorrect. Eligibility is determined by the rules and criteria of the concerned scheme; DBT itself does not determine eligibility. Statement 3 is correct. Digital systems can support identification, authentication, payment processing, monitoring and other administrative functions.
Question 96: Which of the following options most appropriately describes the distinction between social assistance and social insurance?
Correct Answer:
A
— Social assistance may generally involve need-based public support, whereas contribution-based protection is a prominent feature of social insurance.
Explanation:
Social assistance generally provides public support to vulnerable or needy individuals without necessarily requiring prior contributions. Social insurance generally involves protection against specified risks through a contributory arrangement involving individuals, employers, the state, or a combination of these.
Question 97: With reference to initiatives related to Women and Child Development, which of the following statements are correct? (1) Women’s empowerment and child protection should necessarily be treated as completely separate policy areas. (2) Maternal health, nutrition and early childhood development can produce interrelated outcomes. (3) Convergence between women-centric and child-centric social initiatives can help improve social sector outcomes.
Correct Answer:
C
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect because outcomes related to women and children are often interconnected. Statement 2 is correct. Maternal health and nutrition can influence pregnancy outcomes and the health and development of children. Statement 3 is correct. Convergence among different social sector services can address interconnected needs more comprehensively.
Question 98: With reference to the relationship between the National Food Security Act and One Nation One Ration Card, which of the following statements is the most appropriate?
Correct Answer:
B
— One Nation One Ration Card facilitates the portability of food entitlements of eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act.
Explanation:
One Nation One Ration Card facilitates the portability of food entitlements under the National Food Security Act. Eligible beneficiaries, particularly migrant beneficiaries, can use their entitlements at Fair Price Shops at different locations without having to obtain a new ration card in the destination State or Union Territory.
Question 99: Which of the following statements are correct? (1) Food security is only a matter of the physical availability of foodgrains. (2) Even when adequate food is available to an individual, nutritional outcomes may remain poor. (3) The quality of food and the body's ability to utilize nutrients may also be important in understanding nutritional security.
Correct Answer:
D
— Only 2 and 3
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect because food security is not limited to the physical availability of food. Access to food, its utilization and stability are also important dimensions. Statement 2 is correct. Malnutrition may persist even when food is available because of factors such as poor dietary quality, illness, inadequate sanitation or impaired nutrient absorption. Statement 3 is correct because nutritional security depends not only on food availability but also on the quality of the diet and the body's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients.
Question 100: Which of the following options correctly distinguishes between a primary healthcare service-delivery platform and a financial protection scheme?
Correct Answer:
A
— Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly Health and Wellness Centres) — Comprehensive primary healthcare; Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana — Financial protection against hospitalization-related healthcare expenditure
Explanation:
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, earlier known as Health and Wellness Centres, are associated with the delivery of comprehensive primary healthcare services close to the community. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, in contrast, provides financial protection to eligible beneficiaries against specified hospitalization-related healthcare expenditure. Thus, the two represent different components of the health system.
Question 101: In the context of social sector schemes, how many of the following pairs are correctly matched? (1) Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana — Financial protection against hospitalization-related healthcare expenditure (2) PM POSHAN — Nutritional support to schoolchildren (3) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana — Guarantee of government employment to every trained person (4) Jal Jeevan Mission — Household tap water connections to rural households
Correct Answer:
C
— Only three
Explanation:
Pair 1 is correct. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) seeks to provide financial protection to eligible beneficiaries against specified hospitalization-related healthcare expenditure. Pair 2 is correct. PM POSHAN is aimed at improving the nutritional status of eligible schoolchildren through school meals. Pair 3 is incorrect. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana is intended to promote skill development and improve employability; it does not guarantee government employment to every trained person. Pair 4 is correct. Jal Jeevan Mission seeks to provide functional household tap connections for rural households to facilitate regular access to drinking water.
Question 102: Assertion (A): Merely establishing digital public infrastructure does not automatically ensure equal and effective access to social services for all citizens. Reason (R): Access to devices, internet connectivity, digital literacy, and the ability to use digital services can influence whether individuals are able to benefit from digitally delivered services.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. Digital public infrastructure can improve the delivery and accessibility of public services, but its presence alone does not guarantee equal and effective access. Differences in device availability, internet connectivity, digital literacy, and the ability to use digital systems can create barriers to access. Therefore, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion, making A the correct answer.
Question 103: Assertion (A): Safe housing, clean water, and sanitation have no significant impact on health because health outcomes primarily depend on medical treatment. Reason (R): Living conditions, access to clean water, and environmental sanitation can affect infections and other health risks.
Correct Answer:
D
— A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Explanation:
The Assertion is incorrect because health outcomes are influenced not only by medical treatment but also by social, environmental, and living conditions. Safe housing, clean water, and sanitation can reduce exposure to infections and other health risks. The Reason is correct and directly contradicts the Assertion. Therefore, the correct answer is D.
Question 104: Assertion (A): The expansion of skill development programmes can be more effective when training is linked to actual labour market demand. Reason (R): Merely increasing the number of trained persons automatically ensures that all trained persons will obtain productive employment commensurate with their qualifications.
Correct Answer:
C
— A is correct, but R is incorrect.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because the effectiveness of skill development depends partly on how well training programmes correspond to actual labour market requirements and employment opportunities. The Reason is incorrect because merely increasing the number of trained persons does not automatically guarantee suitable or productive employment. The relevance of skills, employer demand, work opportunities, and the quality of training also matter. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
Question 105: Assertion (A): Direct Benefit Transfer can improve the administration of social schemes, but it does not by itself resolve all implementation-related problems. Reason (R): Once Direct Benefit Transfer is implemented, barriers such as eligibility determination, banking access, authentication, and digital access automatically disappear.
Correct Answer:
C
— A is correct, but R is incorrect.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct. Direct Benefit Transfer can improve transparency, reduce certain administrative intermediaries, and facilitate the direct transfer of benefits. However, effective delivery still depends on factors such as accurate identification and eligibility determination, banking access, authentication, connectivity, and digital accessibility. The Reason is incorrect because implementing DBT does not automatically eliminate these barriers. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
Question 106: Assertion (A): The roles of insurance and pensions in a social security system are not completely identical to each other. Reason (R): The primary objective of both insurance and pensions is to provide regular income in old age.
Correct Answer:
C
— A is correct, but R is incorrect.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because insurance and pensions serve different social security functions. Insurance generally provides protection against specified risks such as death, disability, accidents, illness, or other financial losses, depending on the type of insurance. Pensions are primarily associated with income security over a specified period, especially during old age. The Reason is incorrect because the primary objective of insurance is not limited to providing regular income in old age. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
Question 107: Assertion (A): Assessing women's empowerment solely on the basis of the number of female beneficiaries is inadequate. Reason (R): Various indicators related to women's education, health, economic status, participation in decision-making, and access to opportunities can be used to assess aspects of women's empowerment and social development.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because the number of female beneficiaries indicates programme reach but does not, by itself, establish women's empowerment. Empowerment may involve decision-making capacity, economic autonomy, education, health, access to opportunities, and other dimensions. The Reason is also correct because such indicators can be used to assess aspects of women's empowerment and broader social development. However, it does not directly establish why beneficiary numbers alone are inadequate. Therefore, the correct answer is B.
Question 108: Assertion (A): The One Nation, One Ration Card system can be particularly useful for migrant beneficiaries. Reason (R): Fair Price Shops play an important role in the distribution of foodgrains under the Public Distribution System.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because the One Nation, One Ration Card system facilitates portability of foodgrain entitlements, allowing eligible beneficiaries to access their food entitlements even when they move from one location to another, which is particularly useful for migrants. The Reason is also correct because Fair Price Shops are an important channel for distributing subsidized foodgrains under the Public Distribution System. However, the role of Fair Price Shops does not directly explain why ONORC is particularly useful for migrant beneficiaries. Therefore, the correct answer is B.
Question 109: Assertion (A): The impact of nutrition-related schemes should not be assessed only in terms of increasing the availability of food. Reason (R): Anthropometric measures such as height or length and weight, interpreted in relation to a child's age, can be used to assess nutritional status.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because the impact of nutrition-related schemes cannot be assessed merely by the availability of food. Nutritional outcomes may also depend on food quality, dietary adequacy, healthcare, sanitation, infection control, and other social and environmental factors. The Reason is also correct because anthropometric measures such as height or length and weight, interpreted according to age, are used to assess nutritional status. However, the Reason does not by itself explain the broader argument in the Assertion. Therefore, the correct answer is B.
Question 110: Assertion (A): Strengthening primary healthcare does not eliminate the need for treatment of serious or complex diseases. Reason (R): Primary healthcare provides a broad range of essential health services, including health promotion, disease prevention, early detection, and treatment of common health conditions, while serious or complex conditions may require specialized care at secondary or tertiary levels.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. A strong primary healthcare system plays a major role in health promotion, prevention, early detection, and management of common conditions. However, serious or complex diseases may require specialized investigation and treatment at secondary or tertiary levels. Thus, strengthening primary healthcare does not remove the need for higher-level medical care.
Question 111: Assertion (A): An increase in the number of beneficiaries in a social sector scheme cannot, by itself, be considered sufficient evidence of its effective implementation. Reason (R): The number of beneficiaries may indicate the reach of a scheme, whereas assessing its actual effectiveness also requires examining service utilization, quality, and outcomes.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both A and R are correct, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. An increase in registration or the number of beneficiaries primarily indicates the reach of a scheme. It does not, by itself, establish that the services are actually being utilized, are of adequate quality, or are producing the intended outcomes. Therefore, assessment of implementation should also consider service utilization, quality, and outcomes. The Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Question 112: Assertion (A): The use of Digital Public Infrastructure can make the access to and delivery of social sector services more efficient, but merely establishing a digital system does not guarantee inclusive access. Reason (R): Factors such as digital literacy, availability of devices, affordability, and internet connectivity can affect the actual access to and use of digital services.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason explains the Assertion. Digital Public Infrastructure can improve the efficiency and reach of service delivery, but inclusive access also depends on the ability of people to use digital systems. Digital literacy, devices, affordability, and connectivity can therefore affect effective access.
Question 113: Assertion (A): Social security policy instruments may differ depending on the type of risk being addressed. Reason (R): Risks such as old age, death, and accidental injury differ in nature and may therefore require different forms of social security protection.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason explains the Assertion. Different social risks require different forms of protection. For example, life insurance, accident insurance, and old-age pension address different kinds of risks and contingencies.
Question 114: Assertion (A): Changes in sanitation-related behaviour are not automatically ensured merely through the construction of toilets. Reason (R): Effective sanitation outcomes depend not only on infrastructure but also on regular use, behavioural change, and sanitation-related awareness.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason directly explains the Assertion. The availability of sanitation infrastructure is important, but its public-health impact also depends on actual and sustained use, behavioural practices, and awareness.
Question 115: Assertion (A): In the context of the Jal Jeevan Mission, merely providing a household tap connection does not ensure the entire concept of water security. Reason (R): Once a household tap connection is provided, other conditions such as water quality, regularity, and adequacy no longer have any importance.
Correct Answer:
C
— The Assertion is correct, but the Reason is incorrect.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because a tap connection by itself does not guarantee adequate water security. The quality, quantity, regularity, and reliability of water supply also matter. The Reason is incorrect because these conditions remain important even after a tap connection is provided.
Question 116: Assertion (A): The social impact of housing initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is not limited to the physical provision of housing. Reason (R): Safe and adequate housing can also influence health, sanitation, security, and overall quality of life.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason explains the Assertion. Housing is not merely a physical asset. Safe and adequate housing can have wider implications for health, sanitation, security, living conditions, and overall quality of life.
Question 117: Assertion (A): The Direct Benefit Transfer system can help enhance transparency and monitoring in social welfare schemes. Reason (R): In digital or banking-based benefit distribution, issues such as identification, eligibility, banking access, and technological barriers can affect the reach of benefits to some eligible beneficiaries.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, but the Reason does not explain why DBT can enhance transparency and monitoring. DBT can improve traceability and reduce the scope for certain forms of intermediary-related leakage. However, identification, banking access, and technological barriers represent implementation challenges that can affect effective coverage.
Question 118: Assertion (A): Participation in a skill development programme does not automatically ensure employment. Reason (R): Employment outcomes after training are also influenced by factors such as labour market demand, the relevance of acquired skills, and prevailing economic conditions.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason directly explains the Assertion. Training may improve employability, but actual employment also depends on whether relevant jobs are available, whether the skills match labour market requirements, and what the broader economic conditions are.
Question 119: Assertion (A): The success of a women's empowerment scheme cannot be assessed solely by the number of women covered under the scheme. Reason (R): An increase in the number of beneficiaries does not necessarily ensure a corresponding improvement in women's decision-making capacity, security, education, or economic opportunities.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason explains the Assertion. Coverage measures the reach of a scheme, whereas empowerment involves substantive outcomes such as greater autonomy, decision-making capacity, security, education, and economic opportunities. Therefore, beneficiary numbers alone are insufficient to assess success.
Question 120: Assertion (A): The One Nation, One Ration Card system can enhance the portability of food security benefits for migrant beneficiaries. Reason (R): Portability allows an eligible beneficiary to access entitled foodgrain benefits under the public distribution system even after moving to another location.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason directly explains the Assertion. Portability allows eligible beneficiaries to access their entitled foodgrain benefits away from their original place of registration, which is particularly important for migrant workers.
Question 121: Assertion (A): Merely having sufficient foodgrain availability in a country or region is enough to ensure food security, even if some people do not have access to that food. Reason (R): Food security includes not only the availability of food but also access to it, its proper utilization, and the stability of these conditions.
Correct Answer:
D
— The Assertion is incorrect, but the Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Assertion is incorrect because food availability alone does not ensure food security. People must also have physical and economic access to food, and other dimensions such as utilization and stability are important. The Reason correctly identifies these dimensions.
Question 122: Assertion (A): Investments in nutrition and health during early childhood may have long-term socio-economic significance. Reason (R): Nutrition and health-related services during early childhood can help improve children's immediate physical growth and health status.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. Early childhood investments can improve immediate health and physical development, but their long-term socio-economic significance also arises through possible effects on cognitive development, learning, productivity, and human capital. Therefore, the Reason is correct but does not fully explain the long-term dimension of the Assertion.
Question 123: Assertion (A): The impact of school meal systems such as PM POSHAN cannot be considered limited only to nutrition. Reason (R): School meals may also encourage children's attendance and continued participation in schooling.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct. Although nutrition is a major objective of school meal programmes, such programmes may also support school attendance and children's continued participation in education. Therefore, their impact is not confined to nutrition alone.
Question 124: Assertion (A): Despite high school enrolment, learning outcomes among students in a region may remain weak. Reason (R): Learning outcomes depend on students' actual acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and skills and are not determined solely by enrolment.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason explains the Assertion. High enrolment indicates access or participation in schooling, but it does not by itself ensure that students acquire the expected knowledge, understanding, and skills. Hence, enrolment can be high while learning outcomes remain weak.
Question 125: Assertion (A): Financial protection through health insurance and the provision of direct healthcare services are not the same policy instruments. Reason (R): Financial protection mechanisms primarily address the risk of treatment-related expenditure, whereas direct healthcare service systems are concerned with the availability and accessibility of health services.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct, and the Reason directly explains the Assertion. Health insurance and other financial protection mechanisms primarily seek to reduce the financial burden associated with healthcare expenditure. In contrast, direct healthcare delivery concerns the actual availability, accessibility, and provision of health services such as healthcare facilities, medicines, and healthcare personnel.
Question 126: Assertion (A): The concept of Health and Wellness Centres is not limited only to the treatment of serious diseases. Reason (R): Primary healthcare may also include health promotion, disease prevention, early detection, and addressing general health needs.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. Health and Wellness Centres are intended to provide comprehensive primary healthcare rather than focusing only on the treatment of serious diseases. The broader scope of primary healthcare, including health promotion, prevention, early detection, and general health services, directly explains the Assertion.
Question 127: Assertion (A): Direct Benefit Transfer can help make the delivery of monetary benefits under social-sector schemes more direct and transparent. Reason (R): Under DBT, eligible beneficiaries can receive specified monetary benefits directly into their bank accounts through designated payment systems.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. DBT is designed to transfer eligible benefits directly to beneficiaries through banking and digital payment mechanisms, thereby reducing unnecessary intermediaries in the transfer process. The Reason directly explains why DBT can make benefit delivery more direct. The Government's DBT platform covers numerous schemes and ministries through direct transfers.
Question 128: Assertion (A): The rural and urban components of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana can be understood on the basis of exactly the same criteria and circumstances, without considering any specific distinction between them. Reason (R): Housing, land, basic services, and livelihood conditions may differ between rural and urban areas.
Correct Answer:
D
— The Assertion is incorrect, but the Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Assertion is incorrect because rural and urban housing needs operate in different socioeconomic, spatial, and institutional contexts. The Reason is correct because land availability, housing conditions, basic services, and livelihood patterns can differ significantly between rural and urban areas. PMAY therefore has distinct rural and urban components designed for their respective contexts.
Question 129: Assertion (A): It is not appropriate to consider the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana as providing the same type of insurance protection. Reason (R): The nature of the risks and coverage under the two schemes is different.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both schemes provide insurance-based social protection, but they cover different risks. PMSBY is a personal accident insurance scheme covering death or disability due to accidents, whereas PMJJBY is a term life insurance scheme providing cover for death due to any cause, subject to its terms and conditions. Therefore, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Question 130: Assertion (A): It is not appropriate to understand the Atal Pension Yojana merely as a scheme providing current income. Reason (R): The Atal Pension Yojana is designed to provide a guaranteed minimum pension after the subscriber attains the age of 60, subject to the scheme's conditions.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because APY is a pension scheme intended to provide income security in old age rather than merely providing current income. The Reason directly explains this by stating that APY provides a guaranteed minimum pension after the subscriber reaches 60 years, subject to the scheme's conditions.
Question 131: Assertion (A): The National Social Assistance Programme is a component of the broader social-security framework. Reason (R): Social assistance provides publicly supported assistance to eligible persons or households facing specified vulnerabilities or socioeconomic circumstances.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because the National Social Assistance Programme represents a form of publicly supported social assistance within the broader social-security framework. The Reason correctly describes the nature of social assistance and therefore explains why such programmes form part of social security.
Question 132: Assertion (A): The need for convergence among different social-sector schemes may increase when a problem has multiple interrelated determinants. Reason (R): Problems such as poverty, malnutrition, ill health, educational deprivation, and inadequate sanitation can influence one another.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both are correct. Social-sector problems often have multiple and interconnected causes. For example, poverty can contribute to poor nutrition and health outcomes, while poor health can adversely affect education and livelihood opportunities. Therefore, convergence among relevant schemes can help address interconnected problems more effectively.
Question 133: Assertion (A): Higher coverage of a social-sector scheme may indicate wider implementation, but it is not sufficient evidence by itself of effective outcomes. Reason (R): Coverage does not necessarily establish that beneficiaries received adequate quality of service or achieved the intended social outcomes.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because coverage measures the extent to which a scheme reaches its intended population but does not by itself establish the quality, utilisation, continuity, or outcomes of the services provided. The Reason correctly explains this limitation of coverage as an indicator.
Question 134: Assertion (A): The use of digital systems in the social sector can improve the administrative efficiency of service delivery. Reason (R): Digital systems can help streamline processes such as beneficiary identification, record-keeping, payments, monitoring, and service delivery.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. Digital systems can streamline administrative processes such as identification, record management, payment processing, monitoring, and delivery of services. These functions can improve administrative efficiency. Therefore, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Question 135: Assertion (A): Aadhaar authentication is not, by itself, complete proof of an individual's eligibility for a government scheme. Reason (R): Authentication of identity and fulfilment of the eligibility criteria of a scheme are distinct administrative concepts.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct. Aadhaar authentication primarily enables verification of identity; it does not, by itself, establish that a person satisfies all eligibility conditions prescribed for a particular government scheme. The Reason correctly explains this distinction. UIDAI describes Aadhaar authentication as a mechanism for validating identity.
Question 136: Assertion (A): The e-Shram system can assist in improving the delivery of social-security benefits to unorganised workers. Reason (R): A centralised database of unorganised workers can facilitate the identification and linkage of eligible workers with various social-security and welfare schemes.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. e-Shram was created as a National Database of Unorganised Workers and is intended to improve the implementation of social-security services and facilitate the delivery of welfare benefits. The Reason directly explains how such a database can assist in improving delivery.
Question 137: Assertion (A): It is not appropriate to view maternity benefits merely as a policy of income transfer. Reason (R): Women's health, nutrition, maternity protection, and childcare during the maternity period are linked to broader outcomes of social welfare and human capital.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because maternity benefits have a broader social-protection purpose and should not be understood merely as income transfers. The Reason is also correct and explains the Assertion by highlighting the links between maternity-related health, nutrition, childcare, and broader social and human-capital outcomes.
Question 138: Assertion (A): Considering a women-centric scheme merely as a scheme providing financial assistance does not fully represent the broader concept of women's empowerment. Reason (R): Women's empowerment may include several dimensions such as security, institutional support, decision-making capacity, and access to opportunities.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because women's empowerment is a multidimensional concept and cannot be reduced to financial assistance alone. The Reason correctly identifies several dimensions of empowerment, including security, institutional support, decision-making capacity, and access to opportunities. Therefore, the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.
Question 139: Assertion (A): The benefits of the One Nation One Ration Card system are limited only to migrant beneficiaries. Reason (R): The fundamental objective of the system is to make the food entitlements of eligible beneficiaries portable despite changes in their location.
Correct Answer:
D
— The Assertion is incorrect, but the Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Assertion is incorrect because the benefits of ONORC are not legally or conceptually restricted only to migrants. The system enables NFSA beneficiaries to access their entitled foodgrains through portability across States/UTs. Migrant workers and other beneficiaries who change their place of residence may particularly benefit from this portability. The Reason is correct because portability of food entitlements is a central objective of ONORC.
Question 140: Assertion (A): Under the National Food Security Act, food security cannot be understood merely in terms of the physical availability of foodgrains. Reason (R): Actual access to food, including economic and social access, is also important for food security.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because food security is not limited to the physical availability of food. Food must also be accessible to people who need it. Economic and social access are therefore important dimensions of food security. The Reason correctly explains why mere availability of foodgrains is not sufficient.
Question 141: Assertion (A): The use of digital governance in the social sector is not limited to beneficiary identification. Reason (R): Digital systems can support functions such as beneficiary identification, service delivery, monitoring, record management, grievance handling and greater administrative transparency.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. Digital governance in the social sector can be used across multiple stages of programme implementation, including identification and authentication of beneficiaries, delivery of services, monitoring, record management and administrative processes. Therefore, its role is not confined to beneficiary identification alone.
Question 142: Assertion (A): It is not appropriate to view the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) merely as a programme providing pensions. Reason (R): Social assistance is generally intended to provide support to vulnerable groups without being based on prior contributory payments.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because NSAP is broader than pension schemes alone. It includes the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, the National Family Benefit Scheme and Annapurna. The Reason is also correct as a general description of social assistance. However, it does not directly explain why NSAP is broader than a pension programme. Therefore, both are correct, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Question 143: Assertion (A): It is not appropriate to view the Jal Jeevan Mission merely as an initiative in the irrigation sector. Reason (R): Its primary focus is to provide functional household tap connections for the supply of adequate and prescribed-quality drinking water to rural households.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. Jal Jeevan Mission is primarily a rural drinking-water programme. A Functional Household Tap Connection is intended to provide rural households with drinking water in adequate quantity and of prescribed quality on a regular basis. It is therefore incorrect to classify the mission as an irrigation-sector initiative.
Question 144: Assertion (A): A person who receives skill training automatically acquires a right to obtain government employment on the basis of the skill acquired. Reason (R): The primary objective of skill development is to improve an individual's competencies, skills and employability; receiving training does not by itself create a right to government employment.
Correct Answer:
D
— The Assertion is incorrect, but the Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Assertion is incorrect because skill training does not automatically create a legal right to government employment. Skill-development programmes primarily seek to enhance competencies and employability and prepare individuals for available employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. Government employment is governed by separate recruitment rules and eligibility requirements.
Question 145: Assertion (A): The main focus of Mission Vatsalya is child protection and child welfare. Reason (R): The primary objective of every social-sector initiative is to provide employment.
Correct Answer:
C
— The Assertion is correct, but the Reason is incorrect.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because Mission Vatsalya focuses on child rights, child protection, welfare and care, particularly for children in difficult circumstances. The Reason is incorrect because social-sector initiatives have diverse objectives, including health, nutrition, education, housing, social protection and child welfare; employment generation is not the universal objective of all such initiatives.
Question 146: Assertion (A): It is not appropriate to understand Beti Bachao Beti Padhao as merely a direct cash transfer scheme. Reason (R): Its broader approach focuses on improving the status of girls through awareness generation, behavioural and social change, and promoting their education and well-being.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is primarily a multi-sectoral programme aimed at behavioural and social change and improving outcomes for girls. It does not provide Direct Benefit Transfers under the scheme. Its objectives include improving the sex ratio at birth, increasing girls' enrolment and reducing dropout, among other social and behavioural objectives.
Question 147: Assertion (A): The approach of Integrated Child Development Services is not limited to providing supplementary nutrition to children. Reason (R): Child development is a continuous process influenced by factors such as age, developmental stage, health, care and the social and family environment.
Correct Answer:
B
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because the integrated approach includes multiple services, such as supplementary nutrition, preschool education, nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-ups and referral services. The Reason is also correct as a general proposition about child development. However, it does not directly explain why the ICDS approach includes multiple services rather than supplementary nutrition alone. Therefore, both are correct, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Question 148: Assertion (A): The PM POSHAN Scheme is concerned only with school education and has no significant nutritional objective. Reason (R): Providing meals at school can improve children's nutritional status while also supporting school attendance, enrolment and retention.
Correct Answer:
C
— The Assertion is incorrect, but the Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Assertion is incorrect because PM POSHAN has an explicit nutritional objective in addition to its educational objectives. The scheme aims to improve nutritional levels while also promoting enrolment, retention and attendance among schoolchildren. The Reason is correct.
Question 149: Assertion (A): Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are interventions of the same type under Ayushman Bharat. Reason (R): Both are intended to contribute to better health outcomes, but they operate through different mechanisms.
Correct Answer:
C
— The Assertion is incorrect, but the Reason is correct.
Explanation:
The Assertion is incorrect because PM-JAY and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are complementary but distinct components of Ayushman Bharat. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs focus on comprehensive primary healthcare, whereas PM-JAY provides financial protection for eligible beneficiaries seeking secondary and tertiary care. The Reason is correct because both seek to improve health outcomes, although they do so through different mechanisms.
Question 150: Assertion (A): The objective of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly known as Health and Wellness Centres) is not limited to providing hospital-based treatment for serious diseases. Reason (R): Comprehensive primary healthcare emphasizes disease prevention, health promotion, and the provision of a range of essential health services close to the community.
Correct Answer:
A
— Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
Explanation:
The Assertion is correct because Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare rather than hospital-based treatment alone. Their services include preventive, promotive, curative and other forms of primary care, with an emphasis on bringing healthcare closer to the community. The Reason correctly explains why their role extends beyond hospital-based treatment.