UPSC Prelims 2003 Q130: Geography – Cartography & Map Skills
Survey of India is under the Ministry of
- (a) Defence
- (b) Environment and Forests
- (c) Home Affairs
- (d) Science and Technology
Answer: (d) Science and Technology
Explanation
Ministry of the Survey of India
| Ministry | Survey of India? |
|---|---|
| Science and Technology | Yes — a department under the Department of Science and Technology |
| Defence | No |
| Home Affairs | No |
| Environment and Forests | No |
The Survey of India, the national mapping agency, functions under the Department of Science and Technology.
Answer: (d) Science and Technology.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Defence has its own survey wings only for military use.
- (b) Incorrect. MoEF is not the parent of the Survey of India.
- (c) Incorrect. Home Affairs is not the parent of the Survey of India.
- (d) CORRECT. Survey of India is under the DST.
Key point
Survey of India: founded 1767, Dehradun; oldest scientific department.
Remember
The Survey of India is under the Department of Science and Technology.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Defence because of maps.
- Mixing it with the Geological Survey (Mines).
- Forgetting its origin in the year 1767.
Exam tip
Survey of India: DST; GSI: Ministry of Mines; ASI: Culture.
Sources
- Survey of India — about us
- Department of Science and Technology, Government of India — Survey of India