UPSC Prelims 2004 Q9: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
- (a) Under the Targeted Public Distribution System, the families Below Poverty Line are provided 50 kg of food grains per month per family at subsidized price.
- (b) Under Annapurna Scheme, indigent senior citizens of 65 years of age or above eligible for National Old Age Pension but not getting pension can get 10 kg of food grains per person per month at BPL rates.
- (c) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has a scheme in which indigent people living in welfare institutions like orphanages are given 15 kg of food grains per person per month at BPL rates.
- (d) Ministry of Human Resource Development gives financial support to Mid - Day Meal Scheme for the benefit of class I to V students in Government or Government - aided Schools.
Answer: (a) Under the Targeted Public Distribution System, the families Below Poverty Line are provided 50 kg of food grains per month per family at subsidized price.
Explanation
Food grain schemes
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. BPL families get 50 kg per month under TPDS | Not correct — the entitlement was 35 kg per family per month |
| b. Annapurna: 10 kg to indigent senior citizens | Correct |
| c. 15 kg to inmates of welfare institutions | Correct |
| d. Mid-Day Meal supported by HRD | Correct |
Statement (a) is wrong: under the TPDS a BPL family was entitled to 35 kg of food grains per month, not 50 kg.
Answer: (a) Under the Targeted Public Distribution System, the families Below Poverty Line are provided 50 kg of food grains per month per family at subsidized price.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The entitlement was 35 kg, not 50 kg, so this statement is not correct.
- (b) Incorrect. Annapurna gives 10 kg per person per month.
- (c) Incorrect. The scheme for institutions gives 15 kg per person.
- (d) Incorrect. HRD supports the Mid-Day Meal scheme.
Key point
TPDS: BPL 35 kg per family; Annapurna 10 kg; Antyodaya Anna Yojana 35 kg.
Remember
BPL families were entitled to 35 kg of food grains per month under TPDS.
Common mistakes
- Quoting the 50 kg figure from a different scheme.
- Mixing the entitlement of AAY and BPL.
- Reading the question as asking for a correct statement.
Exam tip
Not correct questions: find the one wrong number.
Sources
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution — TPDS
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution — Annual Report 2004–05 (Targeted Public Distribution System; Antyodaya Anna Yojana)