UPSC Prelims 2007 Q49: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
Consider the following statements:
1. The nationwide scheme of the National Child Labour Projects (NCLP) is run by the Union
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
2. Gurupadswamy Committee dealt with the issues of child labour.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
National Child Labour Projects (NCLP) and the Gurupadaswamy Committee
| Statement | Fact check |
|---|---|
| 1. NCLP is run by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment | False — NCLP is run by the Ministry of Labour (and Employment) |
| 2. Gurupadaswamy Committee dealt with child labour issues | True — this 1979 committee specifically examined child labour |
Only statement 2 is correct.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false — NCLP falls under the Ministry of Labour, not Social Justice and Empowerment.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2 (Gurupadaswamy Committee on child labour) is correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so both cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true, so it isn't "neither".
Key point
NCLP is run by the Ministry of Labour (not Social Justice and Empowerment); the Gurupadaswamy Committee (1979) specifically addressed child labour.
Remember
NCLP: Ministry of Labour. Gurupadaswamy Committee: child labour.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all welfare/social schemes for vulnerable groups fall under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Not knowing the specific committee name, Gurupadaswamy, associated with child labour policy.
- Confusing NCLP's administering ministry with a related but distinct ministry.
Exam tip
NCLP = Ministry of Labour; Gurupadaswamy Committee (1979) = the key child-labour policy committee.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Employment — National Child Labour Project
- Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
- Ministry of Labour — Report of the Committee on Child Labour (Gurupadaswamy Committee), 1979