UPSC Prelims 2008 Q15: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
What is the name of the scheme which provides training and skills to women in traditional
and non - traditional trades?
- (a) Kishori Shakti Yojna
- (b) Rashtriya Mahila Kosh
- (c) Swayamsiddha
- (d) Swalamban
Answer: (d) Swalamban
Explanation
The scheme providing women's skill training in traditional and non-traditional trades
This specific government initiative targets economic empowerment of women through vocational training.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Kishori Shakti Yojna | Incorrect | Focuses on adolescent girls' development, not specifically this trade-training scheme |
| (b) Rashtriya Mahila Kosh | Incorrect | A micro-credit institution for women, not this specific training scheme |
| (c) Swayamsiddha | Incorrect | Focuses on holistic women's empowerment through Self-Help Groups, not specifically this trade-training programme |
| (d) Swalamban | Correct | Swalamban specifically provides training and skills to women in both traditional and non-traditional trades |
Swalamban scheme facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Focus | Skill training for women, traditional AND non-traditional trades |
| Goal | Economic self-reliance for women |
Answer: (d) Swalamban.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Kishori Shakti Yojna targets adolescent girls, not this specific trade-training scheme.
- (b) Incorrect. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh is a micro-credit institution, not this training programme.
- (c) Incorrect. Swayamsiddha focuses on holistic empowerment via SHGs, not specifically trade training.
- (d) CORRECT. Swalamban specifically provides training in traditional and non-traditional trades for women.
Key point
Swalamban is the scheme that provides training and skills to women in both traditional and non-traditional trades.
Remember
Swalamban: provides training and skills to women in traditional and non-traditional trades.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Swalamban's specific trade-training focus with other women's empowerment schemes (Swayamsiddha, Rashtriya Mahila Kosh).
- Mixing up Kishori Shakti Yojna's adolescent-girl focus with this adult-women trade-training scheme.
- Not knowing the specific traditional/non-traditional trades scope of Swalamban.
Exam tip
Swalamban = women's training in traditional AND non-traditional trades. Distinct from SHG-focused (Swayamsiddha) or credit-focused (Rashtriya Mahila Kosh) schemes.
Sources
- Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India — Swalamban: Scheme guidelines
- Ministry of Women and Child Development — Annual Report 2007–08