UPSC Prelims 2009 Q21: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
With reference to the schemes launched by the Union Government, consider the following
statements:
1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana.
2. Ministry of Textiles launched the Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana.
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
Checking two scheme-ministry claims
Two health-insurance schemes are attributed here to specific government ministries.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ministry of Health launched the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana | Incorrect | RSBY was actually launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, aimed at BPL workers, not the Ministry of Health |
| 2. Ministry of Textiles launched the Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana | Correct | This scheme, providing health insurance for handicraft artisans (shilpis), was indeed launched by the Ministry of Textiles |
Correcting the scheme-ministry attribution:
| Scheme | Actual launching ministry |
|---|---|
| Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana | Ministry of Labour and Employment (NOT Health) |
| Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana | Ministry of Textiles |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. RSBY was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, not Health, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) CORRECT. The Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana was genuinely launched by the Ministry of Textiles.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
RSBY was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, NOT the Ministry of Health — but the Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana genuinely was launched by the Ministry of Textiles.
Remember
RSBY: launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (not Health). Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana: launched by the Ministry of Textiles.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all health insurance schemes are automatically launched by the Health Ministry.
- Not knowing RSBY's actual home under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Confusing different sector-specific health schemes' launching ministries.
Exam tip
RSBY = Ministry of Labour and Employment (not Health). Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana = Ministry of Textiles. Health schemes aren't always from the Health Ministry.
Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Employment — Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana guidelines
- Ministry of Textiles — Rajiv Gandhi Shilpi Swasthya Bima Yojana scheme details