UPSC Prelims 2012 Q58: Indian Economy – Agriculture & Rural Development
How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty
in India?
1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.
2. DRDAs undertake area - specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and
prepare detailed remedial measures.
3. DRDAs secure inter - sectoral and inter - departmental coordination and cooperation for effective
implementation of anti - poverty programmes.
4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for anti - poverty
programmes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 3 and 4 only
- (c) 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b) 3 and 4 only
Explanation
District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs)
The DRDA is the main body at the district level that oversees anti-poverty programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development.
It is a registered society, not an elected body.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country | Incorrect | DRDAs are not Panchayati Raj Institutions anywhere |
| 2. DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures | Incorrect | They are not research bodies |
| 3. DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes | Correct | Coordination is their main job |
| 4. DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for anti-poverty programmes | Correct | They monitor the use of funds |
Background:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Started | 1980, to run the Integrated Rural Development Programme |
| Headed by | Usually the District Collector or the Zila Parishad chairperson |
Answer: (b) 3 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. DRDAs are not Panchayati Raj Institutions and do no scientific study.
- (b) CORRECT. DRDAs secure coordination and watch over the use of funds.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true; inter-departmental coordination is a key role.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false; DRDAs are neither panchayats nor research bodies.
Key point
DRDA: district-level registered society (1980); coordinates departments and monitors funds of anti-poverty programmes; not a Panchayati Raj Institution, not an implementing or research body.
Remember
DRDA coordinates and watches funds; it is not a panchayat.
Common mistakes
- Treating the DRDA as an elected local body.
- Assuming it implements schemes itself; it mainly oversees and coordinates.
- Accepting Statement 2 because it sounds useful; DRDAs do not do scientific studies.
Exam tip
DRDA = coordinate and monitor. Anything beyond those two verbs is suspect.
Sources
- Ministry of Rural Development — DRDA Administration: Guidelines
- Second Administrative Reforms Commission — Sixth Report: Local Governance (on DRDAs)