UPSC Prelims 2016 Q63: Science & Technology – Computer & Information Technology
'SWAYAM', an initiative of the Government of India, aims at
- (a) promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas
- (b) providing financial and technical assistance to young start - up entrepreneurs
- (c) promoting the education and health of adolescent girls
- (d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
Answer: (d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free
Explanation
SWAYAM
Full form: Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds.
It is the Government's platform for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Education (earlier Human Resource Development) |
| Covers | Class 9 to post-graduation |
| Cost | Courses are free; a fee applies only for a certificate |
| Credit transfer | Credits earned can count towards a degree |
| Aims | Access, equity and quality in education |
The options checked:
| Option | Actual scheme |
|---|---|
| (a) Promoting the Self Help Groups in rural areas | National Rural Livelihoods Mission |
| (b) Assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs | Start Up India |
| (c) Education and health of adolescent girls | SABLA |
| (d) Affordable and quality education to the citizens for free | SWAYAM |
Answer: (d) providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Self Help Groups are promoted by the rural livelihoods mission.
- (b) Incorrect. Help to start-up entrepreneurs comes under Start Up India.
- (c) Incorrect. Adolescent girls are covered by SABLA, not SWAYAM.
- (d) CORRECT. SWAYAM offers quality education to the citizens for free through online courses.
Key point
SWAYAM: Government MOOC platform; free online courses from Class 9 to post-graduation; credit transfer; access, equity, quality.
Remember
SWAYAM = free online courses (MOOCs).
Common mistakes
- Reading 'Swayam' (self) as self-employment or Self Help Groups.
- Confusing SWAYAM with SWAYAM Prabha, the DTH education channels.
- Thinking the certificate is also free; only the courses are.
Exam tip
SWAYAM = self-study online. The 'S' stands for Study.
Sources
- Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India — SWAYAM: the national platform for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
- University Grants Commission — Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM Regulations, 2016