UPSC Prelims 2017 Q88: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’?
1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the
private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so
as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below:
- (a) 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 2 only
- (d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (a) 2 only
Explanation
Vidyanjali Yojana
Launched in June 2016 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
It is a school volunteer programme under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. To enable famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India | Incorrect | The scheme is about government schools, not foreign institutions |
| 2. To increase the quality of education in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community | Correct | Volunteers help with co-scholastic activities |
| 3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations to improve infrastructure | Incorrect | Volunteers give time and skills, not money |
Who can volunteer:
| Volunteer | Example of help |
|---|---|
| Retired teachers and officials | Reading, story-telling |
| Professionals and homemakers | Arts, craft, public speaking |
| Indian diaspora | Skill sharing during visits |
Answer: (a) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Vidyanjali improves government schools with help from the community and private sector.
- (b) Incorrect. The scheme does not seek monetary contributions; it seeks volunteers.
- (c) Incorrect. It has nothing to do with foreign educational institutions.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; no voluntary monetary contributions are involved.
Key point
Vidyanjali (2016): school volunteer programme under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan; community and private sector volunteers help government schools; services, not money.
Remember
Vidyanjali = volunteers for government schools.
Common mistakes
- Assuming 'help from the private sector' means donations.
- Confusing Vidyanjali with Swachh Vidyalaya, which builds school toilets.
- Thinking volunteers do the regular teaching; they help with co-scholastic activities.
Exam tip
Vidyanjali = give time and skills, not money. 'Monetary contributions' is the trap.
Sources
- Ministry of Education — Vidyanjali School Volunteer Programme
- Press Information Bureau — Vidyanjali launched (16 June 2016)