The Indian government launched various schemes like SFDA, MFAL, and DPAP to address rural poverty, provide credit to small and marginal farmers, and improve agricultural infrastructure in vulnerable regions, thereby fostering social and economic equity in rural areas.
13352
What was the reported total irrigated crop area in Rajasthan?
The figure of 52.39 lakh hectares represents a specific historical data point regarding the net or gross irrigated area in the state of Rajasthan. Such statistics are critical for agricultural planning, water resource management, and assessing the impact of irrigation infrastructure projects like canals and tube wells on regional crop productivity and food security.
13353
In which year was the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (NREGP) officially launched?
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was passed in 2005, but the programme was officially launched and implemented in the first phase across 200 districts on February 2, 2006. It was later renamed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
13354
Who serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Planning Commission?
Historically, the Planning Commission of India was chaired by the Prime Minister. This structure ensured that national development planning was directly aligned with the government's executive leadership and policy priorities. Note that the Planning Commission has since been replaced by NITI Aayog, which also follows this leadership model.
13355
In which year was the National Rural Development Programme replaced by the Food for Work Programme?
The Food for Work Programme was a significant initiative in India aimed at providing employment and food security to rural populations. It underwent various structural changes and re-branding efforts during the late 1970s and early 1980s to better address rural poverty and infrastructure development needs.
13356
What is considered the fundamental unit of development under the Integrated Rural Development (IRD) program?
The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) was designed to alleviate poverty in rural areas. While it targeted individual families for assistance, the village was traditionally viewed as the basic unit for planning and administrative implementation of development activities under the community development framework.
13357
What term identifies the population living below a specific minimum real income threshold, often referred to as an international poverty line?
Absolute poverty refers to a condition where household income is below a necessary level to maintain basic living standards such as food, safe water, and shelter. This threshold is often fixed globally, allowing for the identification of the 'absolute poor' regardless of the specific country's economic development level.
13358
In which year was the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) officially launched?
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched by the Government of India on December 25, 2000. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide good all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas.
13359
In which year did the Ninth Five-Year Plan of India officially commence?
The Ninth Five-Year Plan in India was formulated to cover the period from 1997 to 2002. It was launched during the 50th year of India's independence, focusing on 'Growth with Social Justice and Equality'. The plan officially commenced in the fiscal year 1997-98, following the completion of the Eighth Five-Year Plan.
13360
Which demographic indicator measures the annual number of live births per 1,000 women within the childbearing age range?
The fertility rate, specifically the General Fertility Rate, is the standard measure for births per 1,000 women of reproductive age (typically 15-49). While the provided answer is 'Crude birth rate', that term usually refers to births per 1,000 of the total population, not just women of childbearing age. This distinction is important for demographic analysis in agricultural and rural development studies.
