Welfare Schemes & Social Policies

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Changpa community is not found primarily in Uttarakhand. They are mainly concentrated in the Changtang region, a high-altitude plateau that stretches across parts of Ladakh (India) and the Tibet Autonomous Region (China). Statement 2 is correct: The Changpa are traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists. They are well-known for rearing Changthangi goats, a special breed known for their fine wool, also called Pashmina. This wool is prized for its warmth, softness, and luxury. Statement 3 is correct: The Changpa community is indeed recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India. This classification provides them with certain social and legal protections under the Indian Constitution. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

The aim of the 12th Five Year plan is to achieve 'faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth'. For this purpose, it seeks to achieve:
- 4% growth in the agriculture sector - 10% in the manufacturing sector The total budget of the 12th Five Year plan has been estimated at Rs.47.7 lakh crore which is 135 percent more than that for the 11th Five year Plan (2007-12).

Pair 1 is not correct: The drought prone area programme comes under Ministry of Rural Development. This programme aims to mitigate the impacts of droughts on crop production, livestock, land and water resources. Pair 2 is not correct: The Desert Development Programme comes under Ministry of Rural Development. The basic objective of the Desert Development Programme is to minimise negative effect of drought and control desertification. Pair 3 is not correct: The national watershed project for rainfed areas implemented by Ministry of Agriculture is an umbrella scheme under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana.

Business Correspondents (BCs) or Bank Saathis are agents appointed by banks to provide basic banking services in rural and unbanked areas where setting up a full-fledged branch might not be feasible. They act as a bridge between the bank and the local population, offering essential financial services Statement 1 is correct: BCs can help villagers access government subsidies and social security benefits electronically deposited into their accounts. This eliminates the need to travel long distances to banks and reduces the risk of cash handling. Statement 2 is correct: Villagers can deposit their savings or withdraw cash through BCs, promoting financial inclusion and facilitating small transactions without requiring them to visit a bank branch. Therefore, both options (1 and 2) are the facilities that beneficiaries can avail through Business Correspondent services.

Under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the Gram Sabha has been assigned to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both that may be given.

* PESA doesn't deal with the creation of autonomous regions in tribal areas. * The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of certain tribal areas as autonomous entities. The provisions of the sixth schedule are provided under Articles 244(2) and 275(1) of the Indian Constitution.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The National Development Council (NDC) is not an organ of the Planning Commission. It's an independent advisory body headed by the Prime Minister and includes Chief Ministers of all states, Union Cabinet Ministers, and members of the NITI Aayog (successor to the Planning Commission). It was set up on 6 August 1952. Statement 2 is correct: Economic and Social Planning is listed in the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Statement 3 is correct: The Constitution (Article 243G) empowers Panchayats (local village governments) to prepare plans for economic development and social justice at the village level. This promotes decentralized planning and community participation. Hence, statement one is incorrect and statements two and three are correct. _Note: While the NDC was proposed to be abolished, it has not been formally dissolved, although its powers have largely been transferred to the NITI Aayog's Governing Council._

To rip the maximum demographic dividend, India has to promote skill development. This is what the Economic Survey and 12th FYP have been advocating.

Banks have to lend a minimum of 40% to the priority sector, which includes all of the given sectors. Priority Sector Lending is an important role given by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to the banks for providing a specified portion of the bank lending to a few specific sectors, like:
- Agriculture and allied activities, - Micro and small enterprises, - Poor people for housing, - Students for education, and - Other low-income groups and weaker sections. This is essentially meant for all-round development of the economy as opposed to focusing only on the financial sector.

Both statements are correct. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to justice for all in India. Statement 1 is correct: NALSA's primary objective is to offer free and competent legal services to the underprivileged sections of society. This empowers them to navigate the legal system and fight for their rights, regardless of their financial background. Statement 2 is correct: NALSA functions as the apex body, setting guidelines and frameworks for State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) to implement legal aid programs and initiatives throughout the country. These SLSAs operate at the state level to deliver legal services to the public.