UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 55
How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?
- DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.
- DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures.
- DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes.
- DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for anti-poverty programmes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: DRDAs coordinate implementation and oversee funds of rural poverty-alleviation schemes; they are not themselves Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Statement/Item-wise Analysis:
1: Incorrect - DRDAs are district-level programme-implementation agencies, not elected PRIs.
2: Incorrect - Comprehensive standalone scientific poverty studies are not their statutory defining function.
3: Correct - Inter-departmental coordination is a key DRDA responsibility.
4: Correct - Monitoring appropriate use of poverty-alleviation programme funds is a key DRDA task.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect items 1, 2; omits correct item 4.
B: Correct - includes exactly the valid statements/items and excludes the invalid ones.
C: Incorrect - omits correct item 3.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect items 1, 2.