Education & Skill Schemes — Set 1

Correct Answer: C. School education from pre-primary to class 12

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is an integrated scheme for school education that covers pre-school to class 12. It subsumes three previous schemes: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education. The scheme aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all children.

Correct Answer: C. 2018

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was launched in 2018, replacing the earlier fragmented school education schemes. It is implemented by the Ministry of Education. The scheme treats school education holistically as a continuum from pre-primary to class 12.

Correct Answer: A. SSA, RMSA, and Teacher Education

Samagra Shiksha merged three major centrally sponsored schemes: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for elementary education, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) for secondary education, and the Teacher Education scheme. This integration was aimed at seamless planning and coordinated implementation across school levels. It also helped eliminate duplication of administrative structures.

Correct Answer: B. Mid-Day Meal Scheme

PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) is the renamed version of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, rechristened in 2021. It provides free cooked meals to students in government and government-aided schools. The scheme aims to improve nutritional levels and encourage school attendance.

Correct Answer: B. Class 1 to 8 in government schools

PM POSHAN provides one hot cooked meal per school day to students of classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools. It was extended to cover pre-primary classes (Balvatikas) in central government schools under NEP 2020. The scheme covers approximately 11.8 crore children across India.

Correct Answer: C. 2021

The Mid-Day Meal Scheme was renamed PM POSHAN Shakti Nirman in 2021. The scheme was first introduced as a national programme in 1995 and has been one of the world's largest school feeding programmes. The renaming was accompanied by an expansion of its scope under NEP 2020.

Correct Answer: C. Tribal (ST) students

Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are set up by the central government to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. They are modelled on Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and provide education from class 6 to 12. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Eklavya Model Residential Schools are implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs through the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS). The schools provide education, sports, skill development, and cultural activities to tribal children. A target was set to establish EMRS in every block with over 50% ST population.

Correct Answer: B. Rural meritorious students

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti schools, known as Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), primarily serve talented rural students by providing them free and quality residential education. At least 75% of seats are reserved for students from rural areas in each district. The scheme aims to give equal opportunities to talented children irrespective of their socio-economic background.

Correct Answer: B. Children of central government employees

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) schools are primarily established for children of transferable central government employees, ensuring continuity in their education. KVS follows the CBSE curriculum and provides uniformity in education across its schools. It also admits children from other categories including defence personnel and embassy staff.