Livelihood & Employment — Set 4

Correct Answer: B. Traditional artisans and craftspeople

PM Vishwakarma Yojana was launched on September 17, 2023, to provide end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople. It covers 18 traditional trades including carpentry, blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, and weaving. The scheme provides skill training, toolkits, and credit support up to Rs 3 lakh.

Correct Answer: C. 18

PM Vishwakarma covers 18 traditional trades such as carpenter, boat maker, armourer, blacksmith, hammer and tool kit maker, locksmith, goldsmith, potter, sculptor, cobbler, mason, basket/mat/broom maker, doll and toy maker, barber, garland maker, washerman, tailor, and fishing net maker. This broad coverage ensures that a large segment of traditional artisans benefit. The scheme recognizes the cultural significance of these crafts.

Correct Answer: C. Rs 3 lakh

Under PM Vishwakarma, artisans can access collateral-free credit of up to Rs 1 lakh in the first tranche and Rs 2 lakh in the second tranche, totaling Rs 3 lakh. The credit is provided at a concessional interest rate of 5%. The scheme also provides a Rs 15,000 toolkit incentive to beneficiaries.

Correct Answer: B. National Pension System (NPS)

Rozgar Mela is an initiative by the Government of India to provide appointment letters to newly inducted government employees under the National Pension System (NPS). It is held at multiple locations across India simultaneously. The initiative symbolizes the government's commitment to providing employment in public services.

Correct Answer: C. Unorganized sector workers

The e-Shram portal was launched in August 2021 for the registration and creation of a national database of unorganized workers. It covers workers such as construction labourers, migrant workers, gig and platform workers, street vendors, and domestic workers. Registered workers receive a Universal Account Number (UAN) and an e-Shram card.

Correct Answer: A. Universal Account Number

UAN stands for Universal Account Number, which is issued to workers who register on the e-Shram portal. This 12-digit number acts as a unique identifier for unorganized workers throughout their working life. It facilitates portability of social security benefits across states and employers.

Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Labour and Employment

The e-Shram portal is managed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It is linked with Aadhaar to ensure unique registration of workers. The portal aims to provide a single window for social security schemes to unorganized workers.

Correct Answer: B. State-notified minimum wage rates

MGNREGA wages are paid as per state-specific wage rates notified by the central government under the Act. These rates are revised annually and vary from state to state based on the State Scheduled Employment Minimum Wages. The wages are paid directly to workers' bank or post office accounts.

Correct Answer: B. Work must be within 5 km, else extra wages paid

Under MGNREGA, employment must be provided within 5 km of the applicant's residence. If work is provided beyond 5 km, workers are entitled to 10% extra wages to compensate for travel. This provision ensures that workers are not burdened by long commutes.

Correct Answer: C. Water conservation and watershed management

Water conservation and watershed management is one of the core permissible works under MGNREGA. Other categories include drought proofing, flood protection, land development, and rural connectivity. All works must result in durable community assets and must benefit SC/ST, BPL families, or IAY beneficiaries.