UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — The need to recognise ‘volunteer’ care work

Q1. Among the following frontline care cadres, which one receives the highest fixed monthly honorarium according to the latest figures cited in the recognition-of-care-work debate?

  • A. Anganwadi Worker at a main Anganwadi Centre
  • B. Anganwadi Worker at a mini Anganwadi Centre
  • C. Anganwadi Helper
  • D. Mid-Day Meal cook-cum-helper

Q2. With reference to the new 'care ecosystem' proposed in the Union Budget 2026-27 as compared with the existing frontline care workforce (ASHAs/Anganwadi workers), consider the following statements: 1. The Budget proposes to train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers under the National Skills Qualifications Framework, while separately expanding Allied Health Professional education to add about 1 lakh professionals over five years. 2. The newly proposed caregivers are to be trained under the Integrated Child Development Services, whereas existing ASHAs are certified under the National Skills Qualifications Framework. 3. The proposed caregiver training combines core caregiving with allied skills such as wellness, yoga and operation of medical and assistive devices. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Budget proposes to train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers under the National Skills Qualifications Framework, while separately expanding Allied Health Professional education to add about 1 lakh professionals over five years.
  2. The newly proposed caregivers are to be trained under the Integrated Child Development Services, whereas existing ASHAs are certified under the National Skills Qualifications Framework.
  3. The proposed caregiver training combines core caregiving with allied skills such as wellness, yoga and operation of medical and assistive devices.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) programme, whose 'volunteer' classification is at the centre of the care-work recognition debate, is operationalised under which one of the following?

  • A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through the National Health Mission
  • B. Ministry of Women and Child Development, through the ICDS scheme
  • C. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
  • D. Ministry of Labour and Employment

Q4. As announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 to strengthen the care ecosystem, Allied Health Professional education is to be expanded across how many disciplines?

  • A. 5
  • B. 8
  • C. 10
  • D. 12

Q5. In the context of the Budget 2026-27 proposal to skill 1.5 lakh caregivers, the term 'NSQF' is best described as which one of the following?

  • A. A competency-based framework that organises qualifications into a series of levels of knowledge, skills and aptitude
  • B. A statutory minimum-wage schedule fixing floor honoraria for community health volunteers
  • C. A social-security fund providing pension and insurance cover to honorary frontline workers
  • D. A central scheme that converts contractual health workers into regular government employees