UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — STATE OF PLAY
Q1. Which one of the following is the nodal department responsible for implementing the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
- A. Department of Panchayats and Rural Development, Government of West Bengal
- B. Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal
- C. Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- D. Department of Finance, Government of West Bengal
Q2. Following the announcement in the West Bengal Budget 2025–26, what is the revised monthly cash assistance payable to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe woman beneficiary under the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme?
- A. Rs 1,000
- B. Rs 1,200
- C. Rs 1,500
- D. Rs 1,700
Q3. In the context of the delivery mechanism of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme, the term 'Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)' is most accurately described as:
- A. An in-kind transfer of subsidised food grains and essential commodities provided directly to beneficiary households through fair-price shops.
- B. The electronic crediting of the cash entitlement directly into the beneficiary's bank account, eliminating intermediary layers in disbursal.
- C. A guaranteed minimum income paid exclusively to women certified as living below the official poverty line.
- D. A reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by beneficiaries on government-approved health or education services.
Q4. Which one of the following is the flagship monthly women-centric Direct Benefit Transfer scheme of the Government of West Bengal that, as of 2025, has the largest beneficiary base — covering approximately 2.21 crore women?
- A. Kanyashree Prakalpa
- B. Rupashree Prakalpa
- C. Lakshmir Bhandar
- D. Sabuj Sathi