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
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