UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India’s pension scheme lags in terms of coverage, contribution

Q1. The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is implemented as a sub-component of which one of the following Centrally Sponsored umbrella programmes?

  • A. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
  • B. National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM)
  • C. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)
  • D. Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana

Q2. Among the sub-schemes of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), which one currently has the largest number of beneficiaries?

  • A. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
  • B. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
  • C. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
  • D. Annapurna Scheme

Q3. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), under which IGNOAPS is operationalised, is administered at the Union level by which one of the following ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
  • B. Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • C. Ministry of Women and Child Development
  • D. Ministry of Rural Development

Q4. In the context of NSAP and IGNOAPS, the term 'Centrally Sponsored Scheme' (CSS) most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A scheme fully funded and directly implemented by Union Ministries on subjects in the Union List
  • B. A scheme funded jointly by the Centre and the States in a defined sharing ratio and implemented by State governments
  • C. A scheme financed entirely from the Consolidated Fund of India and devolved to Panchayati Raj Institutions
  • D. A scheme designed by NITI Aayog and funded out of the Finance Commission's untied grants to States