Identifying Rural Upliftment Schemes

The question asks to identify government schemes specifically aimed at rural upliftment from the given options. Let's analyze each scheme:

• (a) SSY (Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana): This is a savings scheme focused on the girl child's future, primarily education and marriage. While beneficial, it's not a broad rural upliftment program.
• (b) MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act): This scheme guarantees at least 100 days of wage employment in rural areas, directly boosting rural livelihoods and security. It is a key rural upliftment initiative.
• (c) PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana): This program focuses on providing rural road connectivity. Better roads improve access to markets, education, and healthcare, significantly contributing to rural development and upliftment.
• (d) DDUGKY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana): This scheme aims to enhance the employability of rural youth through skill development and training, promoting employment opportunities in rural areas. It is directly linked to rural upliftment.
• (e) ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services): This is a welfare program focusing on health, nutrition, and early childhood education for children and mothers. While crucial for rural well-being, its scope is specific to child and maternal services rather than comprehensive rural economic upliftment.

Rationale for Correct Option

Based on the analysis, schemes directly targeting economic growth, employment, infrastructure, and skills in rural areas are:

• MGNREGA (Rural Employment)
• PMGSY (Rural Infrastructure)
• DDUGKY (Rural Youth Skills & Employment)

Therefore, the schemes focusing on rural upliftment are (b), (c), and (d).

Conclusion

The correct option includes schemes (b), (c), and (d) only.