Previous Year Question
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): The Union Budget 2020-21 has focused on Rural Development with aim of doubling farmer income.
Reason (R): The 16 Action points announced in the budget is centred around agriculture, irrigation and rural development.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(A) is true but (R) is false.
(A) is false but (R) is true.
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Assertion (A) is correct. The Union Budget 2020-21 placed agriculture and the rural economy among its major focus areas. At that time, the Government reiterated its policy objective of doubling farmers' income by 2022.
Reason (R) is also correct. The Budget announced 16 Action Points for Agriculture, Irrigation and Rural Development, covering several areas related to agricultural productivity, irrigation, storage, agricultural marketing, fisheries, livestock and rural infrastructure.
Approximately ₹2.83 lakh crore was allocated for this broad sector—
Agriculture, Irrigation and allied activities — ₹1.60 lakh crore
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj — ₹1.23 lakh crore
The 16 Action Points included measures for water-stressed districts, solar pumps, warehousing, Kisan Rail, Krishi Udaan, fisheries and agricultural credit.