Previous Year Question
Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Government has launched the ‘National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP)’ for period of 2020-30.
Reason (R): The objective of NIP is to provide equitable access to infrastructure for all.
Select the correct answer using 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: D
Detailed Solution
Assertion (A) is incorrect. The Government of India prepared the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) for the period FY 2019–20 to FY 2024–25, not 2020–2030. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released the summary report of the NIP Task Force on 31 December 2019. Its objective was to prepare a long-term investment and project pipeline for developing economic and social infrastructure across the country.
Reason (R) is correct. A major objective of NIP is to provide Equitable Access to Infrastructure for all citizens and promote Inclusive Growth. It emphasised the expansion of roads, railways, energy, telecommunications, housing, drinking water, and urban facilities. These investments were expected to generate employment, improve living standards, and stimulate economic activities.
An initial investment of approximately ₹102 lakh crore was projected under NIP for FY 2020–2025, which was subsequently increased to approximately ₹111 lakh crore in the final Task Force Report of April 2020. The initiative aimed to ensure timely preparation of infrastructure projects, attract investment, and enhance public and private sector participation. Energy, roads, railways, and urban infrastructure were among its major investment sectors.
According to the Economic Survey 2019–20, the initial financing estimates for NIP envisaged contributions of 39% from the Central Government, 39% from State Governments, and 22% from the private sector. The initiative was intended to address India's infrastructure requirements and improve economic competitiveness. Thus, the period mentioned in Assertion (A) is incorrect, whereas the objective stated in Reason (R) is correct.