Question

In which of the following schemes, launched in the year 2000, indigent senior citizens are provided with free of cost food grains as a measure of food security:

• A. Integrated Older Persons Scheme
• B. Antyodaya Anna Yojana
• C. Annaposhan Vridha Yojana
• D. Annapurna Scheme

Hint:

Differentiate between the two major food security schemes from 2000: \textbf{Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)} is for the "poorest of the poor" families (subsidized food), while the \textbf{Annapurna Scheme} is specifically for destitute \textbf{senior citizens} not covered by pension (free food).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for a specific central government scheme launched in the year 2000 that provides free food grains to destitute senior citizens.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation of Schemes:


Annapurna Scheme (APS): This scheme was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development on 1st April 2000. It specifically targets senior citizens (aged 65 or above) who are destitute and not receiving the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS). Under this scheme, 10 kg of food grains per person per month are provided free of cost. This perfectly matches all the criteria in the question (year 2000, indigent senior citizens, free food grains).
Integrated Older Persons Scheme: This scheme provides financial assistance to organizations for maintaining old age homes, day care centers, etc. It is not about providing food grains directly.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): This scheme was also launched in December 2000. It aims to provide highly subsidized food grains to the "poorest of the poor" families, not exclusively senior citizens. The food grains are highly subsidized, not entirely free.
Annaposhan Vridha Yojana: This is not a recognized central government scheme.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The scheme that provides free food grains to indigent senior citizens is the Annapurna Scheme.