Which of the following is NOT a national nutrition programme of the Government of India?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — B or D (both accepted). The National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (option A) and the National Iron Plus Initiative for Anaemia Control (option C) are both genuine micronutrient-focused national nutrition programmes. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (option B) addresses excess-fluoride dental/skeletal disease from drinking water, and the National Oral Health Programme (option D) addresses dental care — both are real Government of India health programmes, but neither is classified as a nutrition programme. Since two of the four options fail to qualify as 'nutrition' programmes, the commission granted grace and accepted both (b) and (d).

Why the other options are wrong — (a) A genuine nutrition programme — it addresses iodine-deficiency disorders through universal salt iodisation, so it does not fit the 'NOT a nutrition programme' answer.  (c) A genuine nutrition programme — it addresses iron-deficiency anaemia through supplementation across age groups, so it does not fit the 'NOT a nutrition programme' answer.

Concept: India runs several national programmes that address nutrition-linked deficiencies (iodine, iron) alongside separate programmes for non-nutritional public-health issues (fluoride-caused fluorosis, oral/dental health). Recognising which named programme falls in which bucket is the core skill this question tests, not just recalling the full scheme name.

State PCS 2023 Q5 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2023 Q5 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer