How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?D

Q: What is UPSC Prelims?

UPSC Prelims is a competitive examination conducted in India. This question is from the 2012 UPSC Prelims Economy paper.

Q: How can I prepare for UPSC Prelims Economy?

To prepare for UPSC Prelims Economy, practice previous year questions (PYQs), understand concepts thoroughly, and solve mock tests regularly. This 2012 question covers Poverty, Unemployment & Social Inequality topic.

Q: What is the difficulty level of this question?

This UPSC Prelims 2012 Economy question has a hard difficulty level.

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Question

How do District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) help in the reduction of rural poverty in India?DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions in certain specified backward regions of the country.DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of the causes of poverty and malnutrition and prepare detailed remedial measures.DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination and cooperation for effective implementation of anti-poverty programmes.DRDAs watch over and ensure effective utilization of the funds intended for anti-poverty programmes.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: B — 3 and 4 onlySolution:District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) were the principal organs at the district level for supervision of anti-poverty programmes under the Ministry of Rural Development.Statement 1 — DRDAs act as Panchayati Raj Institutions: This is incorrect. DRDAs are administrative agencies — they are NOT Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). They are society-type organisations under government control, not elected local self-government bodies. PRIs (gram panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats) are separate constitutional bodies under the 73rd Amendment. ✗Statement 2 — DRDAs undertake area-specific scientific study of poverty: This is incorrect. DRDAs are implementation and coordination agencies — they do not conduct area-specific scientific studies on poverty and malnutrition. Such research is the mandate of specialised bodies like NABARD, research institutions, and state planning departments. DRDAs' role is administrative implementation, not academic research. ✗Statement 3 — DRDAs secure inter-sectoral and inter-departmental coordination: This is correct. DRDAs were designed as the nodal agencies to coordinate across multiple central and state government programmes at the district level — ensuring convergence between MGNREGA, housing schemes, livelihood programmes, and other rural development initiatives. ✓Statement 4 — DRDAs watch over and ensure effective fund utilization: This is correct. Fund utilisation monitoring and ensuring funds reach intended beneficiaries was a core DRDA function. They maintained district-level accounts, conducted inspections, and ensured scheme convergence to prevent leakage. ✓Key Concept: DRDAs were merged with regular district administration in 2012 as part of decentralisation reforms — their functions were transferred to District Panchayats and District Collectors. The government decided to mainstream rural development programme implementation through the Panchayati Raj system rather than maintaining parallel DRDA structures. This reflects the broader principle of 73rd Amendment — channelling rural development through elected PRIs rather than bureaucratic agencies. The merger was recommended by several committees on decentralisation and administrative reforms.

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