RAS question
Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on:
Correct answer: (D) October 2, 2014.
Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on October 2, 2014, on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary.
Explanation
Swachh Bharat Mission began on October 2, 2014, deliberately tied to Gandhi Jayanti. The official Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) SOP says the mission was launched on October 2, 2014, with the aim of achieving a clean India by October 2, 2019 as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. This is why the date is not just a scheme-launch detail but part of the scheme's public symbolism. The prompt's explanation also notes the two components: Urban under MoHUA and Rural under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. By October 2, 2019, India declared itself Open Defecation Free, completing the five-year milestone associated with the launch date.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) January 26, 2015 is after the mission had already been launched in October 2014, so it cannot be the launch date.
- (B) August 15, 2014 was Independence Day, but the mission was launched on Gandhi Jayanti, not on Independence Day.
- (C) November 19 is associated with World Toilet Day, but Swachh Bharat Mission was launched on October 2, 2014.
Concept
This tests government schemes under Indian Economy, especially launch dates, nodal ministries and milestone targets. RAS repeats such questions because flagship schemes connect welfare delivery, public finance and administrative timelines.