RAS question
The SHP scheme is expected to generate how many person-days of employment during construction?
Correct answer: (C) 51 lakh.
The Small Hydro Power Development Scheme is expected to support 51 lakh person-days of employment during project construction.
Explanation
The SHP scheme refers to the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, approved by the Union Cabinet. Its construction-phase employment estimate is 51 lakh person-days, which is why option C is the right figure. PIB links this employment impact to the installation of small hydro power projects and says the scheme will also enable jobs in maintenance and operation, largely in rural and remote locations. The source further explains the logic of the scheme: small hydro projects are decentralised, need minimal long transmission lines, and are expected to support clean energy investment while promoting local socio-economic activity.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 10 lakh understates the employment estimate because PIB gives the construction-phase figure as 51 lakh person-days.
- (B) 25 lakh is still below the figure stated for the scheme, which is 51 lakh person-days during project construction.
- (D) 1 crore overstates the construction-phase employment estimate; the cited PIB release specifies 51 lakh person-days, not 1 crore.
Concept
This tests government scheme facts under Indian Economy, especially employment and infrastructure outcomes attached to Cabinet-approved schemes. Such figures recur in RAS because prelims often asks the measurable output of recent Union or Rajasthan policy initiatives.