RAS question
The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme on March 25, 2026. What is the total financial outlay approved for this scheme?
Correct answer: (D) ₹28,840 crore for 10 years (2026-2036).
The Modified UDAN scheme approved by the Union Cabinet on 25 March 2026 has a total financial outlay of Rs.28,840 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
Explanation
The approved outlay is Rs.28,840 crore, not a smaller five- or seven-year allocation. The PIB release says the Union Cabinet approved the launch and implementation of the Regional Connectivity Scheme - Modified UDAN for ten years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, with budgetary support from the Government of India. The scheme targets connecting 120 new destinations, developing 100 new airports, and serving 4 crore passengers. These details matter because the scheme is framed as a regional-connectivity push linked to Viksit Bharat 2047, so the amount, duration, and aviation-access objective must be read together.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Rs.15,000 crore for five years is too low and does not match the PIB-stated ten-year outlay of Rs.28,840 crore.
- (B) Rs.20,000 crore for seven years gives both the wrong amount and the wrong scheme duration; the approval covers FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
- (C) Rs.50,000 crore for ten years matches the broad duration but overstates the approved financial outlay.
Concept
This tests current government schemes in Indian Economy, especially public expenditure used to expand infrastructure and market access. RAS often asks such items because candidates must connect a scheme's objective with its approved outlay and implementation period.