RAS question
What is the total outlay of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Mining Sector Reform Incentive Scheme for FY 2026-27, confirmed by the Ministry of Mines through a PIB release on April 24, 2026?
Correct answer: (C) 5,000 crore rupees.
The SASCI Mining Sector Reform Incentive Scheme for FY 2026-27 has a total outlay of 5,000 crore rupees.
Explanation
The Ministry of Mines release issued through PIB on April 24, 2026 says that an incentive mechanism for mining sector reforms, with a 5,000 crore rupees outlay, has been included in the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for FY 2026-27. The figure is not a general mining budget; it is the stated outlay for this SASCI scheme component. Incentives are to be given to States and Union Territories with legislature across three reform areas: implementation of mining reforms, mine operationalisation, and State Mining Readiness Index-based reforms. This three-part reform structure leaves 5,000 crore rupees as the only option consistent with the official release.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 2,000 crore rupees is too low because the PIB release explicitly states a 5,000 crore rupees outlay for the SASCI mining-reform incentive mechanism.
- (B) 3,500 crore rupees does not match the Ministry of Mines figure for FY 2026-27, which is 5,000 crore rupees.
- (D) 10,000 crore rupees overstates the scheme component because the official release fixes the outlay at 5,000 crore rupees.
Concept
This tests current fiscal-scheme awareness within Indian Economy, especially central assistance linked to State-level reform incentives. RAS repeats such facts because schemes are often asked through their ministry, year, outlay and reform components.