Subsidies and Welfare Expenditure — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, your strategy for Subsidies and Welfare Expenditure should be multi-faceted, focusing on factual accuracy and conceptual clarity. Firstly, memorize key schemes: know their full names, launch years, primary objectives, target beneficiaries, and key features (e.

g., MGNREGA - 100 days employment, PM-KISAN - Rs 6000/year, Ayushman Bharat - Rs 5 lakh health cover). Secondly, understand the types of subsidies: differentiate between food, fertilizer, fuel, input, production, and consumption subsidies.

Be clear on who benefits (producer vs. consumer). Thirdly, grasp the constitutional basis: Articles 38, 39, 41, 43, 47 from DPSPs are crucial. Fourthly, focus on DBT and JAM Trinity: understand its components and how it works to reduce leakages.

Fifthly, track major budget allocations: know which subsidies typically consume the largest share (food, fertilizer) and general trends (e.g., reduction in petroleum subsidy). Finally, practice MCQs extensively, paying attention to subtle differences in wording, especially for coverage percentages (e.

g., NFSA) and specific scheme benefits. Vyyuha's Quick Recall sections will be invaluable for rapid revision of these facts.