Which one of the following is a purpose of 'UDAY', a scheme of the Government?
A
Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
B
Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018
C
Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time
D
Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies
Correct Answer
Explanation
Option (D) is correct because UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) was launched in 2015 specifically to facilitate the financial turnaround and operational improvement of debt-laden state-owned power distribution companies (DISCOMs). Option (B) is a common distractor as it refers to universal electrification, which was the primary objective of the Saubhagya scheme and DDUGJY rather than the financial restructuring targeted by UDAY. The core concept being tested is power sector reforms, specifically addressing the structural debt crisis within the distribution segment of the energy value chain.
Government Schemes & InitiativesUDAY Scheme (Power Sector)UDAYGovernment schemeFinancial turnaroundRevivalPower distribution companiesDISCOMsRenewable energyElectricity access