- MAS is an annual survey conducted by the Department of Rural Development at the Gram Panchayat level to monitor the progress of development in rural areas.
- It is an important aspect of the Mission Antyodaya Framework, which aims to effectively utilize resources for the sustainable livelihood of marginalized households.
- The survey ranks panchayats based on data collected and produces a gap report, which is an important input for the Gram Panchayat Development Plan.
- The survey will be conducted in all 2,69,253 Gram Panchayats across India, excluding Tripura, Meghalaya, and Nagaland due to elections.
- The survey questionnaire has 183 indicators and 216 data points covering 21 areas and will be conducted by Community Resource Persons over the course of one month.
- 26 Central Government Ministries/Departments have been consulted in the development of the questionnaire.
- The Ministry of Rural Development has also developed an android mobile application with a geo-tag feature and set up an in-house help desk to address queries related to the questionnaire and mobile application.
- The Prajjwala Challenge - Unlock the Rural Economic Opportunity has been established by MoRD's flagship programme to combat poverty, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), with the goal of fostering ideas, solutions, and activities that can transform the rural economy.
Question:
Q.1 What is the Mission Antyodaya Survey (MAS)?
a. An annual survey conducted by the Department of Rural Development to monitor the progress in the development process in rural areas
b. A comprehensive exercise to prepare the Gram Panchayat Development Plan
c. A campaign to improve service delivery in rural areas
d. A ranking system for Gram Panchayats based on their progress
