In Indian development programmes, Operation Kutir Jyothi refers to which of the following initiatives?

Introduction / Context:
Government initiatives in India are often given distinctive names that capture their main objective or target group. Operation Kutir Jyothi is one such programme name that appears frequently in general knowledge questions. Knowing what the programme is about helps candidates connect it with broader themes such as rural development, electrification and poverty alleviation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The programme name given is Operation Kutir Jyothi. - The options list rural electrification, adult literacy, self employment and Olympic torch. - Only one option correctly describes the focus of this operation. - The explanation relies on awareness of Indian development schemes.

Concept / Approach:
The word Kutir suggests small dwellings or huts, and Jyothi refers to light. Operation Kutir Jyothi was designed to provide electricity connections to the homes of rural poor families, especially those below the poverty line, thereby bringing light to rural huts. It falls under the broader theme of rural electrification. Adult literacy and self employment programmes generally have different names, and Olympic torch is unrelated to Indian rural schemes. Recognising the meaning of the words and recalling scheme descriptions leads to the correct option of rural electrification.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Break down the phrase Kutir Jyothi into its components: Kutir means hut or small house, and Jyothi means light. 2. The combination suggests an initiative aimed at lighting small rural houses. 3. Among the given options, rural electrification is directly related to providing light and power to such homes. 4. Adult literacy focuses on education for adults, not on lighting houses. 5. Self employment schemes involve generating income opportunities and do not specifically centre around light or electricity. 6. Olympic torch relates to sports ceremonies and is clearly unrelated to rural housing in India. 7. Therefore, Operation Kutir Jyothi refers to rural electrification.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard GK books and exam oriented notes describe Operation Kutir Jyothi as a programme aimed at providing single point light connections to households in rural areas belonging to economically weaker sections. They often group it with other rural electrification schemes and highlight its role in improving quality of life through basic energy access. The repeated classification of this operation under rural electrification confirms that option rural electrification is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Adult literacy programmes in India usually carry names such as National Literacy Mission and do not use the imagery of light in huts as their primary identity. Self employment schemes include programmes like IRDP or later self help group initiatives, which are linked to income generation rather than electricity distribution. Olympic torch refers to an international sporting symbol and has nothing to do with Indian rural development projects. Thus, these options do not align with the objectives or name of Operation Kutir Jyothi.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be misled by the word Jyothi and think of symbolic light in the sense of education or knowledge, leading them to choose adult literacy. Others may guess self employment because many Indian programmes focus on livelihoods. To avoid such errors, it is helpful to decode the literal meaning of terms in scheme names and to link them with concrete activities such as providing electricity connections. Regular revision of scheme names and their main goals also greatly improves accuracy in such questions.

Final Answer:
Operation Kutir Jyothi refers to a programme of rural electrification, providing light to small rural homes.