Which of the following schemes or programmes was not originally launched by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government at the Centre, even though it may have continued under later governments?

Introduction / Context:

This question checks your knowledge of which major flagship schemes were introduced by the National Democratic Alliance Government and which originated under earlier governments. Many schemes continue over time regardless of which coalition is in power, so it is important to distinguish who launched them. The specific focus here is on programmes commonly discussed in social sector and financial inclusion policy debates.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which scheme was not started by the NDA Government.
• The options include important initiatives like Mission Indradhanush, Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and MGNREGA.
• Some of these are widely known to have been launched under a particular coalition or leadership.
• The term launched refers to the first time the scheme or Act was introduced, not later changes or renaming.

Concept / Approach:

Mission Indradhanush, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan are flagship initiatives associated with the NDA Government at the Centre. By contrast, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, popularly known as MGNREGA or previously NREGA, was launched earlier under a different coalition government before the NDA period. Although it has continued under the NDA Government and earlier versions, its origin lies with a previous government, so it is the correct answer to the question asking which scheme was not started by the NDA Government.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

If you look up the dates of launch, you will find that MGNREGA legislation pre dates the more recent wave of NDA flagship schemes. Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush and Atal Pension Yojana are all clearly announced during the NDA governance period. By comparing these timelines, the odd one out in terms of launch is MGNREGA.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Mission Indradhanush is an immunisation programme that was launched under the NDA Government to increase vaccination coverage.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a financial inclusion scheme announced by the NDA Government, aimed at providing basic bank accounts to households.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a national cleanliness and sanitation mission strongly associated with the NDA leadership.

Atal Pension Yojana is a pension scheme for unorganised workers launched under the NDA Government and named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Common Pitfalls:

Candidates may confuse origin with continuation. Because the NDA Government continued and modified MGNREGA, some may mistakenly think it started the scheme. Another issue is that several schemes have similar sounding names or multiple phases, such as Indradhanush in different sectors. To avoid errors, always focus on the year of launch and which coalition or government was in power at that time.

Final Answer:

The scheme that was not originally started by the NDA Government is the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).