The SKOCH Group has conferred the Best Performing Social Sector Ministry award on which Union ministry of the Government of India?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of important awards and recognitions given to Union ministries for their performance, especially in the social sector. The SKOCH Group is well known for its governance and development related awards in India. When such an organisation names a particular ministry as the Best Performing Social Sector Ministry, it reflects the impact and visibility of schemes run by that ministry. Knowing which ministry received this award helps you track which flagship social welfare programmes have been recognised for effective implementation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The award mentioned is the Best Performing Social Sector Ministry award.
The award is conferred by the SKOCH Group.
The question asks which Union ministry received this honour.
The options include four different ministries handling social, health, environment, and empowerment related portfolios.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall which ministry had a strong record on flagship social schemes in the period corresponding to this award. The Ministry of Women and Child Development implemented major schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Integrated Child Development Services reforms, and other nutrition, safety, and empowerment programmes. These initiatives, along with measurable outcomes, led to the ministry being recognised by SKOCH as the Best Performing Social Sector Ministry. Therefore, you need to connect the award name with the ministry that has a strong focus on women and children and that received substantial positive coverage in that period.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the award is for performance in the social sector, which often includes programmes for women, children, marginalised communities, and social welfare.Step 2: Recall that SKOCH Group conferred this specific title on the Ministry of Women and Child Development for notable achievements over several years.Step 3: Examine the options and match this memory with the correct ministry name.Step 4: Select the Ministry of Women and Child Development as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by remembering that news reports mentioned the Minister for Women and Child Development receiving the SKOCH award on behalf of the ministry. Several current affairs compilations summarised that the SKOCH Group recognised the ministry for delivering on promises and achieving significant progress in social sector outcomes over four years. No similar reports link this exact SKOCH title with the ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Environment, or Social Justice and Empowerment during that period. This consistent coverage confirms that the Ministry of Women and Child Development is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare certainly manages important schemes, but it was not the one specifically named Best Performing Social Sector Ministry by SKOCH in this context, so this option is incorrect.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change deals primarily with environmental regulation and conservation, which is vital but not the focus of this particular social sector award, so it is not the correct choice here.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment works for marginalised communities and persons with disabilities, but in the period relevant to this award, it was not the ministry that received the SKOCH Best Performing Social Sector Ministry recognition, so this option is also wrong.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes select the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare because health is a core part of the social sector and often in the news. Others may choose the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment simply because the award mentions social sector, leading to a quick but inaccurate association. It is important to remember that the award citation specifically highlighted the achievements of the Ministry of Women and Child Development in delivering social sector outcomes, not just any ministry with a social focus. Careful reading and recall of the exact news item avoid these errors.

Final Answer:
The SKOCH Group conferred the Best Performing Social Sector Ministry award on the Ministry of Women and Child Development.