Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Gokul Mission : I. It is important for the upliftment of rural poor as majority of low producing indigenous animals are with small and marginal farmers and landless labourers. II. It was initiated to promote indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) I only
- (b) II only
- (c) Both I and II ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) Neither I nor II
Why the answer is (c)
• The Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched in December 2014 under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development, and continues under the Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana.
• Statement II is correct: its objective is the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds (cattle and buffalo) in a scientific and holistic way — through Gokul Grams, bull mother farms, sex-sorted semen, IVF and genomic selection.
• Statement I is correct: most low-yielding indigenous animals are owned by small and marginal farmers and landless labourers, so raising their productivity directly lifts rural incomes and the mission is framed as pro-poor.
• It also supports the National Kamdhenu Breeding Centres and the Gopal Ratna awards.
• Hence both I and II, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) I only
- Statement II on the mission's objective is also correct.
- (b) II only
- Statement I on its relevance to the rural poor is also correct.
- (d) Neither I nor II
- Both statements correctly describe the mission.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.