Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A: PRA can help to empower the weaker sections of the society.
Reason R: It creates awareness among selected leaders and let them shine.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

The core value of PRA is "Handing over the stick"—encouraging researchers and local elites to step back and let the marginalized and weaker sections lead the analysis and planning.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) is an interactive research and development approach designed to involve local communities in analyzing their own situations and planning solutions.
The core value of PRA is to prioritize local knowledge and encourage the participation of all community members.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate both statements individually:
- Assertion A: PRA is highly effective at empowering weaker or marginalized sections of society (such as women, landless laborers, and lower castes).
Its visual, non-verbal methods (like mapping or ranking on the ground) allow illiterate and marginalized individuals to participate, share their ideas, and contribute to decision-making alongside more powerful groups.
Therefore, Assertion A is correct.
- Reason R: The philosophy of PRA is based on broad-based, democratic participation.
Its goal is to involve the entire community rather than focusing only on "selected leaders and letting them shine."
Focusing only on established leaders can reinforce existing local power structures and silence weaker groups.
Therefore, Reason R is incorrect, as it describes a top-down or elite-led approach that contradicts the participatory values of PRA.
- Relationship between A and R:
Since Assertion A is correct and Reason R is incorrect, the matching option is C.

Step 3: Final Answer:
A is correct but R is not correct, which is represented by option (C).