Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) is a major rural development initiative launched by the Government of India.
It aimed to provide self-employment opportunities to the rural poor through subsidy and bank credit to acquire productive assets.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The program was first introduced in selected blocks during the year 1978--1979.
However, it was officially launched and implemented across all developmental blocks in the country on October 2, 1980.
Therefore, 1980 is the standard launch year of this program.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct launch year of IRDP is 1980, which is represented by option (B).