Question

When was the programme named 'Community Development Block' was introduced in India?

• A. 1952
• B. 1953
• C. 1954
• D. 1957

Hint:

The Community Development Block is often described as the "unit of planning and development" in India. Its creation in 1952 paved the way for the later 3-tier Panchayati Raj system.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: The Community Development Programme (CDP) was the first major organized rural development initiative in post-independence India, aiming at the overall development of rural life.

Step 1: Identify the launch date.
The Community Development Programme was launched on October 2, 1952 (the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi). The primary administrative unit created for this program was the Community Development Block. Initially, 55 projects were started across the country.

Step 2: Understand the structure.
The introduction of the Block allowed for a decentralized approach to administration. Each Block was headed by a Block Development Officer (BDO) and supported by various Extension Officers (EOs) for agriculture, animal husbandry, etc.

Step 3: Review related milestones.
While 1952 saw the start of the blocks, the National Extension Service (NES) was introduced in 1953 to provide a permanent framework for extension at the block level.