Correct answer: (a) Ministry of Health – ₹89,155 crore
Explanation
- A
Ministry of Health – ₹89,155 crore
Option (a) claims that the Ministry of Health was allocated ₹89,155 crore in the Union Budget 2023-24. This option correctly matches the budgetary allocation announced by the Finance Minister for the ministry. Thus, it serves as the official key because it accurately reflects the official financial figures presented in the annual budget document.
- B
Department of Health and Family Welfare – ₹80,000 crore
Option (b) claims that the Department of Health and Family Welfare received ₹80,000 crore. While close to sectoral allocations, this specific figure does not match the exact official budgetary data for this department in the 2023-24 fiscal framework. Therefore, this pairing is incorrect.
- C
Department of Health Research – ₹9,155 crore
Option (c) claims that the Department of Health Research was allocated ₹9,155 crore. Although research funding is a vital component of health expenditure, the specific sum stated here does not correspond to the exact budgetary outlay approved for this department. Hence, this option is incorrect.
- D
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana – ₹5,000 crore
Option (d) claims that the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana was allocated ₹5,000 crore. This figure diverges from the actual financial provisions designated for the scheme under the 2023-24 Union Budget allocations. Consequently, this matching is incorrect.
Summary. Official key is (a) Ministry of Health – ₹89,155 crore. The question tests the candidate's precise knowledge of financial allocations made in the Union Budget 2023-24 for key sectors like health. Aspirants often confuse total ministry outlays with specific departmental allocations or individual flagship scheme budgets. Careful reading of budget highlights prevents errors related to rounded figures or misattributed scheme sums. Therefore, option (a) stands out as the only correctly matched pair among the given choices.