Correct Option
The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Nirmal Gram Puruskar (NGP) was launched by the Government of India in 2003 as a fiscal incentive scheme under the Total Sanitation Campaign (now Swachh Bharat Mission). Its primary objective was to encourage Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to achieve full sanitation coverage and become "Open Defecation Free" (ODF).
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Nirmal Gram Puruskar is awarded to Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and District Panchayats for exemplary performance in sanitation programs. It recognizes the "excellent work" done by the Panchayat in ensuring cleanliness, solid waste management, and the elimination of open defecation within its jurisdiction.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The first distribution of the Nirmal Gram Puruskar took place in 2005. In that year, a total of 40 Gram Panchayats received the award. Out of these 40, 38 Gram Panchayats were from Maharashtra and 2 were from West Bengal. The statement claiming that only "two village Panchs" (or Panchayats) from Maharashtra received it is factually incorrect due to the significantly higher number of awardees from the state. Additionally, the award is conferred upon the institution (the Panchayat), not individual members (Panchs).
Key Takeaway: The Nirmal Gram Puruskar is an institutional award given to PRIs for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and maintaining general sanitation, not an award for individual Panchayat members.