Correct Answer: 2005

Solution : The correct answer is (b) 2005.

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was launched in 2005 by the Government of India. It aimed to address the health needs of the rural population, particularly focusing on vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. The NRHM sought to provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services in rural areas, with a specific emphasis on improving maternal and child health, reducing infant mortality and maternal mortality rates, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure and human resources in rural health facilities.

The NRHM was a significant initiative in the healthcare sector and was implemented in all states and union territories of India. It played a crucial role in strengthening healthcare delivery systems, enhancing health awareness and education, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for rural communities.

It is important to note that the NRHM has undergone subsequent transformations, and in 2013, it was further subsumed under the National Health Mission (NHM), which encompasses both rural and urban areas.