Village Health Guide Scheme was started in India in the year -

Correct option is B

Ans. (b) 1977
Explanation:
The Village Health Guide (VHG) Scheme was launched by the Government of India in 1977 under the Rural Health Programme. The main objective was to provide basic health services at the village level, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Key Features of the Village Health Guide Scheme:
1. Launched in 1977 to improve rural healthcare.
2. Selection: Village Health Guides were chosen from the local village community, preferably women, to provide basic healthcare services.
3. Training: Given 3 months of training on primary healthcare, first aid, maternal & child health, and communicable disease control.
4. Role:
· Providing basic treatment for minor ailments.
· Referral services to Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
· Health education and awareness on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
· Assisting in maternal and child health programs.
5. Impact: Helped in bridging the gap in healthcare services in rural India before ASHA workers were introduced under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005.
Why are the other options incorrect?
1. 1971 → (Incorrect Choice)
· No such rural health initiative was launched in this year.
2. 1984 → (Incorrect Choice)
· By this time, the scheme was already implemented across villages in India.
3. 1989 → (Incorrect Choice)
· The scheme had already been in operation for over a decade by this year.