In which year was the 'National Extension Service' launched?

Option 1 : 1953

The correct answer is 1953.

• The National Extension Service program was formulated in April 1953 and it was inaugurated on October 2, 1953.
• It was formed after the Indian government realized that the Community Development Programme, which was formed in 1952, cannot be implemented all over India due to a shortage of funds.

• The National Extension Service was formed so that development work could proceed on the basis of self-help efforts.
• It was ab initio launched for an amount of 3 years, with the availability of Rs. 4.5 lakhs per block with stress on agriculture, agriculture, rural communication, and social education.
• After 3 years, the blocks covered under this scheme were to be converted into Community Development Programme blocks with the provision of Rs 15 Lakhs for 3 years for more intensive development work. 
• In 1957, the Indian government formed the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee to examine the working of the Community Development Programme and the National Extension Service and suggest ways to make it better.
• The committee led to the formation of the Panchayati Raj system.