Explanations:NABARD, or the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, is a financial institution in India that plays a crucial role in the development of rural areas. It was established in 1982 to provide and facilitate credit for the promotion and development of agriculture, rural industry, cottage and village industries, small-scale industries, and other intermediate financial institutions. NABARD is a key player in the rural development sector and has a mandate to support various rural development initiatives through financial assistance.
The RIDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund) is a scheme under NABARD that provides financial assistance to state governments for the development of rural infrastructure. This includes projects such as rural roads, water supply, and other essential services that improve the quality of life in rural areas. The RIDF loan sanctioned to the Goa government is part of this scheme, aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure in the state.
Understanding the roles of different financial institutions is essential for comprehending their specific mandates and functions. SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) is a regulatory body that oversees the securities market and does not provide loans for rural development. SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) focuses on financing small and medium enterprises and does not have a mandate to provide loans for rural infrastructure. MANREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is a social security measure that guarantees employment to rural households and is not a financial institution that provides loans.
Therefore, NABARD is the correct answer as it is the financial institution that provides loans for rural infrastructure development, including the RIDF loan to the Goa government. This question tests the understanding of the specific roles and functions of different financial institutions in the context of rural development and state funding.