खालीलपैकी कोणते 'गुणवस्तू' (merit goods) चे उदाहरण आहे ?

The correct answer is Option A (Public distribution system for below poverty line families).

Key Points:
• Concept of Merit Goods: Introduced by economist Richard Musgrave, a Merit Good is a commodity or service that is judged by society or the government to be fundamentally beneficial for individuals, but which people might under-consume if left entirely to the free market (due to lack of information or poverty).
• PDS as a Merit Good: The Public Distribution System (PDS) providing subsidized food to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families ensures basic nutrition, health, and survival. Because adequate food yields immense positive externalities for society (a healthier, productive workforce), it perfectly fits the definition of a merit good.
• Analysis of Other Options:
• Electricity subsidies for farmers (Option 2): This is often classified as a Non-Merit Good. While intended to help farmers, free or highly subsidized electricity often leads to over-extraction of groundwater, wastage, and negative environmental externalities.
• Public Park (Option 3): A public park is a classic example of a Public Good, not a merit good. It is non-excludable (you can't easily stop someone from entering) and non-rivalrous (one person enjoying it doesn't stop another).
• Therefore, only Option 1 represents a true Merit Good.
• Key Takeaway: Merit goods (like PDS, education, vaccines) have positive externalities and are under-consumed in free markets. Parks are Public goods. Power subsidies are often Non-merit.