Please enter the following details
Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow.
During the floods of 2018-2019, a group of philanthropists led by Niyabuddin, wished to open free food centre for the needy. Their motto was that “no human should be hungry.” Nothing gives more satisfaction to the philanthropists than to see the hungry eat to the fullest.
Post Covid-19, the group started a food centre by the name Win Borne Life Care Food (WBLCF) in a small town called Palakkad. The centre started gaining popularity as the number of people enjoying free meals increased over time. Initially, WBLCF offered a standardized menu consisting of idli, upma, puttu for breakfast, curd rice for lunch, and idli or upma for supper. Six women were employed by WBLCF to prepare all the meals. As the number of diners increased, they started expecting a variety in the menu. At WBLCF, not all the diners eat "free": while two-thirds of diners get free food, one-third would donate some amount to a transparent charity box kept at the entrance. For example, a man donated Rs. 500 after consuming two idlis, and a woman approached Niyabuddin and inquired about donating 10 kilogrammes of rice. Those who could not afford to donate, were often seen prostrating worshipfully in front of the charity box. Some caring individuals made monetary donation while others donated rice, fruits and vegetables to WBLCF. Further, the centre received enquiries from many locals on how they could contribute to the cause.
As the centre was lauded for its philanthropic work by people of the town, Niyabuddin intended to replicate the initiative in the nearby districts. However, he is concerned about the cost that goes into running the centre. Almost 75 percent of the donated amount goes into buying the cooking ingredients, while the rest goes into paying salaries, operations and maintenance costs.
From the following, choose the MOST important challenge that Niyabuddin has to overcome to sustain WBLCF.
The correct option is A because the success of the food center heavily relies on having sufficient funds to cover the costs of ingredients, salaries, operations, and maintenance. Without an adequate financial foundation, WBLCF may struggle to continue its philanthropic work and expand to nearby districts. Paying salaries, attracting diners, having enough cooks, and offering local dishes are all interconnected challenges that can be addressed more effectively with a robust financial base.
Option B is not the most critical because while paying salaries is crucial for retaining dedicated employees, it is a component of the overall financial challenge. If there are not enough finances to cover salaries, it becomes a subset of the broader issue of obtaining adequate funds and donations.
Option C is not the most critical one because while attracting diners is essential for the success of the food center, but it's not the primary challenge. Even if there are many diners, the initiative's sustainability depends on having the necessary financial resources to continue providing free meals.
Option D is not correct because having enough cooks and employees is an operational challenge but can be addressed within the broader context of financial stability. If there are sufficient funds, hiring and retaining staff becomes more manageable.
Option E is not crucial because while offering variety in the menu may be a desire expressed by diners, it is not as critical as ensuring the financial sustainability of the food center. Menu diversification can be considered once the core financial challenges are addressed.
The correct option is A
