The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched on 25th December, 2000 as a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The primary objective of the PMGSY is to provide all-weather road connectivity to all eligible unconnected habitations in the rural areas having population of 500 persons and above. In respect of Hill States (North-East, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand), Desert Areas (as identified in the Desert Development Programme) and Tribal (Schedule V) areas, habitations of population of 250 persons and above were considered eligible for providing all weather connectivity. It was estimated that about 1.68 lakh were eligible for coverage under the programme. It has been reported by State Governments that 31,804 eligible habitations have been connected under their own schemes or not feasible. Thus net eligible habitations required to be covered under the program are 1.36 lakh. The programme also provides for the upgradation of the existing Through Routes and important Link Routes to prescribed standards to ensure full farm-to-market connectivity.
Bharat Nirman
The President of India, in his address to Parliament on 25th February, 2005, announced a major business plan for rebuilding rural India called ‘Bharat Nirman’. Rural Roads have been identified as one of the six components of Bharat Nirman and a goal to provide connectivity to all the habitations of population of 1000 or more in the plain areas and of 500 or more in hilly or tribal areas in a time bound manner by 2012. The systematic upgradation of the existing rural road networks is also an integral part of the rural road component of the Bharat Nirman. Based on ground verification by States, 54,648 habitations were targeted to be connected under Bharat Nirman with a length of 1,46,185 km. It is also targeted to upgrade/renew 1,94,130 km roads in the rural areas.
Programme Objectives
The primary objective of the PMGSY is to provide Connectivity, by way of an All-weather Road (with necessary culverts and cross-drainage structures, which is operable throughout the year), to the eligible unconnected Habitations in the rural areas, in such a way that all Unconnected Habitations with a population of 1000 persons and above are covered in three years (2000-2003) and all Unconnected Habitations with a population of 500 persons and above by the end of the Tenth Plan Period (2007). In respect of the Hill States (North-East, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttaranchal) and the Desert Areas (as identified in the Desert Development Programme) as well as the Tribal (Schedule V) areas, the objective would be to connect Habitations with a population of 250 persons and above.
The PMGSY will permit the Upgradation (to prescribed standards) of the existing roads in those Districts where all the eligible Habitations of the designated population size have been provided all-weather road connectivity. However, it must be noted that Upgradation is not central to the Programme and cannot exceed 20% of the State’s allocation as long as eligible Unconnected Habitations in the State still exist. In Upgradation works, priority should be given to Through Routes of the Rural Core Network, which carry more traffic.
Guiding Principles of PMGSY and Definitions
The spirit and the objective of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is to provide good all-weather road connectivity to unconnected Habitations. A habitation which was earlier provided all-weather connectivity would not be eligible even if the present condition of the road is bad. The unit for this Programme is a Habitation and not a Revenue village or a Panchayat. A Habitation is a cluster of population, living in an area, the location of which does not change over time. Desam, Dhanis, Tolas, Majras, Hamlets etc. are commonly used terminology to describe the Habitations. An Unconnected Habitation is one with a population of designated size located at a distance of at least 500 metres or more (1.5 km of path distance in case of Hills) from an Allweather road or a connected Habitation.
The population, as recorded in the Census 2001, shall be the basis for determining the population size of the Habitation. The population of all Habitations within a radius of 500 metres (1.5 km. of path distance in case of Hills) may be clubbed together for the purpose of determining the population size. This cluster approach would enable provision of connectivity to a larger number of Habitations, particularly in the Hill / mountainous areas. The eligible Unconnected Habitations are to be connected to nearby Habitations already connected by an All-weather road or to another existing All-weather road so that services (educational, health, marketing facilities etc.), which are not available in the unconnected Habitation, become available to the residents. A Core Network is that minimal Network of roads (routes)that is essential to provide Basic access to essential social and economic services to all eligible habitations in the selected areas through at least a single all-weather road connectivity. A Core Network comprises of Through Routes and Link Routes. Through routes are the ones which collect traffic from several link roads or a long chain of Habitations and lead it to Marketing centres either directly or through the higher category roads i.e., the District Roads or the State or National Highway. Link Routes are the roads connecting a single Habitation or a group of Habitations to Through Routes or District Roads leading to Market Centres. Link routes generally have dead ends terminating on a Habitation, while Through Routes arise from the confluence of two or more Link Routes and emerge on to a major Road or to a Market Centre. It should be ensured that each road work that is taken up under the PMGSY is part of the Core Network. While keeping the objective of Connectivity in view, preference should be given to those roads which also incidentally serve other Habitations. In other words, without compromising the basic objective (covering 1000+ Habitations first and 500+ Habitations next and 250+ Habitations where eligible, last), preference should be given to those roads which serve a larger population. For this purpose, while Habitations within a distance of 500 metres from the road is considered as connected in case of plain areas, this distance should be 1.5 km (of path length) in respect of Hills.
The PMGSY shall cover only the rural areas. Urban roads are excluded from the purview of this Programme. Even in the rural areas, PMGSY covers only the Rural Roads i.e., Roads that were formerly classified as ‘Other District Roads’ (ODR) and ‘Village Roads’ (VR). Other District Roads (ODR) are roads serving rural areas of production and providing them with outlet to market centres, taluka (tehsil) headquarters, Block headquarters or other main roads. Village Roads (VR) are roads connecting villages / Habitation or groups of
Habitation with each other and to the nearest road of a higher category. Major District Roads, State Highways and National Highways cannot be covered under the PMGSY, even if they happen to be in rural areas. This applies to New Connectivity roads as well as Upgradation works.
The PMGSY envisages only single road Connectivity to be provided. If a Habitation is already connected by way of an All-weather road, then no new work can be taken up under the PMGSY for that habitation. Provision of connectivity to unconnected Habitations would be termed as New Connectivity. Since the purpose of PMGSY inter alia is to provide farm to market access, new connectivity may involve ‘new construction’ where the link to the habitation is missing and additionally, if required, ‘upgradation’ where an intermediate link in its present condition cannot function as an all-weather road. Upgradation, when permitted would typically involve building the base and surface courses of an existing road to desired technical specifications and / or improving the geometrics of the road, as required in accordance with traffic condition. The primary focus of the PMGSY is to provide All-weather road connectivity to the eligible unconnected Habitations. An All-weather road is one which is negotiable in all seasons of the year. This implies that the road-bed is drained effectively (by adequate cross-drainage structures such as culverts, minor bridges and causeways), but this does not necessarily imply that it should be paved or surfaced or black-topped. Interruptions to traffic as per permitted frequency and duration may be allowed.
There may be roads which are Fair-weather roads. In other words, they are fordable only during the dry season, because of lack of Cross Drainage (CD) works. Conversion of such roads to All-weather roads through provision of CD works would be treated as upgradation. It must be noted that on all the road works of the PMGSY, provision of necessary CD works is considered an essential element PMGSY does not permit repairs to Black-topped or Cement Roads, even if the surface condition is bad. The Rural Roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will be in accordance with the provision of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) as given in the Rural Roads Manual. In case of Hill Roads, for matters not covered by the Rural Roads Manual, provisions of Hills Roads Manual may apply.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
SWARNJAYANTI GRAM SWAROZGAR YOJANA
The Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) is a major self employment scheme launched in April, 1999 after restructuring and combining the IRDP with allied programmes i.e. TRYSEM, DWCRA, SITRA, GKY, MWS. It has been designed as a holistic self employment scheme aimed at providing sustainable income to rural BPL families through income generating assets / economic activities so as to bring them out of the poverty line. It is a process oriented scheme involving processes like organization of the rural poor (BPL) into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through social mobilization, capacity building & training, provision of revolving fund, making available credit and subsidy, technology, infrastructure & marketing. Each process has a bearing on the successive process. The SGSY is trying to achieve social mobilization through formation of member owned, member controlled and member managed institutions of the poor in the form of Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Salient Features
SGSY aims at bringing the assisted poor families (swarozgaries) above poverty line by providing them income generating – assets through a mix of bank credit and government subsidy.
The objective is achieved through organizing rural poor into Self - Help Groups (SHGs) at the grassroots level through the process of social mobilization. The process of social mobilization is followed by capacity building and training of rural poor.
The scheme is being implemented in the States through the District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) and funds are transferred by Ministry of Rural Development directly to the DRDAs with active involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions(PRIs).
Funds are allocated to the States on the basis of inter se poverty ratios fixed by the Planning Commission and further to the districts on the basis of their Below Poverty Line (BPL) population.
Selection key economic activities are based on available natural resources, occupational skills of the people and available markets. Cluster approach for taking up economic activities is emphasized.
Emphasis is on provision of credit to the rural poor. Subsidy is just an enabling element and is linked to credit from banks.
Thrust is on empowerment of the vulnerable sections of the society, i.e. 50% for SC/STs, 40% for women, 15% for minorities and 3% for disabled persons.
Funds shared between Centre and State, except for north eastern states, on 75:25 basis. The ratio of sharing of funds between Centre and north eastern states including Sikkim is 90:10.
NGOs can be involved for assisting in the formation of SHGs and their handholding for which the NGOs can be paid a remuneration of up to Rs. 10,000 per SHG in separate instalments.
The SHGs are taken through a grading process whereby they are graded as Grade I and Grade II based on certain criteria.
Financial assistance is provided to both SHGs and individuals under the scheme though more focus is on the groups than the individuals.
The beneficiaries are provided training and capacity building inputs to familiarize them with the basics of group dynamics and skill training is provided to make their micro enterprises sustainable and more productive.
Revolving Fund assistance is provided to the SHGs for augmenting their group corpus and the banks are expected to give a cash credit limit to the SHGs equal to four times their group corpus.
Subsidy under the SGSY is given at the uniform rate of at 30% of the project cost, subject to a maximum of Rs.7500. In respect of SC/STs and disabled however, these will be 50% and Rs.10,000/ respectively. For Groups of Swarozgaris (SHGs), the subsidy would be at 50% of the cost of the scheme or per capita subsidy of Rs.10,000/- or Rs.1.25 lakh, whichever is less. There will be no monetary limit on subsidy for irrigation projects. Subsidy is back ended. The SGSY seeks to promote multiple credits rather than a one – time credit injection.
20 percent of the allocation at the district level has been earmarked for meeting expenditure critical gaps in infrastructure creation required supporting the livelihood activities of the rural poor.
Provision is also made for taking care of all aspects of marketing including marketing intelligence, backward and forward linkages and creation of marketing infrastructure.
15% outlay under SGSY is set apart for Special Projects to field test and validate alternative strategies for livelihood opportunities and enhancement of livelihood support for rural poor.
Each Special Project is expected to execute a time-bound programme for bringing a specific number of BPL families above the poverty line through a projectised approach with the funding requirement to be shared between centre and state, except for north eastern states, in the ratio of 75:25. The ratio of sharing of funds between Centre and north eastern states including Sikkim is 90:10.
Salient Features
SGSY aims at bringing the assisted poor families (swarozgaries) above poverty line by providing them income generating – assets through a mix of bank credit and government subsidy.
The objective is achieved through organizing rural poor into Self - Help Groups (SHGs) at the grassroots level through the process of social mobilization. The process of social mobilization is followed by capacity building and training of rural poor.
The scheme is being implemented in the States through the District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) and funds are transferred by Ministry of Rural Development directly to the DRDAs with active involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions(PRIs).
Funds are allocated to the States on the basis of inter se poverty ratios fixed by the Planning Commission and further to the districts on the basis of their Below Poverty Line (BPL) population.
Selection key economic activities are based on available natural resources, occupational skills of the people and available markets. Cluster approach for taking up economic activities is emphasized.
Emphasis is on provision of credit to the rural poor. Subsidy is just an enabling element and is linked to credit from banks.
Thrust is on empowerment of the vulnerable sections of the society, i.e. 50% for SC/STs, 40% for women, 15% for minorities and 3% for disabled persons.
Funds shared between Centre and State, except for north eastern states, on 75:25 basis. The ratio of sharing of funds between Centre and north eastern states including Sikkim is 90:10.
NGOs can be involved for assisting in the formation of SHGs and their handholding for which the NGOs can be paid a remuneration of up to Rs. 10,000 per SHG in separate instalments.
The SHGs are taken through a grading process whereby they are graded as Grade I and Grade II based on certain criteria.
Financial assistance is provided to both SHGs and individuals under the scheme though more focus is on the groups than the individuals.
The beneficiaries are provided training and capacity building inputs to familiarize them with the basics of group dynamics and skill training is provided to make their micro enterprises sustainable and more productive.
Revolving Fund assistance is provided to the SHGs for augmenting their group corpus and the banks are expected to give a cash credit limit to the SHGs equal to four times their group corpus.
Subsidy under the SGSY is given at the uniform rate of at 30% of the project cost, subject to a maximum of Rs.7500. In respect of SC/STs and disabled however, these will be 50% and Rs.10,000/ respectively. For Groups of Swarozgaris (SHGs), the subsidy would be at 50% of the cost of the scheme or per capita subsidy of Rs.10,000/- or Rs.1.25 lakh, whichever is less. There will be no monetary limit on subsidy for irrigation projects. Subsidy is back ended. The SGSY seeks to promote multiple credits rather than a one – time credit injection.
20 percent of the allocation at the district level has been earmarked for meeting expenditure critical gaps in infrastructure creation required supporting the livelihood activities of the rural poor.
Provision is also made for taking care of all aspects of marketing including marketing intelligence, backward and forward linkages and creation of marketing infrastructure.
15% outlay under SGSY is set apart for Special Projects to field test and validate alternative strategies for livelihood opportunities and enhancement of livelihood support for rural poor.
Each Special Project is expected to execute a time-bound programme for bringing a specific number of BPL families above the poverty line through a projectised approach with the funding requirement to be shared between centre and state, except for north eastern states, in the ratio of 75:25. The ratio of sharing of funds between Centre and north eastern states including Sikkim is 90:10.
Regional Rural Banks in India
Regional Rural Banks in India are an integral part of the rural credit structure of the country. Since the very beginning, when the Regional Rural Banks in India (RRBs) were established in October 2, 1975, these banks played a pivotal role in the economic development of the rural India. The main goal of establishing regional rural banks in India was to provide credit to the rural people who are not economically strong enough, especially the small and marginal farmers, artisans, agricultural labours, and even small entrepreneurs.
The Conception and the Brief history
The history of regional rural banks in India dates back to the year 1975. It's the Narsimham committee that conceptualized the foundation of regional rural banks in India. The committee felt the need of 'regionally oriented rural banks' that would address the problems and requirements of the rural people with local feel, yet with the same level of professionalism of commercial banks. Five regional rural banks were set up on October 2 with a total authorized capital of ` 1 crore, which later augmented to ` 5 crore. There were five commercial banks, viz. Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, United Bank of India and United Commercial Bank, which sponsored the regional rural banks. The equities of rural banks were divided in a proportion of 50:35:15 among the Central Government, the Sponsor bank and the concerned State Government.
The following years have not been so easy for the regional rural banks in India, as there were major concern of financial viability. A number of committees were formed to find out solution. Studies were conducted to find out the factors that influence RRBs performance. The roles played by the sponsor banks were also analyzed.
List of Regional Rural Banks in India
There are a number of regional rural banks in India. Following are the state-wise list of Indian regional rural banks.
Andhra Pradesh
The history of regional rural banks in India dates back to the year 1975. It's the Narsimham committee that conceptualized the foundation of regional rural banks in India. The committee felt the need of 'regionally oriented rural banks' that would address the problems and requirements of the rural people with local feel, yet with the same level of professionalism of commercial banks. Five regional rural banks were set up on October 2 with a total authorized capital of ` 1 crore, which later augmented to ` 5 crore. There were five commercial banks, viz. Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, United Bank of India and United Commercial Bank, which sponsored the regional rural banks. The equities of rural banks were divided in a proportion of 50:35:15 among the Central Government, the Sponsor bank and the concerned State Government.
The following years have not been so easy for the regional rural banks in India, as there were major concern of financial viability. A number of committees were formed to find out solution. Studies were conducted to find out the factors that influence RRBs performance. The roles played by the sponsor banks were also analyzed.
List of Regional Rural Banks in India
There are a number of regional rural banks in India. Following are the state-wise list of Indian regional rural banks.
Andhra Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank
- Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank
- Deccan Grameena Bank
- Chaitanya Godavari Grameena Bank
- Saptagiri Grameena Bank
- Pinakini Grameena Bank
- Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank
- Assam Gramin Vikash Bank
- Langpi Dehangi Rural Bank
- Madhya Bihar Gramin Bank
- Bihar Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Uttar Bihar Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Kosi Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Samastipur Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank
- Surguja Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Durg-Rajnandgaon Gramin Bank
- Dena Gujarat Gramin Bank
- Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank
- Saurashtra Gramin Bank
- Harayana Gramin Bank
- Gurgaon Gramin Bank
- Himachal Gramin Bank
- Parvatiya Gramin Bank
- Jammu Rural Bank
- Ellaquai Dehati Bank
- Kamraz Rural Bank
- Jharkhand Gramin Bank
- Vananchal Gramin Bank
- Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank
- Pragathi Gramin Bank
- Cauvery Kalpatharu Grameena Bank
- Krishna Grameena Bank
- Chimagalur-Kodagu Grameena Bank
- Visveshvaraya Gramin Bank
- Narmada Malwa Gramin Bank
- North Malabar Gramin Bank
- Narmada Malwa Gramin Bank
- Satpura Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Madhya Bharath Gramin Bank
- Chambal-Gwalior Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Rewa-Sidhi Gramin Bank
- Sharda Gramin Bank
- Ratlam-Mandsaur Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Vidisha Bhopal Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Mahakaushal Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Jhabua Dhar Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Marathwada Gramin Bank
- Aurangabad-Jalna Gramin Bank
- Wainganga Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Vidharbha Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Solapur Gramin Bank
- Thane Gramin Bank
- Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Gramin Bank
- Manipur Rural Bank
- Ka Bank Nogkyndong Ri Khasi-Jaintia
- Mizoram Rural Bank
- Nagaland Rural Bank
- Kalinga Gramya Bank
- Utkal Gramya Bank
- Baitarani Gramya Bank
- Neelachal Gramya Bank
- Rushikulya Gramya Bank
- Punjab Gramin Bank
- Faridkot-Bhatinda Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Malwa Gramin Bank
- Baroda Rajasthan Gramin Bank
- Marwar Ganganagar Bikaner Gramin Bank
- Rajasthan Gramin Bank
- Jaipur Thar Gramin Bank
- Hodoti Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Mewar Anchalik Gramin Bank
- Pandyan Grama Bank
- Pallavan Grama Bank
- Tripura Gramin Bank
- Purvanchal Gramin Bank
- Kashi Gomti Samyut Gramin Bank
- Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank
- Shreyas Gramin Bank
- Lucknow Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Ballia Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Triveni Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Aryavart Gramin Bank
- Kisan Gramin Bank
- Kshetriya Kisan Gramin Bank
- Etawah Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Rani Laxmi Bai Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Baroda Western Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank
- Devipatan Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Prathama Bank
- Baroda Eastern Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank
- Uttaranchal Gramin Bank
- Nainital Almora Kshetriya Gramin Bank
- Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank
- Paschim Banga Gramin Bank
- Uttar Banga Kshetriya Gramin Bank
Bharat Nirman
The Bharat Nirman Plan is a project undertaken by the Central Government of India in collaboration with the State Governments of the particular state and the Panchayat Raj Institutions of the particular rural area of that state. The project Bharat Nirman Plan is time confined and the main purpose of the project is the development of the rural infrastructure. The Bharat Nirman Plan has the objective of the all round development of the rural areas such as development of roads and systems of transportation under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, development of irrigation facilities, development of telecommunication, development of the rural water supply, construction of rural housing under Indira Awaas Yojana, etc.
Bharat Nirman Plan - Development of rural roads
The development of the rural transport infrastructure is an important factor for the growth of the rural business and economy. The project falls under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and it is one of the major projects in the country. The total cost of the rural road project is about ` 1,74,000 crores and the main objective of this project is to promote the growth of the rural areas by the means of facilitating the provision of proper transportation facilities. The project covers all villages with population more than 1000 and hilly areas with population more than 500.Bharat Nirman Plan - Telecommunication
The development of the telephone sector in the rural areas is an important factor for the growth of the rural business and economy. The project would also provide to the up gradation of the rural infrastructure. The project covers nearly 66,822 revenue-generating villages in India and all these villages would be provided with the Village Public Telephone (VPT) scheme. The telecommunication services in the remote villages would be provided by the means of digital satellite phone terminals. The Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) would provide with the financial assistance in form of the working cost and capital for the establishment of the village public telephone.Bharat Nirman Plan - Rural Water Supply
The supply of drinking water is one of the most important infrastructures in the Bharat Nirman Plan. The availability of drinking water is one of the key factors in the sustenance of life. Proper supply of drinking water would bring down the diseases rate in the rural areas as in India most of the diseases are water borne. The lack of proper drinking water forces the rural populace to depend on the ponds, lakes, rivers, tube wells, wells and these water sources are highly contaminated due to certain agents of water pollution. The main responsibility of facilitating the provision of safe drinking water supply lies with the State Governments. The State Governments with the financial assistance of the Central Government of India has implemented the project called Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP).Bharat Nirman Plan - Rural Housing
Housing and shelter is one of the basic needs of an individual. To the rural folks house carries a great importance, as it is the sign of dignified and secured life. The project aims at providing houses for every individual in the rural areas. Under the plan Indira Awaas Yojana nearly 60 lakh houses would be constructed in the rural sector by the government of India.Bharat Nirman Plan - Electricity
The provision of electricity is another important factor for the growth of the rural areas. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana, the Ministry of Power would provide more than 1,25,000 villages with electricity. This project would also cover 230 lakh households more for the provision of electricity.Bharat Nirman Plan - Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the major growth contributors to the Indian economy. As India is an agro based economy irrigation plays an important part in the development of agriculture. Under the Bharat Nirman Plan most of the under irrigated rural areas would have irrigation facilities by the means of extension of inundation canals, renovation, ground water development, and different water management procedures.Rural Development in India
The Rural Development in India is one of the most important factors for the growth of the Indian economy. India is primarily an agriculture-based country. Agriculture contributes nearly one-fifth of the gross domestic product in India. In order to increase the growth of agriculture, the Government has planned several programs pertaining to Rural Development in India.
The Ministry of Rural Development in India is the apex body for formulating policies, regulations and acts pertaining to the development of the rural sector. Agriculture, handicrafts, fisheries, poultry, and diary are the primary contributors to the rural business and economy.
The introduction of Bharat Nirman, a project set about by the Government of India in collaboration with the State Governments and the Panchayat Raj Institutions is a major step towards the improvement of the rural sector. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 was introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development, for improving the living conditions and its sustenance in the rural sector of India.
The introduction of Bharat Nirman, a project set about by the Government of India in collaboration with the State Governments and the Panchayat Raj Institutions is a major step towards the improvement of the rural sector. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 was introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development, for improving the living conditions and its sustenance in the rural sector of India.
Rural Development in India-Schemes
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): This is a scheme launched and fully sponsored by the Central Government of India. The main objective of the scheme is to connect all the habitations with more than 500 individuals residing there, in the rural areas by the means of weatherproof paved roads.
- Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY): This was implemented as a total package with all the characteristics of self employment such as proper training, development of infrastructure, planning of activities, financial aid, credit from banks, organizing self help groups, and subsidies.
- Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY): This scheme aims at increasing the food protection by the means of wage employment in the rural areas which are affected by the calamities after the appraisal of the state government and the appraisal is accepted by the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Indira Awaas Yojana (Rural Housing): This scheme puts emphasis on providing housing benefits all over the rural areas in the country.
Rural Development in India-Organizations
- Department of Rural Development in India: This department provides services such as training and research facilities, human resource development, functional assistance to the DRDA, oversees the execution of projects and schemes.
- Haryana State Cooperative Apex Bank Limited: The main purpose of the Haryana State Cooperative Apex Bank Limited is to financially assist the artisans in the rural areas, farmers and agrarian unskilled labor, small and big rural entrepreneurs of Haryana.
- National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development: The main purpose of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is to provide credit for the development of handicrafts, agriculture, small scaled industries, village industries, rural crafts, cottage industries, and other related economic operations in the rural sector.
- Sindhanur Urban Souharda Co-operative Bank: The main purpose of the Sindhanur Urban Souharda Co-operative Bank is to provide financial support to the rural sector.
- Rural Business Hubs (RBH): RBH was set up with the purpose of developing agriculture. The Rural Business Hubs Core Groups helps in the smooth functioning of the Rural Business Hubs.
- Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART): The main purpose of this organization is to promote and organize the joint venture, which is emerging between the Government of India and the voluntary organizations pertaining to the development of the rural sector.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
OECD pegs India’s growth at 8.5% in 2011-12
The OECD on May 25 pegged India’s growth at 8.5 per cent for the current fiscal, indicating that economic expansion would be slower.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has projected the Indian economy to expand 8.5 per cent in 2011-12, much lower than the growth of 9.6 per cent witnessed in 2010-11 financial year.
Recently, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had said the Indian economy is expected to grow 8 per cent in 2011-12, which is lower than budgetary estimate of 9 per cent growth.
The Reserve Bank of India has pegged the GDP growth at 8 per cent, citing high oil prices among other things as the reason for this moderation.
The OECD said in 2012-13, the economy is projected to expand 8.6 per cent.
The OECD, a grouping of 34 developed and developing nations, noted that India’s growth slowed to a more sustainable pace towards the end of 2010, after strong post-crisis rebound driven by a surge in private investment.
“Going forward, growth will pick up somewhat, underpinned by buoyant corporate sentiment and demand for infrastructure spending,” the think-tank said.
Pointing out that inflationary pressures have become more generalised due to rising non-food prices, the OECD said that liberalisation of FDI in retail sector would help in easing pressures of food inflation.
“... Liberalisation of foreign direct investment in the retail sector would promote competition and help modernise supply chains, thereby reducing food inflation pressures,” it added.
Food inflation, which was in double digits for most of 2010, stood at 7.47 per cent for the week ended May 7.
Meanwhile, headline inflation has been above 8 per cent since January last year and touched 8.66 per cent in April 2011.
The government is likely to take a decision soon on FDI in multi-brand retail. Presently, FDI is allowed only in single brand retail, which is capped at 51 per cent.
“The recent increase in world oil prices has been passed through into domestic petroleum product prices only to a limited extent and higher energy subsidy outlays are likely in 2011,” the OECD said.
Revenue Secretary Sunil Mitra said that “inflation can affect domestic demand and thereby adversely affect GDP growth... and consequently our tax collection”.
“A renewed commitment to reducing subsidies is needed to lower the burden on public finances. Efforts to better target subsidies on the needy ought to be stepped up,” the OECD added.
Constitution of Working Group on “Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Growth”
A number of sub-groups on vital areas of MSME growth like Credit and Institutional Finance, Skill Development, Technology & Innovation, Marketing & Procurement, Infrastructure, KVIC, Coir Board, Special Packages & Groups and Emerging Technology etc. were formed.
The members of the Working Group which represented the Government Departments, State Departments, Industrial Associations and Financial Institutions attended the meeting. They also suggested that sub-groups may be formed on Informal Sector, Environment Sustainability etc.
The terms of Reference of the Working Group would be as under:
1. Taking the report of PM’s Task Force on MSME sector, as the basis, to evaluate the progress of the sector in terms of overall growth, potential for job creation and as a vehicle for innovation.
2. To review the implementation of measures recommended by the PM’s Task Force and other schemes of the sector and suggest corrective measures, if any.
3. To articulate the problems of small & micro enterprises in the unorganized sector and suggest measures for improving their productivity, quality of products, easy access to credit, technology up-gradation/adoption etc.
4. To specify the milestone to be achieved within the12th Plan period.
5. To suggest/recommend programmes/schemes those are to be terminated in the11th Plan or initiated or continued in the12th Plan period, together with the broad budgetary implications, if any.
6. To make any other recommendations as may be appropriate for sustained growth and competitiveness of the sector.
7. The Working Group would submit the report by 30th August, 2011.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
CENSUS 2011 MCQs
a) 1872
b) 1881
c) 1891
d) 1901
e) None of these
2. At Present Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India?
a) P.Chidambaram
b) G.K.Pillai
c) C.Chandramouli
d) G.E.Vahanvati
e) None of these
3. Second most populous country in the world?
a) China
b) India
c) USA
d) Indonesia
e) Brazil
4. The population of India, as per provisional population data of Census 2011?
a) 121,01,93,422
b) 623,724,248
c) 586,469,174
d) 102,87,37,436
e) None of these
5. Most populous state in India?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Maharashtra
c) Bihar
d) West Bengal
e) Andhra Pradesh
6. Least populous state?
a) Sikkim
b) Mizoram
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Goa
e) Nagaland
7. Most populous Union Territory?
a) Delhi
b) Puducherry
c) Chandigarh
d) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
e) Dadra & Nagar Haveli
8. Least populous Union Terri-tory?
a) Lakshadweep
b)Daman & Diu
c)Dadra & Nagar Haveli
d)Andaman & Nicobar Islands
e) Chandigarh
9. The population of India has increased by more than ……… million during the decade 2001-11?
a) 171
b) 181
c) 191
d) 201
e) None of these
10. Density of population is defi-ned as the number of persons per square ?
a) Millimetre
b) Centimetre
c) Decimetre
d) Kilometre
e) None of these
11. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, the population density of India?
a) 325
b) 382
c) 482
d) 582
e) None of these
12. Which of the following pairings is wrong (state & Pop-ulation Density)?
a) Bihar - 1102
b) West Bengal - 1029
c) Kerala - 859
d) Uttar Pradesh - 828
e) Haryana - 555
13. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, the popul-ation density of Andhra Pradesh?
a) 277
b) 308
c) 408
d) 508
e) None of these
14. Which state has become the most densely populated state with 1102 persons per square kilometer?
a) Bihar
b) West Bengal
c) Kerala
d) Uttar Pradesh
e) None of these
15. Which state has least densely populated state with 17 persons per square kilometer?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Mizoram
c) Sikkim
d) Nagaland
e) None of these
16. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, India's Sex Ratio is ?
a) 933
b) 940
c) 1084
d) 877
e) 992
17. Which state has the highest sex ratio?
a) Kerala
b) Haryana
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Punjab
e) None of these
18. Which state has the lowest sex ratio?
a) Haryana
b) Kerala
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Maharashtra
e) None of these
19. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, India's Literacy Rate?
a) 64.83%
b) 74.04%
c) 93.91%
d) 63.82%
e) 67.66%
20. Which state has the highest Literacy Rate with 93.91%?
a) Kerala
b) Bihar
c) Uttar Pradesh
d)Sikkim
e) None of these
21. Which state has the Lowest Literacy Rate with 63.82%?
a) Orissa
b) Jharkhand
c) Bihar
d) Kerala
e) None of these
22. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, Popula-tion growth rate for the period (2001-11)?
a) 21.65%
b) 17.64%
c) 18.12%
d) 17.19%
e) None of these
23. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, Andhra Pradesh Population?
a) 19,95,81,477
b) 11,23,72,972
c) 103,804,637
d) 9,13,47,736
e) 8,46,65,533
24. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, Andhra Pradesh density of population?
a) 382
b) 1102
c) 17
d) 308
e) None of these
25. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, Andhra Pradesh Sex Ratio?
a) 940
b) 1084
c) 877
d) 992
e) None of these
26. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, Andhra Pradesh Literacy Ratio?
a) 74.04%
b) 82.14%
c) 65.46%
d) 67.66%
e) None of these
27. As per provisional population data of Census 2011, Andhra Pradesh Population growth rate for the period (2001-11)?
a) 17.64%
b) 11.10%
c) 12.10%
d) 13.10%
e) None of these
28 Consider the following statem-ents (As per provisional popul-ation data of Census 2011)?
A. Uttar Pradesh is the state with highest population.
B. Sikkim is the state with Least population.
C. West Bengal is the state with highest density of population with 1102 persons per square kilometer.
D. Arunachal Pradesh is the state with least density of popul-ation with 17 persons per square kilometer.
E. India's population is 121,01,93,422.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) A and B Only
b) B and C only
c) C and D only
d) D and E only
e) A,B,D & E only
29. Consider the following statem-ents (As per provisional popul-ation data of Census 2011)?
A. India's Literacy rate is 74.04%.
B. India's Males literacy rate is 82.14%.
C. India's Female literacy rate is 65.46%.
D. Kerala state has the highest Literacy Rate with 93.91%.
E. Orissa state has the Lowest Literacy Rate with 63.82%.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
a) A only
b) B only
c) C only
d) D only
e) E only
30. Which of the following pairings is wrong (State & Sex Ratio)?
a) Kerala - 1084
b) Andhra Pradesh - 992
c) Delhi - 866
d) Haryana - 893
e) Tamil Nadu - 995
ANSWERS:
1) a 2) c 3) b 4) a 5) a 6) a 7) a 8) a 9) b 10) d 11) b 12) e 13) b 14) a 15) a 16) b 17)a 18) a 19)b 20) a 21) c 22) b 23)e 24) d 25) d 26) d 27) b 28) e 29) e 30) d
REPORT OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY BILL
• The National Advisory Council (NAC) proposal for a National Food Security Bill (NFSB) an important national effort to address nutritional deficiencies of the population. Health an important end in itself may be a necessary prerequisite for economic development.
• NAC recommendation - legal entitlement to subsidized foodgrains to be extended to at least 72% and 75% of the country’s population in two phases. Two categories with differential entitlements. Priority households - monthly entitlement of 35 Kgs (equivalent to 7 Kgs per person). General households - monthly entitlement of 20Kgs (equivalent to 4 Kgs per person).
• Foodgrain requirement projected by NAC on the lower side – needs to be adjusted for population and food offtake. The foodgrain requirement for implementing the NAC recommended entitlement works out to 68.76 million tonnes for phase 1 (2011) and 73.98 million tonnes for final phase (2014).
Excluding buffer stock, the requirement will be 66.76 million tonnes (phase 1) and 71.98 million tonnes (final phase)
• Based on current production and procurement trends, the total foodgrain availability with government in 2011-12 and 2013-14 is likely to be 56.35 million tonnes and 57.61 million tonnes respectively. It will not be possible to implement the NAC recommended food entitlements for either of the phases
• Projections of food availability with the government made on the basis of an assumption of procurement of 30% of total production. This is almost 50% of the marketable surplus. A larger procurement has the danger of distorting the food prices in the open markets. This may also entail a significant fiscal burden if Minimum Support Prices are to be increased substantially.
• Open market prices impact all, including the priority households - the most vulnerable section of the population. As against a monthly per capita entitlement of 7 Kg of foodgrain as recommended by NAC, the total monthly per capita consumption of the priority households is around 10 kg (wheat and rice). They procure almost 25 to 30 per cent of their consumption requirement from the open market.
• NAC recommendations have large subsidy implications. Against NAC projections of Rs 71,837 crores in phase 1 and Rs 79.931 crores in final phase, the Expert Committee’s (EC) figures after adjusting for population and offtake are Rs 85,584 cr (phase 1) and Rs 92,060 cr (final phase).
• The total subsidy outgo is likely to be higher on account of scaling up of procurement & warehousing, MSP/imports and cost of carrying buffer stock.
• The NFSB will confer an important legal right, which the government is duty bound to fulfill. Given the various constraints on stepping up production and procurement of food grains as well as its country wide
distribution with minimal leakage - all of which are fixed in the short term - 2 the implementation of the entire set of NAC recommendations may have to be calibrated.
• We will have to depend on domestic production and productivity increase to deliver the entitlements under the NFSB since imports are a high cost option. They are also undependable.
• NFSB creates a statutory entitlement for the included population and a legal obligation for the government hence important to mandate enforceable entitlements keeping in mind the availability of grain. Government to be capable of delivering even in the situation of two successive drought years. To pragmatically move this idea forward, EC considered two options.
• Option 1 - accept the NAC recommendations of 7kg per capita entitlement to the ‘priority’ households and restrict the per capita grain entitlement to 2kgs for the ‘general’ households. This option difficult to implement in view of the projected food availability. Covering the general households under a mandated regime feasible only if the entitlement of the priority is less than 7kg per person.
• Option 2, which is favoured by the EC, recommends the assured delivery of foodgrains at Rs 2 per Kg for wheat and Rs 3 per kg for rice, to the really needy households and the coverage of the rest through an executive order with a varying quantum depending on the availability of foodgrains. The legally entitled population may be defined as the percentage of population below the official poverty line + 10 per cent of the BPL population i.e. 46 per cent rural and 28 per cent urban population as of now. These percentages are the same as NAC recommended ‘priority’ households. This captures not only the poor but also some at the margin.
• The total foodgrain requirement for the entitled population, buffer stocks and other welfare programmes which are treated as mandatory will be 50.96 million tonnes in the year 2011 and 51.93 million tonnes in the year 2014. (Table A)
• The balance foodgrain of around 5 million tonnes (for both phases) can be distributed to the non-entitled population at an issue price equal to MSP, which is likely to be lower than the market price. As production and procurement improve, the coverage can be increased through executive orders.
• Subsidy outgo, for foodgrain for entitled population, under Option 2 is Rs68,539 crores in the first phase. If we add the subsidy required for the other welfare schemes and maintenance of buffer stock then the total subsidy for phase 1 is around Rs83,000 crores.
• Other recommendations of EC are – focus on increasing foodgrain production, create a stable procurement regime, comprehensive computerization of the PDS, introduction of smart cards for the beneficiaries and entrust identification of beneficiaries to the state governments. The central government to indicate the percentage of the entitled population, while the actual identification of the beneficiaries to be the responsibility of the states.
• NAC recommendation - legal entitlement to subsidized foodgrains to be extended to at least 72% and 75% of the country’s population in two phases. Two categories with differential entitlements. Priority households - monthly entitlement of 35 Kgs (equivalent to 7 Kgs per person). General households - monthly entitlement of 20Kgs (equivalent to 4 Kgs per person).
• Foodgrain requirement projected by NAC on the lower side – needs to be adjusted for population and food offtake. The foodgrain requirement for implementing the NAC recommended entitlement works out to 68.76 million tonnes for phase 1 (2011) and 73.98 million tonnes for final phase (2014).
Excluding buffer stock, the requirement will be 66.76 million tonnes (phase 1) and 71.98 million tonnes (final phase)
• Based on current production and procurement trends, the total foodgrain availability with government in 2011-12 and 2013-14 is likely to be 56.35 million tonnes and 57.61 million tonnes respectively. It will not be possible to implement the NAC recommended food entitlements for either of the phases
• Projections of food availability with the government made on the basis of an assumption of procurement of 30% of total production. This is almost 50% of the marketable surplus. A larger procurement has the danger of distorting the food prices in the open markets. This may also entail a significant fiscal burden if Minimum Support Prices are to be increased substantially.
• Open market prices impact all, including the priority households - the most vulnerable section of the population. As against a monthly per capita entitlement of 7 Kg of foodgrain as recommended by NAC, the total monthly per capita consumption of the priority households is around 10 kg (wheat and rice). They procure almost 25 to 30 per cent of their consumption requirement from the open market.
• NAC recommendations have large subsidy implications. Against NAC projections of Rs 71,837 crores in phase 1 and Rs 79.931 crores in final phase, the Expert Committee’s (EC) figures after adjusting for population and offtake are Rs 85,584 cr (phase 1) and Rs 92,060 cr (final phase).
• The total subsidy outgo is likely to be higher on account of scaling up of procurement & warehousing, MSP/imports and cost of carrying buffer stock.
• The NFSB will confer an important legal right, which the government is duty bound to fulfill. Given the various constraints on stepping up production and procurement of food grains as well as its country wide
distribution with minimal leakage - all of which are fixed in the short term - 2 the implementation of the entire set of NAC recommendations may have to be calibrated.
• We will have to depend on domestic production and productivity increase to deliver the entitlements under the NFSB since imports are a high cost option. They are also undependable.
• NFSB creates a statutory entitlement for the included population and a legal obligation for the government hence important to mandate enforceable entitlements keeping in mind the availability of grain. Government to be capable of delivering even in the situation of two successive drought years. To pragmatically move this idea forward, EC considered two options.
• Option 1 - accept the NAC recommendations of 7kg per capita entitlement to the ‘priority’ households and restrict the per capita grain entitlement to 2kgs for the ‘general’ households. This option difficult to implement in view of the projected food availability. Covering the general households under a mandated regime feasible only if the entitlement of the priority is less than 7kg per person.
• Option 2, which is favoured by the EC, recommends the assured delivery of foodgrains at Rs 2 per Kg for wheat and Rs 3 per kg for rice, to the really needy households and the coverage of the rest through an executive order with a varying quantum depending on the availability of foodgrains. The legally entitled population may be defined as the percentage of population below the official poverty line + 10 per cent of the BPL population i.e. 46 per cent rural and 28 per cent urban population as of now. These percentages are the same as NAC recommended ‘priority’ households. This captures not only the poor but also some at the margin.
• The total foodgrain requirement for the entitled population, buffer stocks and other welfare programmes which are treated as mandatory will be 50.96 million tonnes in the year 2011 and 51.93 million tonnes in the year 2014. (Table A)
• The balance foodgrain of around 5 million tonnes (for both phases) can be distributed to the non-entitled population at an issue price equal to MSP, which is likely to be lower than the market price. As production and procurement improve, the coverage can be increased through executive orders.
• Subsidy outgo, for foodgrain for entitled population, under Option 2 is Rs68,539 crores in the first phase. If we add the subsidy required for the other welfare schemes and maintenance of buffer stock then the total subsidy for phase 1 is around Rs83,000 crores.
• Other recommendations of EC are – focus on increasing foodgrain production, create a stable procurement regime, comprehensive computerization of the PDS, introduction of smart cards for the beneficiaries and entrust identification of beneficiaries to the state governments. The central government to indicate the percentage of the entitled population, while the actual identification of the beneficiaries to be the responsibility of the states.
VARIOUS SECTORS PERFORMANCE
Agriculture:
The following are the functions of the Agriculture Division:- To formulate plans for the development of sub-sectors of Agriculture. This involves the following tasks :-
- Setting up of Working Groups on various sub- sectors/subjects for the formulation of Five Year Plan, Annual Plan, finalisation of their composition and terms of reference, processing their reports and preparation of evaluation notes, preparation of background notes identifying the thrust areas that may need specific attention and taking follow up action on the discussion of the Group.
- Identification of policy directions, major strategies and thrust areas for inclusion in the Approach documents of the Planning Commission.
- Preparation of background notes and organising meetings with the concerned Central Departments/Ministries for the finalisation of approaches, policies, strategies, targets, investment priorities etc. in the context of the formulation of Five Year Plans.
- Drafting of sub-sectoral sections for inclusion in the Draft Plan Document.
- Briefs prepared in respect of sub sectors state-wise for the use of Deputy Chairman's discussions with Chief Ministers to finalise Annual Plan outlays. These briefs are made use of by State Plan Advisers in their briefing meetings with Deputy Chairman and Members of the Planning Commission.
- Organising Working Group meetings to finalise Annual and Five Year Plans, draft Five Year Plan proposals and proposals of the State Government. This involves preparation of background papers, discussions on inter-se plan priorities, critical examination of plan proposals in relation to plan objectives and approaches, preparation of Working Group reports giving, interalia, outlays and physical targets.
- Finalisation of Annual Plans of the concerned Central Ministries/Departments and the State Governments. This includes assessment of progress, both in physical and financial terms, in relation to the approved targets and outlays, schemewise examination of the proposals and recommendations regarding targets and outlays for the next Annual Plan.
- To criticaly examine the offered comments on the Expenditure Finance Committee Memos relating to Central Plan schemes. Cabinet Notes, VIP references concerning Agriculture Sector, etc.
- To conduct studies on important matters concerning Agriculture and Allied Sectors.
- To maintain close liaison with the concerned Central Ministries and State Governments and to also coordinate with organisations/ institutions with a view to ensuring follow-up of various Plan policies, strategies and programmes.
- Work relating to Parliament Questions, Parliament Committees, etc.
I Agricultural Research and Education :-
- General policies and schemes relating to Agricultural Research and Education, ii) Indian Council of Agricultural Research and various
- Central Research Institutes,
- Development of Agricultural Universities.
- Agricultural Administration at different levels.
- Transfer of Technology to the field
- Strengthening of Extension Machinery
- Coordination and linkage between extension, research and input agencies and local organisation.
- Agricultural Inputs
- Soil and Water Conservation including Land Reclamation
- Rainfed Farming - major crops
- Foodgrain crops like wheat, rice, cereals and pulses,
- Commercial crops like oilseeds, sugarcane, cotton, jute & mesta.
- Plantation crops like coffee, tea, rubber, spices and tobacco.
- Development of Horticulture crops
- Agricultural Statistics
- Agricultural Export
- Small Farmer Agri-Business Consortium
- Animal Husbandry
- Cattle and Buffalo breeding and their development
- Cross-breeding of Cattle
- Feed and Fodder development
- Development of sheep, wool, goat, pigs, equines and mule, etc. including organisation of their cooperatives
- Cattle and Buffalo breeding farms
- Control of livestock diseases
- Biological products and their production
- Establishment or quarantine-cum-certification service stations
- Production of livestock products, i.e., milk, eggs and wool
- Animal Welfare Board
- Compilation of Statistics and Research in respect of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
- Organisation of slaughter house corporation
- Dairying and Milk Supply
- Dairy Development
- Implementation of Operation Flood III Project
- Organisation of marketing of milk and dairy cooperatives
- Establishment of cattle feed plants
- Fisheries
- Policies and objectives during the Plan
- Targets of fish production and programmes
- Strategy for fish production
- Marine Fisheries
- Inland Fisheries
- Training and Extension
- Agricultural Marketing, Storage and Warehousing
- Regulation, Management and Development of Markets
- Quality Control
- Marketing, Research, Surveys and Studies
- Agricultural Marketing Extension
- Rural Godowns
- Cooperation, Agricultural Credit and Crop insurance
- Cooperative Credit
- Cooperative marketing
- Cooperative Processing
- Cooperative Storage
- Consumer Cooperatives
- Cooperative education, training and research
- Cooperative for weaker sections e.g. labour cooperatives and transport cooperatives
- Agricultural credit through various institutional sources:
- Cooperatives
- Commercial banks
- Regional Rural banks
- Crop Insurance
Education:
The scope of work of the Education Division covers:- Different stages of education such as Pre-primary, formal and non-formal Education, Secondary, Senior Secondary, University and Technical Education;
- Special areas such as that of girls' education, Education for the children of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes;
- Adult Education and Education in the backward areas.
3. The Education Division performs the following functions, within the areas of its concern:
- Formation of long-term, medium-term and annual plans for the Central and the State/Union Territories levels, defining the phases in which they should be implemented, assigning their inter-se priorities and resource allocation;
- Coordination of the education plans of the States/Union Territories and the central agencies including the University Grants Commission and the National Council of Education Research & Training as well as of the national-educational plan with the development plans in other sectors, assessing and indicating adjustments needed in the plan policies, programmes and priorities so as to achieve national goals and objectives;
- In support of the above functions, maintain educational statistics and undertake/promote/support research studies and surveys covering –
(a) Generation, collection, compilation and analysis of data and relevant information (b) Programme evaluation and prognosis and
(c) Alternative and/or supplementary measures and new policy initiatives in the field of education; - Collaborate with and/or advise/assist the concerned Government Departments, international organizations and other agencies like NUEPA, NCERT, UGC in matters such as;
(a) Foreign technical assistance for education development;
(b) Training of educational planning functionaries;
(c) Administrative reforms, innovations and experiments bearing upon economy efficiency and effectiveness of educational services; and - Examine resource mobilization and low cost strategies/alternatives and make recommendations in this regard;
- Review of Committees and Commissions, Central Advisory Boards and Annual/Five Year Plan;
- The technical staff of the Division is also working on the Educational Statistics received from the MHRD, and the Department of Statistics and other agencies.
Art & Culture
The functions of Education Division are primarily to provide over-all policy and guidance in formulation of plans and programmes for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the country. These are plans/programmes of the Ministry of Culture, whose main activities are of archaeological excavations, promotion of visual & literary arts, preservation of the material and non-material heritage, developing of museums, libraries and institutions. A number of institutions have been actively associated with the promotion, preservation and dissemination of rich cultural heritage of India.
Youth Affairs & Sports
The Education Division also looks after the over-all planning and policies of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports take steps to channelize the energy of the youth into constructive work and to inculcate in them noble and patriotic values. These programmes stress promotion & up-gradation of necessary life skills amongst the youth through vocational training besides creating employment opportunities for them. Efforts are made to involve youth in national building activities. The Division also addresses issues relating to promotion of sports, sports talents and sports infrastructure in States/UTs.
Employment
The subjects dealt with by this Division are described below:I. Analytical and Estimation Work
- Estimation of labour force, employment and unemployment - Analysis of data and trends in participation rates, labour force/work force, unemployment and industrial distribution of work force from Census and National Sample Survey Organization.
- Estimation of Stock and economically active educated manpower - Analysis of information of intake and outturn of educated manpower by different categories and requirements of different categories of manpower,
- Estimation of Status of employment - casual, regular salaried and self-employment
- Estimation of employment elasticities from growth of employment and growth of GDP.
- Estimation of sectoral employment and projection.
- Studies on employment and connected issues.
- Occasional Reports on Employment
- Matters pertaining to the details of employment strategy, labour and manpower policy in the Five Year Plans -
- General employment and labour matters including monitoring of employment trends, strategy etc.
- Labour and Labour Welfare Schemes ~ Central and State Plans for resource allocation for Training, Employment Service, Labour Welfare and Labour Research.
- Employment aspects of Plan Schemes and Special Employment Programmes in State Plans.
- Formulation of Plan in terms of preparation of the Chapter on Labour. Employment and Manpower in the Five Year Plan documents and Chapter on the Labour and Training in the Annual Plan documents.
- Examination of Social Security Schemes available and policy relating to them.
- Examination of Labour Laws and policy relating to them.
- Examination of Plan proposals of the Ministry of Labour and State Governments/Union Territory Administrations on employment programmes run by other Ministries.
- Matters pertaining to bonded labour. child labour, women labour, migrant labour, industrial safety and enforcement of minimum wages.
- Matters pertaining to craftsmen training and employment service machinery
- Matters connected with research activities of Institute of Applied Manpower Research
- Matters connected with Administrative work of Institute of Applied Manpower Research and release of monthly non-plan grants-m-aid for IAMR.
- Matters relating to plan schemes of new campus of IAMR in Narela.
- Matters relating to work of General Council (GC), Executive Council (EC) and Standing Committee on Research Project (SCRP) of IAMR.
- Work relating to Technical Advisory Committee on Statistics of Prices & Cost of Living.
- Work relating to Technical Advisory Committee on Survey Design on Employment and Unemployment conducted by NSSO.
Environment & Forest
Environment
Environmental load increases with increasing population and rapid economic growth. Growth should be environmentally benign and sustainable. Monitoring and timely actions for mitigation of negative environmental impacts are important. Greater environmental awareness, appropriate policies and regulatory mechanisms are important means to ensure these considerations in development.Forests
Forest cover of India is 67.71 million ha, which is 20.60% of its geographical area. Of this, 5.46 million ha (1.66%) is very dense forest, 33.26 million ha (10.12%) is moderately dense and the rest 28.99 million ha is open including 0.44 million ha of mangroves. The policy target is to have 33% forest and tree cover ultimately which will require additional coverage of 16 million ha.Wildlife
Sanctuaries and National Parks showcase biodiversity and require specific measures for preservation. There are 96 National Parks and 509 Wildlife sanctuaries declared for the protection of wildlife habitats. The total area of 15.7 million ha, which is about 4.78% of the geographical area of the country covering about 20% of the total forests is maintained under the protected area network.Climate Change
Global Climate Change due to rising levels of Green House Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere is one of the most serious environmental concerns of our time. Since Global warming depends upon the total stock of GHG in the atmosphere, continued emissions beyond the earth’s absorptive capacity necessarily imply a rise in temperature. If emissions are stabilized at present level, a warming of about 0.2oC per decade is projected by Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Many Regions in India are highly vulnerable to natural and other disasters on account of geological conditions. About 60% of the landmass is susceptible to earthquakes and over 8% is prone to floods. Of the nearly 7500 kilometers of coastline, approximately 5700 kilometers is prone to cyclones. About 68% area is susceptible to drought.Disaster Management
The Disaster Management Act, 2005 has been enacted for establishing requisite institutional mechanisms for drawing up and monitoring the implementation of disaster management plans, ensuring measures by various wings of the government for prevention and mitigating the effects of disasters, and for undertaking a holistic, coordinated and prompt response to any disaster situation.The Environment and Forest Division is concerned with:
- Devising plans for the improvement of Environment and Forestry activities, this involves the following tasks:
- Formulation of Five Year Plans, Annual Plans, processing reports and evaluation.
- Identification of thrust areas that need specific attention and Follow up actions.
- Identification of policy directions, major strategies and thrust areas for inclusion in the approach documents of the Planning Commission. - Preparation of background notes Finalization of approaches, policies, strategies, targets, investment priorities etc. in the context of formulation of Five Year Plans with concerned Central Departments/Ministries.
- Performance Review (PR) of Financial/Physical Performance of the concerned Ministry Plan Schemes, Initiatives and Follow-up.
- Review and monitoring the performance of State and Central Pollution Control Boards and gives directions for their effective reach.
- Promotes Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) among the Industrial sectors and Public Entrepreneurs in order to reduce GHG emissions and thereby involving in Carbon trading which leads to the development of sustainable energy development.
- Crafting Weather Insurance program for the farmers of the country which may lead to an ultimate solution for the crop insurance.
Health, Nutrition & Family Welfar:
The Division has following important functions: -- Evolving policy and strategy guidelines pertaining to:
- Health & Family Welfare
- AYUSH
- Initiatives to improve nutritional status of the population; and
- Flagship programme National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
- Drawing up short, medium and long-term perspectives and goals for each of these sectors.
- Monitoring changing trends in the health sector viz., epidemiological, demographic, social and managerial challenges.
- Examining current policies, strategies and programmes in health & family welfare and nutrition, both in the State and in the Central Sector and suggest appropriate modifications / mid course corrections.
- Suggesting methods for improving efficiency and quality of services.
- Evolving priorities for basic, clinical and operational research essential for improving health status of the population.
- Looking into inter-sectoral issues and evolve appropriate policies and strategies for convergence of services so that the population is benefitted optimally from on-going programmes.
- Various Committees of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Women & Child Development
- EFC/SFC pertaining to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Women & Child Development
- Expert Panels set up from time to time to advise the Planning Commission regarding the priorities and targets in the Plans and Programmes relating to Health, FW and Nutrition - the resources including human and material required, the training programmes to be initiated, standards of construction and equipment for health facilities and the development of health research etc.
- Scientific Advisory Groups of Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Public Health Foundation of India, etc.
Minerals:
The Industry Division deals with the industrialisation issues including policies and programmes relating to large and medium industries. It handles matters concerning formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Plans and programmes for the larger and medium industries for the Annual and Five Year Plans in respect of both the Central Sector and States /UT's . The industry groups /industries being dealt with by the Division include engineering industries like capital goods industry, steel, non-ferrous metals, ship building, fertilizers, chemicals and petrochemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, textiles including jute, electronics, paper and paper board, cement, sugar, leather, alcohol; other consumer industries, etc.The division also deals with issues such as economic reforms, liberalisation, disinvestment, technology policies, public sector, foreign direct investment, exports, productivity, consumer protection, weights & measures, Patent/IPR/Trademark and similar other matters which have a bearing on industrial development of the country. The matters relating to public sector enterprises and industrial finance are also handled by the Division, Reference to the Planning Commission in these areas in the form of Cabinet Notes, Parliament question and other miscellaneous forms of communication are dealt with in the Division.
The broad functions of the Division are:
- To handle all matters relating to industrial policy and other associated policy issues relating to industrial development including industrial incentives framework, investment promotion, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment and technology transfer.
- To deal with policies relating to the public sector enterprises including public enterprise reforms and privatization programmes as well as private sector development.
- To handle matters relating to industrial finance, financial institutions and capital markets as also policies towards sick industries, industrial restructuring and industrial relations policies.
- To study and analyse industrial statistics and undertake special studies relating to industrial development and sickness.
- To undertake appraisal and evaluation of industrial projects in the public sector and to examine physical progress of projects and schemes of public sector enterprises including infrastructural development programmes and also review of financial performance of these undertakings.
- To undertake appraisal and evaluation of industrial projects related to development of export infrastructure and allied activities.
- To undertake appraisal of export promotion efforts and market access initiatives in the wake of WTO regime.
- h) To implement policy issues relating to Disinvestment of PSUs. The Division provides technical support to officers representing Planning Commission in core Group of Secretaries on Disinvestment.
- To study and analyse industrial production trends and to make forecast of the demand estimates and to conduct studies regarding technological and economic aspect of industrial units, capital formation in the organized industrial sector and source of supply of funds, problems of allocation of institutional finance, regional and backward area development, etc.
- j) To undertake coordination and review of industrial development programmes with related sectors like power and transport and to inter-act with various Ministries on these and other related subjects.
- To formulate plans and programmes for development of various industrial sub-sectors and industries, their financing and re-viewing the targets of capacity and production.
- To study scientific and technical advances and technology transfer issues having bearing on the development in various industrial fields.
- To study factors inhibiting or accelerating growth in particular sectors for industries and analyse the causes of various problems being faced by individual industries and industry groups.
- Monitoring the programmes and progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes relating to industrial sector export promotion and allied activities.
- To inter-act with various Ministries, Industry Associations and other Governmental and non-Governmental bodies on industrial matters and participate in the deliberations of inter-agency committees and groups dealing with these subjects.
- To inter-act with the State Governments and Union Territories on industrial development issues and to participate in the formulation of Annual and Five year development programmes for the industrial sector in the State and Union Territory plans.
Industry:
The Industry Division deals with the industrialisation issues including policies and programmes relating to large and medium industries. It handles matters concerning formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Plans and programmes for the larger and medium industries for the Annual and Five Year Plans in respect of both the Central Sector and States /UT's . The industry groups /industries being dealt with by the Division include engineering industries like capital goods industry, steel, non-ferrous metals, ship building, fertilizers, chemicals and petrochemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, textiles including jute, electronics, paper and paper board, cement, sugar, leather, alcohol; other consumer industries, etc.
The division also deals with issues such as economic reforms, liberalisation, disinvestment, technology policies, public sector, foreign direct investment, exports, productivity, consumer protection, weights & measures, Patent/IPR/Trademark and similar other matters which have a bearing on industrial development of the country. The matters relating to public sector enterprises and industrial finance are also handled by the Division, Reference to the Planning Commission in these areas in the form of Cabinet Notes, Parliament question and other miscellaneous forms of communication are dealt with in the Division.The broad functions of the Division are:
- To handle all matters relating to industrial policy and other associated policy issues relating to industrial development including industrial incentives framework, investment promotion, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment and technology transfer.
- To deal with policies relating to the public sector enterprises including public enterprise reforms and privatization programmes as well as private sector development.
- To handle matters relating to industrial finance, financial institutions and capital markets as also policies towards sick industries, industrial restructuring and industrial relations policies.
- To study and analyse industrial statistics and undertake special studies relating to industrial development and sickness.
- To undertake appraisal and evaluation of industrial projects in the public sector and to examine physical progress of projects and schemes of public sector enterprises including infrastructural development programmes and also review of financial performance of these undertakings.
- To undertake appraisal and evaluation of industrial projects related to development of export infrastructure and allied activities.
- To undertake appraisal of export promotion efforts and market access initiatives in the wake of WTO regime.
- h) To implement policy issues relating to Disinvestment of PSUs. The Division provides technical support to officers representing Planning Commission in core Group of Secretaries on Disinvestment.
- To study and analyse industrial production trends and to make forecast of the demand estimates and to conduct studies regarding technological and economic aspect of industrial units, capital formation in the organized industrial sector and source of supply of funds, problems of allocation of institutional finance, regional and backward area development, etc.
- j) To undertake coordination and review of industrial development programmes with related sectors like power and transport and to inter-act with various Ministries on these and other related subjects.
- To formulate plans and programmes for development of various industrial sub-sectors and industries, their financing and re-viewing the targets of capacity and production.
- To study scientific and technical advances and technology transfer issues having bearing on the development in various industrial fields.
- To study factors inhibiting or accelerating growth in particular sectors for industries and analyse the causes of various problems being faced by individual industries and industry groups.
- Monitoring the programmes and progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes relating to industrial sector export promotion and allied activities.
- To inter-act with various Ministries, Industry Associations and other Governmental and non-Governmental bodies on industrial matters and participate in the deliberations of inter-agency committees and groups dealing with these subjects.
- To inter-act with the State Governments and Union Territories on industrial development issues and to participate in the formulation of Annual and Five year development programmes for the industrial sector in the State and Union Territory plans.
Infrastructure:
A. Transport- Addressing policy issues concerning railways, roads, road transport, shipping, ports, inland water transport and civil aviation for improving efficiency and making these sectors more responsive to the present and future requirements of the country.
- Addressing inter-modal issues for improving coordination among different transport sectors and ensuring that each sector works according to its comparative advantage and efficiency.
- Organizing Quarterly Performance Review Meetings for different transport sectors to monitor progress of transport sector projects according to Plan priorities and targets.
- Carrying out zero-based budgeting in consultation with various transport sector Ministries to improve efficiency and utilization of resources according to Plan priorities and objectives.
- Work relating to Parliamentary Committees for different transport sectors.
- Examining Five Year and Annual Plan proposals received from the States, Union Territories and North Eastern Council in respect of transport sectors.
- Discussions with the representatives of the State Governments and Union Territories to review physical targets, programmes and outlays of Five Year and Annual Plans of States and Union Territories.
- Examining the proposals of State Governments for provision of Additional Central Assistance.
- Participation in various workshops and seminars relating to the transport sector.
- Formulation, appraisal and monitoring of Five Year and Annual Plans.
- Mid-term review of Five Year Plans.
- Providing inputs for the Working Group Reports on the various transport sectors; preparing Steering Committee Report on Transport Sector.
I. Railways
- Study of Railways Resources position.
- Integrating and coordinating development plans for Railway transport with plans in related sectors such as industry, mining and ports.
- Examination and appraisal of railway projects relating to new lines, gauge conversions, doubling, metropolitan transport projects, electrification for clearance.
- Monitoring of traffic handled by railways
- Determination of traffic targets based on inter-sector linkages.
- Evaluation of project reports/feasibility studies for consideration of Public Investment Board, Expenditure Finance Committee/Standing Finance Committee.
- Examination of schemes received from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for clearance of the Planning Commission relating to National Highways, Strategic roads, Roads of Economic and Inter-State importance, road development in sensitive border areas and tribal roads.
- Review and Monitoring of National Highway Development Project comprising Golden Quadrilateral and North-South, East-West corridor projects.
- Examination of proposals from various States in the North- Eastern region for providing assistance through Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources.
- Examining proposals received for the consideration of High Powered Committee on BOT projects.
- Examining proposals relating to National Highway Development Project for consideration of National Highways Authority of India Board.
- Analytical review of operations and assessment of financial resources of Road Transport Corporations of various States.
- Preparation of Review notes of functioning of State Road Transport Undertakings/Corporations for improving efficiency.
- Analytical review of operations and assessment of financial resources of Public Sector Undertakings.
- Coordinating investment programme with a view to ensuring integrated development of ports, shipping and railways.
- Reviewing and assessing the performance of Indian shipping industry with regard to traffic carried and productivity improvement. Requirement of the Indian Shipping sector is assessed taking into account traffic mix, technological development and port facilities available.
- Assessment of financial performance of shipping industry, role of Government/financial institutions in financing acquisition and suggesting alternative measures of financing and resource mobilisation.
- Evaluation of Project Reports/Feasibility Studies for consideration of Public Investment Board/Expenditure Finance Committee/Standing Finance Committee.
- 2.Assessing port capacities and the traffic requirements at individual ports.
- 3.Port productivity indicators such as equipment, cargo-handling system, labour productivity monitored so that norms of productivity laid down should be fulfilled and improved.
- Reviewing the working of major ports with particular reference to their development programmes, financial resources, projection of traffic.
- Examination of Project/Reports/Feasibility Studies for consideration of Public Investment Board/Expenditure Finance Committee.
- Reviewing the Working of Public Sector Corporations like Air India, Indian Airlines, International Airports Authority of India with particular reference to growth of traffic and financial results.
- Evaluation of Project Reports/Feasibility Studies for acquisition of aircrafts, development of airports and associated programmes for consideration of Public Investment Boards/EFC/SFC.
- Matters relating to restructuring of metro air ports to make them world class.
Construction Sector is an additional charge with the Transport Division. The main responsibility of the Transport Division is to examine the policy issues relating to the construction sector and preparing Report of the Working Group on Construction Sector set up in connection with the formulation of Five Year Plan; preparing material on construction sector for the Tenth Plan document. Other activities include participation in the seminars, workshops and conferences relating to construction sector, participation in the meetings of Board of Governors of Construction Industry Development Council and other organizations in the field of construction.
Rural Development:
The function of the Rural Development Division is primarily to provide overall policy guidance in formulation of plans and programmes for Rural Development. This is the nodal Division for matters relating to poverty eradication, employment generation in rural areas, development of watershed & degraded land. The following specific activities are undertaken by Division;
- To assist in formulation of rural development programmes to be included in Five Year Plans and Annual Plans and to make periodic assessment of progress achieved.
- To analyse and prepare comments on the EFC Memoranda and Cabinet Notes paper for Group of Ministers pertaining to rural development programmes.
- To maintain liaison with Ministry of Rural Development, National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) and other allied organisations mainly and participating in the meetings.
- To collect information from various Divisions of the Planning Commission, State Governments and also from the Central Ministries which are implementing various schemes related to rural development.
- To organize Working Group meetings to finalise the Draft Five Year Plan proposals of the State Governments. This involves the preparation of background papers, discussions on inter-se plan priorities, critical examination of plan proposals in relation to plan objectives and approaches, preparation of Working Group Reports giving, inter-alia, outlays and physical targets.
- Finalisation of the Five Year Plan outlays of the Ministry of Rural Development. Finalisation of Annual Plans of the Central Ministry of Rural Development and State Governments. This includes assessment of progress both in physical and financial terms, in relation to the approved targets and outlays, scheme-wise examination of proposals and reviewing targets and finalizing allocation for next Annual Plan.
- To provide comments, materials etc. for Public representations, VIP references, Parliament Questions and Agenda items for the meetings of Consultative Committee/ Standing Committee for the Planning Commission pertaining to rural development sector are also attended to.
The Rural Development Division looks after the following programmes being implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD):
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA),
The NREG was launched on February 2, 2006 and the first full year of operation was 2006-07 covering 200 districts. The programme was expanded to 330 districts in 2007-08 and covers the whole country from 1.4.08. The primary objective of the scheme is to provide guaranteed work for 100 days for any household wishing to have such employment. Although all households are eligible, the expectation is that only the poorer sections, i.e., landless labour and marginal farmers would actually seek work. The secondary objective is to ensure that employment generated is from works that raise land productivity.
Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)
SGSY is a major on-going scheme for the self-employment of the rural poor. The basic objective of the scheme is to bring the assisted poor families (swarozgaris) above the poverty line by providing them income generating assets through a mix of bank credit and government subsidy. Credit is the critical component of the scheme whereas the subsidy is an enabling element. The scheme involves organisation of the poor into Self Help Groups (SHGs) build their capacities through a process of social mobilization, their training, selection of key activities, planning of activity clusters, creation of infrastructure, provision of technology and marketing support, etc. Under the scheme focus is on the group approach. However, individual Swarozgaris are also assisted. The SGSY is being implemented by the District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) with the active involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), banks, line Departments and the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).
The credit mobilization under SGSY has been abysmally low. Further, a large number of SHGs are formed but fizzle out midway after availing the revolving fund. To make the scheme more effective it is being re-structured with a sharper focus on poorest of the poor people. A suitable mechanism will be put in place for higher social mobilization, capacity building and institution building among the target population
Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)
The IAY is being implemented as an independent scheme since 1996. It aims to provide assistance for construction / upgradation of dwelling units to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) rural households, with special emphasis on SCs, STs and freed bonded labor categories. A maximum assistance of Rs 35,000 per unit is provided for construction in plain areas and Rs 38,500 per unit for hilly/difficult areas. Rs 15000 is given for upgradation of a dwelling unit for all areas. The funding of IAY is shared between the Centre and State in the ratio of 75:25. (100% in the case of UTs).
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was launched with the aim to provide social assistance benefit to poor households in the case of old age, death of primary breadwinner and maternity. The programme supplements the efforts of the State Governments with the objective of ensuring minimum national levels of well being and the Central assistance is an addition to the benefit that the States are already providing on Social Protection Schemes. With a view to ensure better linkage with nutrition and national population control programmes, the Maternity Benefit Component of the NSAP was transferred to the Department of Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with effect from 2001-02. The schemes of NSAP and Annapurna have been transferred to the State Plan with effect from 2002-03 with a view to provide requisite flexibility to the State / UT in the choice and implementation of the schemes.
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
During the Eleventh Plan, the three area development programmes, namely, Integrated Wasteland Development Programme, Drought Prone Area Programme and Desert Development Programme have been integrated and consolidated into a single programme called Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP). This consolidation is for optimum use of resources, sustainable outcomes an integrated planning. The common guidelines for the Watershed Development Programme have been formulated and are effective from 1.4.2008. An amount of Rs.1825 crore has been allocated for IWMP during 2008-09. The ongoing projects sanctioned prior to 1.4.2008 under DADP, DDP, and IWDP would be continued to be implemented as per old guidelines.
The modified IWMP would adopt a three tier apporch in which the upper reaches which are mainly forested and hilly would be treated with the support of Forest Department. For land situated intermediate slopes above the agriculture lands, the IWMP would address all the necessary issues of land treatment by adopting best possible options including cropping pattern, horticulture and agro-forestry etc. In the lower tire, which are plains and mainly agricultural lands, the IWMP would be dovetailed with the employment generating programme such as National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) an would fill the critical gaps of NREGS and vice versa.
Under the new programme, a cluster approach would be followed with a broader vision of natural hydro-geographical unit of average size of 4,000 to 10,000 ha. comprising of clusters of micro-watershed to be selected as project area. The progrrame would be implemented by dedicated institutional agencies at state and central level. Professional support (in the form of multidisciplinary expert team) would be provided to support these institutions with proper fund allocation. A core GIS facility with spatial and non-spatial data augmented with satellite imagery data would be set up for giving Controlled access/distributon for local project planning.
The project period is proposed in the range of 5 to 7 years in three distinct phases, i.e. Preparatory, Watershed works and Consodilation phase. The consodilation phase will include livelihood activities, marketing, processing and value addition activities.
National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP):
The National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP) has been conceptualized as a major system and reform initiative that is concerned not merely with computerization, updating and maintenance of land records and validation of titles, but also as a programme that will add value and provide a comprehensive database for planning developmental, regulatory and disaster management activities by providing location-specific information, while providing citizen services based on land records data.
Under the NLRMP, the following three layers of data will be integrated on a geographic information system (GIS) platform: Spatial data from satellite imagery/aerial photography, Survey of India and Forest Survey of India maps, and Revenue records: cadastral maps and RoR details. All cadastral maps will be digitized, and data included with plot numbers and unique id for each land parcel. Administrative unit boundaries from village level upwards (including panchayat, block, tehsil, circle, sub-division, district, division, State and national boundaries), forest, water bodies and other physical attributes of land and land use details will be overlaid, and other developmental layers (e.g., watersheds, road networks, etc.) added to the core GIS.
The activities to be supported under the Programme, inter alia, include survey/resurvey using modern technology including aerial photogrammetry, updating of land records including mutation records, completion of computerization of the records of rights (RoRs), computerization of registration, automatic generation of mutation notices, digitization of maps , integration of the entire system digitization of maps and training and capacity building of the concerned officials and functionaries. Connectivity amongst the land records and registration offices and land records management centers at tehsil/taluk/circle/block level would be supported. Access to land records data would be provided to Cooperative and other financial institutions for facilitating credit operations.
A major focus of the Programme will be on citizen services, such as providing records of rights (RoRs) with maps; other land-based certificates such as caste certificates, income certificates (particularly in rural areas), domicile certificates; information for eligibility for development programmes; land passbooks, etc.
In addition, the Programme will be of immense usefulness to the governments - both Central and State Governments - in modernizing and bringing efficiency to the land revenue administration as well as offering a comprehensive tool for planning various land-based developmental, regulatory and disaster management activities needing location-specific information. Even the private sector will be able to benefit from this comprehensive tool for planning business and economic activities.
As indicated above, the NLRMP has been approved by the Cabinet in its meeting held on 21.8.2008. The budget provision for the Scheme during the current year (2008-09) is Rs.473.00 crore. Accordingly, it is proposed to implement the NLRMP across the country and to make it fully operational over the next five to eight year period. The components of the scheme will become integrated with the Revenue Administration of the States/UTs and will continue as such on an ongoing basis.
Science & Technology:
Since Independence, India has endeavoured to bring economic and social change through science and technology. The effort has been both on upgrading the traditional skills to make them relevant and competitive and developing advanced capabilities in frontier areas of science and technology. The visionaries who led the growth of science and technology (S&T) in India were convinced that S&T could play an important role in transforming India in to a modern, industrialized society. Experience and results show that this confidence was well placed. Science, technology, and innovation are even more relevant today. Scientific knowledge and expertise, innovation, high technology, industrial infrastructure and skilled workforce are the currencies of this new era. Science and Technology are important drivers of economic growth and development in the contemporary world. The present juncture is critical for Indian science and major positive steps in this area will help the country to achieve sustained and rapid growth in the future.
The Science and Technology Division of the Planning Commission is the nodal division for all matters relating to Science and Technology Plan formulation ( both Five Year Plans and Annual Plans) and appraisal of the S&T programmes of six major S&T agencies/Departments, viz.
- Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)- R&D Sector
- Department of Space (DOS)
- Department of Science and Technology (DST)
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
- Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) including the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
The Division has been maintaining a close liaison with these S&T agencies/departments for smooth information flow and provides them important suggestions/inputs in the formulation of various S&T plans and programmes at various stages of plan formulation, implementation and half yearly reviews. The Division has also been providing important inputs in the formulation of S&T Policy.
In order to promote Science and Technology in the States/UTs, create scientific awareness among the masses through popularization of S&T and technology dissemination for improving the quality of life of the people, the Division undertakes detailed discussions with the representatives of the States/UTs and provides important inputs/suggestions for the formulation of their Five Year Plans and Annual Plans in respect of the Science and Technology Sector.
Social Welfare:
The Social Welfare Division handles two sectors; (i) Social Welfare; and (ii) Women and Child Development. The Social Welfare Sector deals the welfare, rehabilitation and development of persons with disabilities, social deviants and other disadvantaged in close co-ordination with the nodal Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Women and Child Development sector handles Empowerment of women and Development of Children in close co-ordination with the nodal Department of Women and Child Development. The primary functions of the Division, inter-alia, include the following:Social Welfare
- Over all Policy Guidance / Advice both Governmental (central and State levels) and non-Governmental Organisations in the field of Social Welfare
- Work relating to Five Year and Annual Plans ( Social Welfare)
- Setting up of Working Groups at the Ministerial level and coordination with the nodal Ministry.
- Setting up of Steering Committees in the Planning Commission and its related work viz,, Organizing meetings; Preparation of background /agenda / minutes of the meetings; Preparation of Steering Committee Reports; Approach paper and the relevant Chapter for inclusion m the Plan Document.
- Examination of Plan Proposals (Five Year and Annual Plans) and preliminary discussions with the Ministry, Coordination with the PC Division and the Ministry with regard to Central Working, Groups; and Recommendation of Outlays; Budget Re-appropriation matters.
- Examination of Plan Proposals; Organizing State Sectoral Working Group Discussions to review the implementation of both Policies and Programmes including the physical and financial targets / achievements; Recommendation of Sectoral Outlays;
- Mid-Term Appraisal.
- Review of the progress of implementation of Policies and Programmes
- Review of achievements in relation to the targets (both physical and financial)
- Suggestions for Mid Term corrections.
- Examination and preparation of Briefs along with the comments in respect of - i) Cabinet Notes; ii) EFC Memos; iii) SFC Memos; besides attending EFC/SFC Meetings.
- Advisory role with regard to functioning of Subordinate / Attached Organisations viz. National Institutes (National Institute of Orthopaedically Handicapped (NIOH), Calcutta: National Institute of Visually Handicapped (NIVH), Dehradun; National Institute of Hearing Handicapped (NIHH), Bombay; National Institute of Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), Secunderabad, National Institute of Rehabilitation, Training and Research (NIRTAR), Cuttack; Institute of Physically Handicapped (IPH), New Delhi; Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), New Delhi; National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC), New Delhi: Artificial Limbs Manutactunng Corporation (ALIMCO), Kanpur; & National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), New Delhi.
- Representing; Planning Commission in the meetings of - Inter- Ministerial/Departmental Co-ordination Committees; Expert Committees; Project Sanctioning Committees/ Special Committees/ Study Teams etc. set up from time to time by the Ministry.
- All Parliamentary matters viz. answering Questions including supply of material within and outside the Planning Commission,
- Co-ordination with the related Divisions within the Planning Commission.
- Special Initiatives like - i) Preparation of Policy Oriented Papers; ii) Bringing out Statistical Profile and other Publications ; iii) Developing Information / Data-Base.
- Any other work including preparation of Speeches and writing Articles relating to Social Welfare.
The Women and Child Development Division handles all the work relating to - i) Empowerment of Women; and ii) Development of Children in close co-ordination with the nodal Department of Women and Child Development. The primary functions of the Division, inter-alia, include the following:
- Over all Policy Guidance / Advice to both Governmental (central and state levels) and Non-Governmental Organizations in the field of Women and Child Development.
- Work relating to Five Year and Annual Plans
- Central Sector
- Setting up of Working Groups at the Ministerial level and co-ordination with the nodal Department,
- Setting up of Steering Committees in the Planning Commission and its related work viz. Organizing meetings; Preparation of background /agenda / minutes of the meetings; Preparation of Steering Committee Reports; Approach paper and the relevant Chapter for inclusion in the Plan Document.
- Examination of Plan Proposals (Five Year and Annual Plans) and preliminary discussions with the Ministry; Coordination with the Department with regard to Central Working Groups; and Recommendation of Outlays; Budget / Re-appropriation matters.
- Examination of Plan Proposals; Organizing State Sectoral Working Group Discussions to review the implementation of both Policies and Programmes including the physical and financial targets /achievements; Recommendation of Sectoral Outlays;
- Mid-Term Appraisal
- Preview of the progress of implementation of Policies and Programmes,
- Review of achievements in relation to the targets (both physical and financial),
- Suggestions for Mid-Term corrections.
- Examination and preparation of Briefs along with the Comments in respect of - i) Cabinet Notes; ii) EFC Memos; iii) SFC Memos with regard to Schemes relating to Women and Children, besides attending EFC/SFC Meetings.
- Advisory role with regard to the Subordinate/Attached Organisations viz, National Commission for Women (NCW), New Delhi; Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB), New Delhi; National Institute for Public Co-operation and Child Development (NIPCCD), New Delhi; Rashtrya Mahila Kosh (RMK), New Delhi.
- Represening Planning Commission in the meetings of - Parliamentry Committees; Inter-Minstrial / Departmental Co ordination Committees; Expert Committees; Task Force on the Subject; Project Sanctioning Committees; Special Committees: Study Teams; etc. set up from time to time by the Department; Governing Board and General Body Meetings of the Subordinate Organizations.
- All Parliamentary matters viz. answaring Questions, supply of material within and outside the Planning Commission.
- Co-ordination with - i) women and child - related Ministies/ Departments; ii) Subject Divisions within the Planning Commission; and iii) UN and other International Agencies.
- Special Initiatives like - i) Preparation of Policy Oriented Papers; ii) Bringing out Statistical Profiles and other Publications; iii) Developing Information / Data-Base.
- Any other work including preparation of Speeches and writing Articles relating to Women and Child Development.
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