THE MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KASHIRAM RANA)
(a) to (e): A Statement is laid down on the Table of the House.
Statement referred in Reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No.123 due for Answer on 29.7.2003
The Government have nominated Members of Parliament as Chairmen of District level Vigilance and Monitoring Committees to monitor implementation of the Rural Development Schemes.
2. The Ministry of Rural Development has received a few complaints from Members of Parliament regarding non-cooperation by the District Authorities for holding Meetings of the Vigilance and Monitoring Committees. The nature of complaints include non-cooperation by the District Magistrates in holding the meetings, non-receipt of instructions from the State Government by the District Officials, lack of Office space and Staff for holding the meetings of Vigilance & Monitoring Committee etc.
3. In all such cases, the Ministry has advised the concerned District Magistrates as well as State Governments to render all cooperation and assistance in holding regular Meetings of the Committee and has also called for Action Taken Report from the concerned Authorities. Some of the District Magistrates have intimated that they could not hold the Meetings in the absence of full nomination of all Members of the Committee, including non-official Members. Instructions to the State Government and District Authorities have been reiterated on several occasions. The Minister of Rural Development has personally written to all Chief Ministers on 30.06.2003 to issue necessary instructions to all concerned to ensure that the reconstituted Committees hold regular meetings at the earliest and discharge their functions in an efficient and result-oriented manner.
