(a) whether the Government proposes to provide sufficient financial power and managerial resources for the development of rural areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to avoid the duplication of objectives of rural development programmes;
(d) the institutional mechanism introduced for reconciling them; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government for effective implementation of rural development programmes through people’s participation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)
(a)& (b): The Ministry of Rural Development, inter alia, is implementing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) in rural areas of the country. All these programmes are being implemented through the State Governments / UT Administrations and central share of allocation is released to the States/ UTs. Sufficient allocation of funds is made in the Budget for the programme. Each Programme of the Ministry also provides for institutional mechanism for effective implementation and is monitored through the Programme specific guidelines.
(c) to (e): The major programmes being implemented by the Ministry are Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for wage employment, National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) for strengthening livelihoods, Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) for rural housing, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for rural road connectivity, National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for social assistance to rural poor. The focus area of each programme is distinct and hence there is no duplication. At the same time the Ministry has devised a mechanism to implement various rural development Programmes by bringing in convergence for holistic development. The involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) in project formulation and implementation of these Programmes ensures transparency and people’s participation. The programme guidelines encourage social audit, disclosure of information and transparency in execution of these Programmes which ensures the effective implementation of these Programmes through people’s participation.
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