(a) whether it is a fact that effectiveness of anti-poverty programmes/schemes have not
been upto the mark;
(b) if so, whether these schemes are being implemented needs to be reviewed;
(c) whether it is a view expressed in certain quarters that M.Ps should be involved in
implementation of these programmes; and
(d) the Government response on these points and demands thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
DISINVESTMENT, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRIES OF PLANNING,
STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN
THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES (SHRI ARUN SHOURIE)
(a) & (b): The Mid Term Appraisal of the Ninth Five Year Plan has reviewed the major anti-
poverty programmes and has drawn attention to the steps that need to be taken to improve the
schemes. To improve the efficacy/impact of the programmes on the poor the major rural
poverty alleviation programmes have been recently restructured w.e.f. 1999-2000 and a new
rationalized urban poverty alleviation programme was also launched in December, 1997. A
review of these restructured programmes would form part of the Tenth Plan exercise.
(c) & (d): In the case of poverty alleviation programmes being implemented in rural areas,
the Members of Parliament (MPs) are the Members of District Rural Development
Agency(DRDA)’s governing body which provides guidance and direction to DRDAs in the
implementation of the Rural Development Programmes. The MPs are also ex-officio
Members of the Zilla Parishads. The MPs in their capacity as Members of Zilla Parishads are
closely involved in the task of monitoring the implementation of poverty alleviation
programmes being implemented in their districts. Further, the role of MPs has been
specifically outlined in the guidelines of the Employment Assurance Scheme(EAS) - The
scheme will be implemented through the Zilla Parishads and selection of works is decided
after due consultation with the MP of that area. However, in the absence of Zilla Parishad, a
committee comprising of MLAs, MPs and other public representatives would be constituted
for the selection of works. All States have been advised to set up Vigilance and Monitoring
Committees at State/District and Block levels with representation from MPs/MLAs etc. The
Hon’ble Prime Minister met the leaders of the Parties in Parliament to discuss the issue of
management of anti-poverty programmes and the involvement of MPs in the implementation
of these programmes on 8th December, 2000. In this context it was agreed that Minister of
Rural Development would continue the dialogue with MPs , if necessary.