(a) whether the Government is considering a proposal to transfer funds directly and give State Governments discretionary powers over about fifty percent of funds allocated under rural development schemes;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Union Government would monitor the utilization of Central funds transferred directly to the States;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)
(a) to (b): There is no such proposal under consideration. The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing various rural development programmes including Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) through State Governments/ UT Administrations with an objective to bring about overall improvement in the quality of life in rural areas. All these programmes are implemented according to the programme guidelines.
(c) to (e): The Ministry monitors the performance of the programmes through MIS, Monthly Progress Reports, Utilization Certificates, Field Visits etc.