Question : NGO`S FOR SCAVENGERS

(a) whether it is a fat that an evaluation study has been entrusted to a NGO for ascertaining the impact of Vocational Training and Financial Assistance to Scavengers Programme and draw conclusions based on the impact data;

(b) if so, whether that study has been completed and if not, the reasons for delay;

(c) whether it is also a fact that the NGO which has been entrusted this study is already blacklisted by many State Governments and other agencies for their irregularities and has been asked to refund the advance money taken from the State Governments; and

(d) if so, the reasons for allotting the above study to such NGO?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SMT. MANEKA GANDHI)

(a), (b), (c) & (d) As per provisions under the scheme of Supporting Projects of All India or Inter-State Nature for Scheduled Castes Development (Research & Training), one evaluation study titled, `An assessment of the impact of the programme for training and rehabilitation of scavengers` was entrusted to Sulabh International Social Service Organization, New Delhi, among others, as per the decisions taken by the Research Advisory Committee in the meeting held on 22nd July 1998. Accordingly first instalment of grant was released on 9-9-1998.

Subsequently, Government of Bihar sent a letter in February 1999 stating that certain allegations against the said Organization, `Sulabh Iternational,` are being inquired into. As the evaluation study had already commenced and the first instalment of fund was released, it was decided to complete the study. In the meantime the Organisation has completed the study and submitted the report.