(a) whether it is a fact that M/s EPOS health consultants, Germany, the contractors of the European Commission `Health and Family Welfare Programme in India`, have secured the approval of the sector investment programme document (SIP document) duly approved by the Government;
(b) if so, the criteria adopted for such approval;
(c) whether it is a fact that the SIP document was approved just after ten days of its rejection on July 12, 1999; and
(d) if so, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) & (b) No, Sir. M/s EPOS Health Consultants (Germany) along with Options (UK) and Vimarsh (India) have positioned experts to provide technical assistance on behalf of the European Commission. The draft SIP document was the formulated by Programme Management Bureau, a body consisting of representatives of Government of India and the EC Delegation, headed by Joint Secretary in the Department of Family Welfare. The Sector Investment Programme has been formulated in accordance with the provisions of the Financing Agreement signed between Government of India and the European Commission on September 2, 1997. The deliberations of workshops of the states, donors and NGOs and other stakeholders in the months of April and June 1999 provided additional inputs for the SIP. In conformity with the guidelines of the Financing Agreement, the main objectives of the Sector Investment Programme are to strengthen the Reform Process in the Family Welfare Sector to operationalise the Reforms already agreed upon at the State and district levels and also to support identified major activities launched under the Reproductive and Child Health Programme at the national and state levels.
(c) No, Sir. The SIP document was finally approved on 16th November, 1999 and not on 22.7.1999.
(d) Does not arise.