Question : EXPANSION OF DPEP EGS AND ALTERNATE EDUCATION .

(a) whether the Government propose to open more District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) Projects and expand the education programme under E.G.S. and Alternate Education during 2002-2003;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise, particularly in respect of Orissa;

(c) the funds likely to be allocated to each State in this regard;

(d) whether any proposal to expand DPEP in the States in the country is under consideration of the Government; and

(e) if so, State-wise details thereof with special reference to Andhra Pradesh?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(PROF. RITA VERMA)

(a) to (e): There is no proposal for further expansion of the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) during 2002-03 or thereafter in any State, including Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Funds for the on-going programmes under DPEP would be released to the various project States, which include Andhra Pradesh and Orissa based on the proposals contained in their Annual Work Plan and Budget for 2002-03 to be approved by the Project Board of DPEP.

The scheme of EGS and Alternative & Innovative Education is being merged with the newly launched scheme of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) from 10th Plan onwards and therefore, it would be funded out of the overall budget for SSA from the year 2002-03 onwards. The proposals if any, for implementation of the EGS and Alternative and Innovative Education scheme would be included by the respective States in their project plans for SSA for 2002-03.