Question : JAWAHAR GRAM SAMRIDHI YOJANA

(a) the salient features of Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY);

(b) the financial ceiling up to which Panchayat can execute any approved work without the Government`s technical/administrative approval;

(c) the responsibility for overall guidance, coordination, supervision and monitoring of the projects;

(d) the percentage reserved for women workers under the scheme;

(e) whether any irregularities in implementing the Yojana have come to the notice of Government from various States; and

(f) if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and
(g) the steps taken by the Government to plug the loopholes?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUBHASH MAHARIA)

(a): Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY) is the Centrally Sponsored Scheme meant for development of Rural Infrastructure. This scheme is entirely implemented at the Village Panchayat level. The entire funds are released to the Village Panchayat including State Share. The Panchayats are empowered to take up the need-based works with the approval of Gram Sabha. 22.5% of the funds are earmarked for the individual beneficiary scheme for SCs/STs. 3% of annual allocation is to be utilized for creation of barrier free infrastructure for the disabled.

(b): Village Panchayats can execute works/schemes up to Rs. 50,000/- without technical/administrative approval.

(c): DRDAs/Zila Parishads have been vested with the responsibility for overall guidance, coordination, supervision and monitoring of the projects

(d): 30% of the Employment opportunities under JGSY are reserved for women.

(e)&(f) : Some complaints are received in the Ministry from the various States. Complaints received regarding irregularities are forwarded to the respective State Governments for necessary action, which is the appropriate authority for taking action against the erring implementing officials/non-officials. Details of complaints received during 1999-2000 are given in Annexure.

(g): In order to ensure proper implementation of the programme including prevention of leakage, the following steps have been taken by the Central Government:

(i)	Selection of works and beneficiary by Gram Sabha.
(ii)	Social audit by the Gram Sabha.
(iii)	Constitution of Vigilance and Monitoring Committee at the Block, District	and State level.
(iv)	Utilization Certificate and Audit Report is essential for release of second	instalment of Central share of funds.
(v)	Non-embezzlement/Non-diversion Certificate from the district authority before	release of second instalment of Central share of funds.
(vi)	Field visits by the officials of the Ministry under Area Officers Scheme.