Question : TRAINING TO PANCHAYAT AND GRAM SABHA REPRESENTATIVES

(a) whether any re-orientation and training programmes are imparted to the representatives of Panchayati Raj Instititutions and members of Committees of Gram Sabha in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the funds allocated to the States and the share of Union Government in this regard during each of the last three years, State-wise;

(d) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Union Government to increase its share;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the time by which a decision is likely to be taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (Dr.C.P.JOSHI)

(a) & (b): Ministry of Panchayati Raj is providing financial assistance to State Governments for imparting training to elected representatives and officials of Panchayati Raj Instititutions (PRIs) including members of Committees of Gram Sabhas. This Ministry has prepared a “National Capability Building Framework (NCBF)”, which provides a blueprint for regular and sustained capability building of elected representatives and officials and other stakeholders in Panchayati Raj, through a series of training and handholding activities that include foundation courses, basic functional courses, sectorally focused training programmes, annual refresher courses, exposure visits to beacon panchayats, formation of PRI elected representative networks and setting up of helplines etc.

This framework is being implemented in 250 districts of 27 States covered under the programme of Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) through its Capacity Building component of Rs 250 crore per annum. In addition, under the scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana (RGSY), the Ministry of Panchayati Raj assists States in providing training to elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the non-BRGF districts. This allocation is provided on 75:25 sharing basis between the Government of India and the States. The allocation under this Scheme for 2009-10 is Rs 35.00 crore. Detailed programme guidelines have been issued in respect of both BRGF and RGSY.Funds are released to the States on the basis of their action plans prepared in accordance with the Programme Guidelines.

(c): The State-wise and Year-wise details of funds allocated and released under BRGF and share of Union Government released under RGSY during the last three years are annexed.

(d), (e) & (f): No, Sir. There is no proposal under consideration of the Union Government at present for increasing its share.