(a) whether the National Level Monitors (NLMs) are playing a crucial role with
regard to various rural development schemes in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the inspections carried out and visits undertaken to
monitor the schemes, State-wise;
(c) the details of the cases of irregularities found in each scheme by the NLMs,
scheme and State-wise; and
(d) the details of corrective steps being taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b): The NLMs are playing a crucial role of third party independent monitors with
regard to implementation of programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development and
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in different districts of the country. Their
functions include regular monitoring of the programmes, special monitoring of specific
programmes and enquiry into complaints as and when assigned. The NLMs are required
to visit work sites and beneficiaries, assets created etc. and also interact with all stake
holders including the public and furnish reports to the Ministry. The details of
inspections carried out and visits undertaken by the NLMs State-wise, during the year
2012-13, are given in the Annexure.
(c)&(d): The reports of the NLMs relate to their observations during site visits and
discussions including perceived deviations from the provisions contained in the
Guidelines of the Schemes. The official record of the State Government is not accessible
to them. As such, the observations of the NLMs are not conclusive at this stage.
The reports received from the NLMs are examined in the Ministry and are also
forwarded to the State Government concerned for follow up action. Workshops are also
held in which NLMs present their findings to the Ministry and State Government
officials, and the State Governments are advised to initiate appropriate remedial action.