Question : RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

(a) the number of rural development schemes under implementation in the country;

(b) the funds allocated, released and utilized under the schemes, State-wise during the last three years including the current year;

(c) the details of the schemes running in rural areas with the foreign assistance;

(d) whether the Government has made assessment of the implementation of these schemes;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government for the effective implementation of these schemes ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a): The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing various rural development programmes namely; Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Swarnjayanti Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY)/ National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY), Drough Prone Areas Programme (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP), Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP), these area development programmes have been redesigned and combined in to Integrated Watershed Management Programmes (IWMP). These schemes are implemented through State Governments and Union Territory Administrations in all rural areas of the country.

(b): The Statement showing State-wise Central allocation of funds, funds released and funds utilized under the schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development during the last three years since 2008-09 to 2010-11 and current year (2011-12) upto October, 2011 is at Annexure-I.

(c): The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing some components/part of the schemes namely PMGSY, IWMP and NRLM with external assistance.

(d) to (f): The Ministry of Rural Development has developed a comprehensive system of monitoring the implementation and impact of the programmes including utilisation of funds through Periodical Progress Reports, Performance Review Committee, Area Officer`s Scheme, Vigilance and Monitoring Committees at State/District Level and National Level Monitors. Further, the Management Information System (MIS) has put in place to strengthen the monitoring mechanism of programmes by the use of informatics. Besides, the State Governments have been advised to adopt a five-pronged strategy consisting of (i) creation of awareness about the schemes, (ii) transparency, (iii) people`s partnership, (iv) accountability, social audit and (v) strict vigilance and monitoring at all level. The Ministry also conducts Evaluation Studies of rural development programmes to assess the impact at grass root level and to take corrective measures.