Question : FUNDS UNDER RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES

(a) whether Government is considering a proposal to transfer funds directly and give State Governments discretionary powers over about fifty percent of funds allocated under rural development schemes;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Centre would monitor the utilisation of Central funds transferred directly to the States;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether a proposal outlining the proposed concurrent evaluation network to improve the efficiency and quality of outcomes of all rural development schemes has been sent by Minister to the Prime Minister; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which a final decision is likely to be taken in this regard?

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

(a)to(d): The Ministry of Rural Development transfer funds to State Governments/District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs)/Implementing Agencies based on the receipt of complete proposals from the State Governments/DRDAs/Implementing Agencies as per programme guidelines.

(e)&(f): Yes, Sir. A proposal regarding concurrent evaluation network to improve the efficiency and quality of outcomes of all rural development schemes has been sent. No time frame can be given as it involves Inter Ministerial consultations and requisite approvals.