(a) whether the expenditure on social sector schemes has not reflected an increasing trend, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(b) whether efficiency of expenditure incurred so far can be assessed by the performance of social sectors through various social indicators;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to increase investment in human capital to enhance productivity of workforce and welfare of the population?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND
MINISTRY OF HOUSING &URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION
(RAO INDERJIT SINGH)
(a): The Social Sector Schemes are implemented by various Ministries/Departments viz. Health & Family Welfare, Human Resource Development, Labour & Employment, Rural Development, Drinking Water & Sanitation and Women & Child Development. Among the major schemes, with substantial outlays, releases under ten larger schemes have increased from Rs. 146,074.43 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 148,686.14 crore in 2015-16. The details of releases for the last three years are given in Annexure-I. In addition, as per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, the resources of States have increased with greater devolution from 32% to 42%, thereby enabling the States to incur more expenditure for Social Sector Schemes.
(b) & (c): Yes, Madam, the efficiency of expenditure incurred may be assessed by the performance indicators of social sectors schemes. The details for Performance of Social Sector Schemes and Selected Indicators of Human Development are given in Annexure-II.
(d): The Union Government has taken many initiatives to improve the efficiency of social sector that, inter alia, include; measures for rationalization of subsidies including direct benefit transfer (DBT); plans to dovetail the resources from other social sector programmes and sources of funding for the sanitation initiatives of the Government; and, initiatives for skill development and financial inclusion which have the potential to promote inclusive growth. Union Budget 2015-16 has announced steps that can impact social sector outcomes positively, which, among others, include: focus on irrigation, traditional agriculture, agricultural credit, rural infrastructure and rural employment; extension of DBT; emphasis on micro unit development refinance and credit to SC/ST enterprises; focus on self-employment and talent utilization along with consolidation of skill development initiatives; and fillip to investment in infrastructure and industries.
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