The cabinet committee on economic affairs today approved a new centrally sponsored scheme for minority development in 90 districts of the country with a high concentration of minorities during the Eleventh 5-year Plan, with Rs120.00 crore having been earmarked for 2007-08. The new scheme will have 100 per cent funding from the centre is expected to cost Rs3780 crore for improving the socio-economic parameters and basic amenities that impact the quality of life of the people and reduce development imbalances in line with priority attached to inclusive growth. Critical infrastructure linkages like connecting roads, basic health infrastructure, ICDS centres, skill development and marketing facilities required for improving living conditions and economic opportunities to provide a thrust to the growth process would also be eligible for inclusion in the plan. The focus of this programme would be on rural and semi-rural areas of the identified districts and financial assistance would made available to these districts to address the 'development deficits' that were either not met fully by existing schemes and programmes. The programme will be implemented by the panchayati raj institutions / line departments / agencies / Scheduled Area councils in accordance with the implementation mechanism in practice in the state / union territory. The government will set in place a monitoring system and an independent in-depth evaluation would be made after two years to assess the need for any mid-term correction. The releases will be subject to a commitment form the state government / union territory administration to set up state and district level committees to implement the prime minister's new 15 point programme for the welfare of minorities. States and union territories would be required to set up an IT enabled cell in the department to which the project will be allocated to execute the implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of this programme. The expenditure during the XIth Five Year Plan will be as under: (in Rs.crore) | | | | Year | Estimated financial assistance | Administrative & allied cost @ 2% | Total | 2007-08 | 117.60 | 2.40 | 120 | 2008-09 | 784.00 | 16.00 | 800 | 2009-2010 | 1078.00 | 22.00 | 1100 | 2010-2011 | 1078.00 | 22.00 | 1100 | 2011-12 | 646.80 | 13.20 | 660 | Total | 3704.40 | 75.60 | 3780 | Identified 'development deficits' would be made up through a district specific plan for provision of better infrastructure for education, sanitation, pucca housing, drinking water and electricity supply, besides beneficiary oriented schemes for creating income generating opportunities.
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