Financial Inclusion

Financial Inclusion is meant to extend financial services to the large hitherto un-served population of the country to unlock its growth potential. In addition, it strives towards a more inclusive growth by making financing available to the poor in particular. The Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech this year had announced that “it will be our endeavour to ensure that all households benefit from bank accounts in the next 2 years”. Keeping in view the banking facilities being extended under “Swabhimaan” and the campaign launched that every household has at least one bank account, it is expected to achieve the target by August, 2014.

 

Bank Branch Network

 

There are 93,659 branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) functioning in the country as on 31st March, 2012, out of which 34,671(37.02%) branches are in rural areas, 24,133(25.77%) are in semi-urban areas, 18,056(19.28%) in urban areas and 16,799(17.93%) are in metropolitan area.

 

Opening of Bank Branches

 

In view of the continued need for opening of branches in rural areas for increasing banking penetration and financial inclusion, the Government had issued detailed strategy and guidelines on financial inclusion in October 2011, advising banks to open branches in all habitations of 5,000 or more population in under-banked districts and 10,000 or more population in other districts. By end of June 2012, 1,237 branches (including Ultra Small Branches) have been opened in these areas.

 

Branch Expansion Plan of RRBs

 

With a view to make Financial Inclusion Plan effective and expand the outreach of banking services in unbanked/under banked rural areas, the RRBs were required to work out branch expansion plan for 2011-12 and 2012-13 with 10% increase over previous year. The RRBs had fixed targets of 1247 branches to be opened during 2011-12. RRBs opened 913 branches against this target. This was short of target but was a sharp increase compared to 521branches opened during 2010-11 and 299 in 2009-10. For 2012-13, a target of 1845 new branches has been fixed.

 

Policy For Opening RRB Branches Liberalised

 

Reserve Bank of India vide its circular dated 1st August, 2012 has liberalised the Branch Licensing policy of RRBs and has allowed RRBs to open branches in Tier 2 to, 6 centres (with population up to 99,999 as per Census 2001) without the need to take permission from the Reserve Bank in each case, subject to reporting, provided they fulfil the certain conditions. RRBs not fulfilling the conditions will have to continue to approach RBI / NABARD, as hitherto. Opening of branches by RRBs in Tier 1 centres (centres with population of 100,000 and above as per Census 2001) will also continue to require prior permission of Reserve Bank of India.

 

“Swabhimaan” – The Financial Inclusion Campaign  

 

In order to further extend the reach of banking to the rural hinterland, banks were advised to provide appropriate banking facilities to habitations having population in excess of 2000 by March, 2012 using various models and technologies including branchless banking through Business Correspondent Agents (BCAs). This Financial Inclusion Campaign named “Swabhimaan” was formally launched by the Government in February, 2011. Banking facilities to 74,194 such villages have been provided and about 3.16 crore financial accounts have been opened under this Campaign by end of March, 2012. Further, in terms of Finance Minister’s Budget Speech 2012-13 it has been decided to extend the “Swabhimaan” campaign to habitations with population of more than 1000 in North Eastern and hilly States and to other habitations which have crossed population of 2,000 as per census 2011. Accordingly about 45,000 such habitations have been identified to be covered under the extended “Swabhimaan” campaign.

 

Establishment of Ultra Small Branches

 

Considering the need for close supervision and mentoring of the business correspondent agents by the respective banks and to ensure that a range of banking services are available to the residents of such villages, it has been decided that Ultra Small Branches(USBs) be set up in all villages covered through BCAs. These USBs would comprise of a small area of 100-200 sq. feet where the officer designated by the bank would be available with a lap-top on pre-determined days. While the cash services would be offered by the BCAs, the bank officer would offer other services, undertake field verification and follow up the banking transactions. The periodicity and duration of visits can be progressively enhanced depending upon business potential in the area.

 

Banking Facilities in Unbanked Blocks

 

With a view to provide banking facilities in unbanked blocks, the Government in July, 2009 identified 129 unbanked blocks, of which 91 blocks were in North East States and 38 in other States. With the persistent efforts of the Government, the number of unbanked blocks were brought down to 71 as on 31.3.2011, and by March 2012, banking facilities have been provided in all the unbanked blocks either through Brick and Mortar Branches or Business Correspondents Model or mobile banking, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

Opening of One Bank Account Per Family

 

 

 

In order to ensure electronic transfer of cash subsidies directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries under the various Schemes of the Central Government and State Governments, it is important that the beneficiaries have an account in the service area bank. Accordingly, banks have been advised that the service area bank in rural areas and banks assigned the responsibility in specific wards in urban area ensure that every household has at least one bank account.

 

Advisory Committee

 

The Reserve Bank has constituted a high level Financial Inclusion Advisory Committee (FIAC) to spearhead the efforts toward greater financial conclusion.  The collective expertise and experience of the members of the committee is expected to explore issues, such as developing viable and sustainable banking services delivery models focusing on accessible and affordable financial services, developing products and processes for rural as well as urban consumers presently outside the banking network and suggest appropriate regulatory framework to ensure that financial inclusion and financial stability move in tandem.  The Committee is to be chaired by Dr. K.C. Chakrabarty, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India and will comprise eleven members, from banking and finance sector, including Shri D.K. Mittal, Secretary Department of Financial services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

 

 

The Committee, if necessary, would call other market players like corporate business correspondents, technology vendors etc., as special invitees to the meetings.  Since the financial inclusion model selected in India is primarily bank-led, the Financial Inclusion Advisory Committee may also invite the chairperson managing directors of banks to each of its meetings to gather the perspective of banks.

 

 

There has been a significant, albeit slow, progress towards greater financial inclusion.  However, ensuring accessible and affordable financial services in all the 6 lakh villages in India is a herculean task and given the enormity of the task, a lot of ground still needs to be covered.  This calls for a partnership of all the stakeholders-the Reserve Bank, other sectoral regulators like the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development; banks; governments; civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) etc.

 

Mangroves for the Future

The National Environment Policy, 2006 recognizes that mangroves are an important coastal environmental resource. The Ministry of Environment & Forests is at the forefront in regard to the conservation and management of mangroves, which provide habitats for marine species; protection from extreme weather events and a resource base for sustainable tourism. The Government seeks to sustain mangroves in the country by both regulatory and promotional measures.

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are plants that survive high salinity, tidal regimes, strong wind velocity, high temperature and muddy anaerobic soil – a combination of conditions hostile for other plants. The mangrove ecosystems constitute a symbiotic link or bridge between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. They are found in the inter-tidal zones of sheltered shore, estuaries, creeks, backwaters, lagoons, marshes and mud-flats. Mangrove vegetation has been reported in all the coastal States/UTs. India is home to some of the best mangroves in the world. West Bengal has the maximum of mangrove cover in the country followed by Gujarat and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. However, not all coastal areas are suitable for mangrove plantation as mangrove requires an appropriate mix of saline and freshwater, and soft substrate like mudflats to be able to grow and perpetuate. The Government has identified 38 mangrove areas on a country wide basis for intensive conservation and management. In Tamil Nadu, Pichavaram, Muthupet, Ramnad, Pulicat and Kazhuveli mangrove areas have been identified.

Mangroves Protect the Coast

Mangrove ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and harbour a number of floral and faunal species (both terrestrial and aquatic) many of which, e.g. the tiger, gangetic dolphin, estuarine crocodile etc. are endangered. They also act as nurseries for fin fish, shell fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Mangrove forests are regarded as the most productive ecosystems in the world on account of the large quantities of organic and inorganic nutrients released in the coastal waters by these ecosystems.

The mangroves besides providing a number of ecological services also play a major role in protecting coastal areas from erosion, tidal storms and surges (tsunamis). They help in land accretion by trapping the fine debris particles. They are also an important source of honey, tannins, wax, besides fish. Presently, these are one of the most threatened ecosystems on account of both anthropogenic factors (reclamation of land, discharge of waste etc) and natural factors like global warming.

Intensive Conservation in Eight States

The current assessment shows that the mangrove cover in the country is 4,662.56 sq km. The mangrove plantation with an average, annual target of 3,000 hectares is undertaken on a country wide basis. The areas supported are among the 38 areas as already identified by MoEF for intensive conservation. During 2010-11, financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 7.10 crores had been distributed among West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Gujarat for conservation and management of mangroves.

The project entitled “Mangroves for Future (MFF): a strategy for promoting investment in Coastal Ecosystem Conservation” is being coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) covering, initially, eight countries, including India.

-PIB

Communal Harmony

India is a vast country, with people belonging to different religions living amicably for centuries together. The rich traditions of tolerance, perseverance, plurality and assimilation have kept the identity of the country intact, and civilization thriving.

Declared a secular country in the constitution, India has several provisions for protection of minority communities. The State does not discriminate on the basis of any particular religion. There are constitutional provisions for equality of opportunities for all. Despite precautionary, preventive and positive measures having been envisaged in the constitution, to rule out any feeling of being left-out, communal disturbances keep recurring. The Government had, often expressed its commitment toward maintaining communal harmony in the country, and has been taking steps- statutory, legal, administrative, economic, and so on.

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, while speaking at the Communal Harmony award ceremony, 2009 reiterated the need for communal harmony and national integration. He said “India has been home to all the great religions of the world. While some were born here, others took root in this ancient land of ours. The sub-continent has for centuries provided a unique social and intellectual environment in which many distinct religions have not only co-existed peacefully but have also enriched each other. It is the sacred duty of each one of us to carry forward this great tradition. I believe that both the government and civil society groups must continuously watch and raise our voice against groups and individuals who use violence in the name of religion. No religion sanctions violence. No religion preaches hatred. No religion endorses animosity towards another human being. Those who use religious symbols and forums to talk of violence, sectarianism and discord cannot be said to be true spokesperson of their respective religion. However, we also know that all societies, including ours, have to contend with such preachers of disharmony and disagreement. That is why it is all the more important to recognize and applaud those – like today’s distinguished award winners – who work selflessly for communal harmony and national integration. It is our obligation to nurture such voices of sanity”.

Gandhiji, the father of the nation, commented “Communalism of the virulent type is a recent growth. The lawlessness is a monster with many faces. It hurts all, in the end, including those who are primarily responsible for it”.

The Government has taken initiatives to promote communal harmony. These include constitution of the National Integration Council (NIC) (1960s), setting up of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (1992) and laying down of the guidelines for the promotion of communal harmony from time to time. The NIC, comprising of prominent members of various sections of society, besides several union ministers and chief ministers of states, has been meeting regularly, to discuss and sort out the issues of discord. Since the decision makers at the Centre and the States are members of the council, a patient hearing is given to the grievances of various sections of society.

The vision of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony  (NFCH) is to have India free from communal and all other forms of violence, where all citizens especially children & youth live together in peace & harmony. For this, the Foundation promotes communal harmony, strengthens national integration and fosters the spirit of unity in diversity through collaborative social action, awareness programs, reaches out to the victims of violence especially children, encouraging interfaith dialogue for India’s Shared Security, Peace & Prosperity. It provides financial assistance to the child victims of societal violence for their care, education & training, aimed at their effective rehabilitation. It promotes communal harmony and national integration by organizing variety of activities either independently or in association with State Governments, NGOs & other organizations. It confers awards for outstanding contribution to promotion of communal harmony and national integration. It undertakes activities to highlight and strengthen the bonds of unity and affinity between different religious groups in the country, and encourages activities to promote belief in the principles of non-violence in resolving disputes.

There is no denying the fact that the maintenance of communal harmony, and the prevention/avoidance of communal disturbances/riots and, in the event of any such disturbances occurring, action to control the same and measures to provide protection and relief to the affected persons, is a prime responsibility of the State Governments. The Central Government has issued guidelines for maintenance of communal harmony, which cover preventive and Administrative Measures, Personnel Policy, and relief and rehabilitation measures. They reiterate the fact that if due vigilance is maintained, careful planning done and preparatory measures put in place, many possible incidents of communal violence can be pre-empted and prevented; and, wherever, despite this, communal violence does occur, it can be contained effectively, and much human suffering avoided, if it is tackled with promptness, grit and determination. Utmost care and attention requires to be given to the planning and implementation of a range of measures to alleviate the sufferings of those affected by any incidents of communal violence, including the provision of relief and rehabilitation assistance to the victims of such violence.

The guidelines underline the fact that preventing a communal riot is far more important than containing it. It is the duty of the District Administration to carefully assess the communal situation in the District on a regular basis and prepare a profile of the District, identifying the areas which are prone to communal sensitivities and tensions. The police officers should keep a close watch on the situation in such areas, periodically visit them for promoting public contact and interface with the civilian population and community leaders. Manpower requirements for these areas should be realistically assessed, and all vacancies filled up and manned. In the sensitive/hyper-sensitive areas, detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and contingency plans to deal with escalated situation/riots, etc., should be kept ready. The unregulated use of loudspeakers, which is often a cause for arousing passions and evoking violent reactions among different groups of people, need to be checked. Various kinds of religious processions, which very frequently lead to communal confrontation and clashes as often various organisations tend to organise, and view, processions on religious occasions as a show of strength, which could itself become a cause for provocation, should be checked. There should be involvement of identified respectable members of the community, in the peaceful conduct of processions. The use of technology, like Video/Audio coverages of events and processions could also act as deterrent.  Effective and meaningful action needs to be taken to curb and check rumours, and proper assignment of nodal responsibility and modalities for information management needs to be ensured. Adequate steps need to be taken to ensure that no damage is caused to places of worship,

The guidelines stipulate that composition of the police force, especially those deployed in communally sensitive areas, should be representative of the social structure of the region so as to ensure its credibility, and help in creating a feeling of confidence among all sections of the people. In communally sensitive and riot prone areas police and administrative officials of proven integrity, efficiency, impartiality and non-partisan outlook should be posted. Every public servant should exercise the lawful authority vested in him/her to prevent commission of any communal violence, protect or provide protection to any victim of communal violence in a strictly neutral manner, and any malafide act or omission should be severely dealt with. Due recognition should be given to the services rendered by the district administration in preventing and dealing with communal disturbances.

In a communally-sensitive area, small shopkeepers, entrepreneurs and daily-wagers are most prone to loss and damage to life and property, if the situation goes out of control, leading to arson or violence. They are most likely to face economic burden, due to loss of income or property, most of which is not covered under any type of insurance. They can thus be the most willing partners in maintaining peace and communal harmony in the area. Similarly, women who are the worst sufferers in such situations may also be keen to ensure communal harmony. The district administration can tap the resources and energy of these people/groups in ensuring peace.

Many voluntary organisations in the country are working in the field of promoting peace, national integration and communal harmony. Such Organisations usually have motivated and well-intentioned volunteers and workers. The district administration should mobilize support of, and encourage, such organisations, in their efforts to maintain communal harmony, and diffusing tension if a communal situation arises Whenever any communal incidents are apprehended or occur, prompt and immediate preventive/enforcement action may be taken, including, imposition of prohibitory orders/ curfew, and strict and neutral enforcement of the same, apprehension /arrest of the potential miscreants/ those indulging in violence, arson, etc., registration/institution of cases. Prosecution of all offences relating to communal violence/ rioting should be carefully monitored and, wherever necessary, Special Investigation Teams (SIT) may be constituted for ensuring fair and impartial investigation.

A lot of resentment is generated on account of non-payment of timely relief/ex-gratia to the riot victims. Interim relief may be provided immediately to the individuals for any loss or damage suffered due to communal violence. While providing assistance and relief to the victims of communal violence, it should be ensured that there is no discrimination on the ground of sex, caste, community, descent or religion. The district administration should ensure timely provision of essential supplies/services such as food, milk, medicines, water and electricity, etc., in areas affected by communal violence. Wherever it becomes necessary to set up relief camps, proper arrangements for security and other appropriate amenities should be made, including arrangements for medical examination/ assistance, etc. Wherever required, on account of damage to residential and commercial property, an appropriate mechanism may be established for speedy disposal of insurance claim and assistance from financial institutions by way of loans/ rescheduling of loans, etc.

The Central Government has launched a Central Scheme for assistance to victims of terrorist and communal violence, whereunder there is provision for one time payment of Rs.3 lakh to the affected families in addition to any ex-gratia relief that may be provided.

The Government has enacted “The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988”, with a view to maintaining sanctity of religious places and to prevent their misuse for political, criminal, subversive or communal purposes. It casts responsibility on the manager to inform the police in the event of misuse of the place of worship. The Act also prohibits storage of arms and ammunition inside any place of worship.

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991, is the law to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947. According to it, no religious institution or manager thereof shall use or allow the use of any premises belonging to the institution for the promotion or propagation of any political activity, or  for the harbouring of any person accused or convicted of an offence under any law for the time being in force. No arms or ammunition can be stored, nor can it erect or put up any construction or fortification, including basements, bunkers, towers or walls without a valid licence or permission. Such premises can’t be used for the carrying on of any unlawful or subversive act prohibited under any law, or for the doing of any act which promotes or attempts to promote disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.

All the religions have the fundamental teaching of love and the feeling of brotherhood towards fellow beings. When such is the basic tenet of each religion, where is the scope of discord, hatred and violence. It is amply clear that some people misconstrue or misinterpret the religious teachings for their selfish, egoistic and short-term gains, and sometimes fan communal feelings. It is also commonly known that usually the communal disturbances sprout from small, trivial incidents but with vested interests, they take the shape of a giant.

India is a developing country, and an emerging economy. The vision of our leaders to make India a developed nation and an economic powerhouse, can’t fructify unless the internal security of the nation, particularly communal harmony, is intact.  Maintenance of Communal peace and tranquillity occupies lot of Government attention and energy, and in case peace prevails, an ambience of trust will develop between various communities, leading the nation on the path of development and economic advancement.

-PIB

Financial Inclusion

In his Budget Speech 2010-11, the Finance Minister had directed all banks to provide appropriate banking facilities to habitations having population in excess of 2000 by March, 2012 using various models and technologies including branchless banking through Business Correspondents (BCs). The Financial Inclusion Campaign has been named ‘Swabhimaan’. The Banks formulated their road maps for Financial Inclusion through the mechanism of the State Level Bankers Committee (SLBCs) and had identified approximately 74,000 habitations across the country having a population of over 2000 for providing banking facilities. These habitations were allocated to Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Private Sector Banks and Cooperative Banks for extending banking services by March, 2012. As per information received from SLBC Convener Banks, out of 74,398 villages identified under the campaign, 74,194 villages have been covered and 3.16 crore Financial Inclusion bank accounts have been opened by end of March, 2012.

Further, the banks have been advised to set up Ultra Small Branches in villages covered under Business Correspondent model where the officer designated by the bank would be available with a lap top on predetermined day and time in a week. While the cash services would be offered by the Business Correspondent Agent, the bank officer would offer other services to be offered by the bank, undertake field verification and follow up the banking transactions.

The Government issued Strategy and Guidelines on Financial Inclusion in October, 2011, vide which it was, inter-alia, advised to banks to open bank branches by September 2012 in all habitations of 5,000 or more population in under banked districts and 10,000 or more population in other districts. As per reports received from the Convener Banks of State Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs), of the 3,905 bank branches to be opened, 739 bank branches have been opened by end of April, 2012.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) have also been advised to work out branch expansion plan such that there is an increase of 10% in bank branches in 2011-12 and also in 2012-13 over the respective previous years. As per provisional data, RRBs opened 914 branches during 2011-12.

Of the 71 unbanked blocks in the country, as on 31 March, 2011, with the persistent efforts of the Government, banking facilities have been provided in all unbanked blocks by March 31, 2012. As a next step it has been advised to cover all those blocks with Business Correspondents and Ultra Small Branch which have so far been covered by mobile banking only.
-PIB

Indira Awaas Yojana – Fulfilling the Need for Rural Housing

Shelter is a basic need of a citizen which is critical for determining the quality of human life. A roof over the head endows a shelterless person, with an essential asset and improves his physical and mental well being. Hence, fulfilling the need for rural housing and tackling housing shortage particularly for the poorest is an important task to be undertaken as part of the poverty alleviation efforts of the Government. The Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) households in the rural areas for construction of dwelling units. It has been in operation since 1985-86.

The funding of IAY is shared between the Centre and States in the ratio of 75:25. In the case of Union Territories, entire funds of IAY are provided by the Centre. In case of North East States, the funding ratio between the Centre and States is 90:10. The ceiling on construction assistance under IAY is Rs. 45,000 per unit in the plain areas and Rs. 48,500 in hilly/difficult areas/IAP districts. For upgradation of kutcha house, the financial assistance is Rs. 15,000 per unit. In addition to the unit assistance availed, a beneficiary can also borrow a top-up loan upto Rs. 20,000/- from any nationalized Bank at 4% interest per annum under Differential Rate of Interest (DRI) Scheme.

The criteria for allocation of IAY funds to the States and UTs involve assigning 75% weightage to housing shortage and 25% to poverty ratio. The allocation amongst districts is based on 75% weightage to housing shortage and 25% weightage to SC/ST component. Further, 60% of the IAY allocation is meant for benefiting SC/ST families, 3% for physically handicapped and 15% for minorities. Also the IAY houses are expected to be invariably allotted in the name of women. In addition, 5% of the central allocation can be utilized for meeting exigencies arising out of natural calamities and other emergent situations like riot, arson, fire, rehabilitation etc.

In order to introduce transparency in selection of beneficiaries, permanent IAY waitlists have to be prepared gram panchayat wise by the States/UTs. These lists contain the name of deserving BPL families who need IAY houses in order of their poverty status based on the BPL list 2002. Gram Sabha select the beneficiaries from the list of eligible BPL households/Permanent IAY waitlist wherever it has been prepared.

Construction of an IAY house is the sole responsibility of the beneficiary. Engagement of contractors is prohibited and no specific type, design has been stipulated for an IAY house. However, sanitary latrine and smokless chullah are required to be constructed alongwith each IAY house. For construction of a sanitary latrine, the beneficiary can avail of financial assistance as admissible under the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC).

Bharat Nirman Programme

Rural Housing is one of the six components of Bharat Nirman Programme. Under Bharat Nirman Programme Phase-I, 60 lakh houses were envisaged to be constructed through Indira Awaas Yojana all over the country during the four years i.e. from 2005-06 to 2008-2009. Against this target, 71.76 lakh houses were constructed with an expenditure of Rs. 21720.39 crore. The target for the next five years period starting from the year 2009-10, has been doubled to 120 lakh houses.

During the last three years of the Bharat Nirman Programme Period-Phase-II approximate 85 lakh houses have already been constructed. Since inception of the IAY scheme about 286.88 lakh houses have been constructed with an expenditure of Rs. 85141.13 crore.

Convergence of Various Centrally Sponsored Schemes with IAY

Under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) each IAY beneficiary can get a free electricity connection to his house, under Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) an IAY beneficiary who will construct a sanitary latrine can get TSC funds in addition to the unit assistance he has got under IAY, all willing IAY beneficiaries can get the benefits available under Janshree Bima and Aam Aadmi Bima policies, under DRI, an IAY beneficiary can borrow up to Rs. 20,000/- from any Nationalized Bank at 4% interest per annum to top up the unit assistance he has got under IAY.

Allotment of Homestead Plot

A scheme was launched on 24th August, 2009 as part of IAY, for providing homestead sites to those rural BPL households whose names are included in the permanent IAY waitlists but who have neither agricultural land nor a house site. Since inception of the scheme, funds amounting to Rs. 347.46 crore have been released to States namely Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra for purchase of land and Rs. 1367.31 crore have been released to Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tripura, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, West Bengal, Rajastan, Maharashtra and Jharkand as incentive for additional houses for providing homestead sites.

Monitoring Mechanism

The Indira Awaas Yojana is being continuously reviewed through Monthly and Annual Reports received from the States/UTs. Senior officers at the level of Deputy Secretaries and above in the Ministry are appointed as Area Officers for different States/UTs. These Area Officers visit the allotted States/UTs from time to time and inspect the actual implementation of the programme in the field. They also participate in the State Level Coordination Committee Meetings providing thereby, a source of effective link between the policy makers, i.e., the Government and the implementing agencies (States /UT Governments). The programme is also reviewed at the meeting with the State Secretaries of Rural Development and with the Project Directors of DRDAs in the workshops held every year. From April 2007 onwards, an online monitoring mechanism has been put in place to enable DRDAs to upload their monthly progress reports into the website of the Ministry.

The web-based local language MIS Programme ‘AWAASsoft’ was launched, this software captures beneficiary-wise data and is accessible to all the stake holders, beneficiaries and citizens at large.

During the last year 2011-12, Rs. 9991.20 crore (including Rs. 500.00 crore for Homestead Component) were allocated for Rural Housing for construction of 27.27 lakh houses under Indira Awaas Yojana, against the physical target of construction of 27.27 lakh houses, 24.66 lakh houses were constructed after utilization of Rs. 12814.88 crore and 26.95 lakh houses were under construction.

In the current financial year 2012-13, the total budgetary outlay for Rural Housing is Rs. 11075.00 crore. Out of which Rs. 10513.20 crore has been earmarked under Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) for construction of 30.09 lakh houses and Rs. 553.00 crore for Homestead Component. Rs. 4783.70 crore has already been released as first installment of funds. Against the physical target, 3.83 lakh houses have been constructed so far.
-PIB

National Mission on Education Through Information and Communication Technology

The National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been envisaged as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to leverage the potential of ICT, in teaching and learning process for the benefit of all the learners in Higher Education Institutions in any time any where mode. This is expected to be a major intervention in enhancing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in Higher Education by 5 percentage points. The Mission has two major components – providing connectivity, along with provision for access devices, to institutions and learners; and content generation.

The Mission aims to extend computer infrastructure and connectivity to over 25000 colleges and 2000 polytechnics in the country including each of the departments of 419 universities/deemed universities and institutions of national importance as a part of its motto to provide connectivity up to last mile. LAN of up to 400 nodes on average has also been envisaged to be provided to the universities under the NMEICT scheme. The Mission, in addition to utilize the connectivity network of service providers, shall explore the possibility to provide connectivity utilizing Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), Virtual Private Network (VPN) and EduSat channels.

An amount of Rs. 4612 crore was allocated by the Planning Commission during the XI Five Year Plan for the National Mission on Education through ICT. During the current financial year (2012-13), there is budget provision of Rs. 850.00 crore.

The Minister of Human Resource Development unveiled a low cost access-cum-computing device (LCAD) “Aakash on 5th, October, 2011. The price of the LCAD is $ 49.98 / unit which include taxes, levies, and charges like freight and insurance, servicing and documentation etc. This price also includes one-year free replacement warranty from the manufacturer.

About 404 Universities and 18374 colleges have been provided connectivity under NMEICT Mission. LAN of up to 400 nodes is also being provided to the Universities under the Mission.

Under the NPTEL programme, web and video courses for engineering subjects and humanities streams are being developed. Over 250 courses are complete and made avialble in NPTEL phase-I and another 996 courses in various disciplines in engineering and science are getting generated in phase-II of NPTEL. E-contents for 77 Postgraduate subjects and 86 undergraduate subjects are also being developed under the Mission.

A strong Laboratory component is at the heart of all the Engineering Disciplines. It is a challenging job to provide an effective lab experience to engineering students. Under the Mission, almost 150 Virtual Labs are under development in various disciplines of engineering. Nearly 800 experiments are up and running.

Under the Mission, through NLIST programme, access to more than 3,100 e-journals and 80,000 e-books to all degree colleges except colleges imparting education in engineering, management, medical, nursing, pharmacy and dentistry.

The aim of the Mission is to freely make available knowledge in the form of e-content to learners across the country. To do so, in Mission Document, provision of 1000 DTH channels & other video based programme including iPTV for e-learning has been envisaged. Department of Space (DOS) has agreed to provide two Ku band transponders of 36 MHz each on GSAT-8. With this 50-60 education channels are being planned to be started immediately.

The Minister of Human Resource Development has also desired tht the NMEICT Mission should expand to the school education also during the XII Plan period. This ministry has suggested to Planning Commission that NMEICT scheme may be converted into Central Sector Scheme from Centrally Sponsored Scheme. For the XII Five Year Plan fund requirement of Rs. 22830 crore has been projected.
-PIB

Utilization of Postal Network Wage Disbursal Scheme under MGNREGS

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was notified in the remaining 274 districts of India from 1st April, 2008. The Act is now effective in the entire rural areas of the country covering 638 districts and has been renamed “The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)”. The objective of the Act is to provide for the enhancement of livelihood security of the households in rural areas of the country by providing at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

The scheme of disbursement of NREGS wages through post offices is operational in 19 postal Circles of the country (except Delhi, J&K and Tamilnadu Circles). Till 31st March, 2012, 5.59 crore MGNREGS accounts have been opened in post offices and wages amounting to Rs. 7,860 crore have been disbursed to MGNREGS beneficiaries during 2011-12 through 98,491 post offices across the country.

Main Features of Payment of Wages through Post Offices

·         Payment to be made through Savings Bank accounts of post offices (zero balance workers wage account).

·         Disbursement of wages within the prescribed time frame.

·         Provision for advance deposit of one month’s wage in the Head Post office of the District Headquarter.

·         Co-ordination meetings between Department and State Government authorities.

Data Collection for Rural Consumer Price Index

A mechanism has been worked out to calculate and disseminate the consumer price index with the help of data being collected for 1,181 villages through selected post offices throughout the country. The first set of consumer price indices was brought out in February 2011. India Post is thus playing a crucial role in providing Infrastructural support to enable the concerned government departments to design and implement policies to improve the well being of all the citizens of India.

Mail Network Optimization Project

Department of Post had initiated Mail Network Optimization Project in March 2010 with a view to streamline mail operations and to improve the quality of mail related services offered to the people. It involved optimization of the erstwhile mail network, standardization of processes and development of an effective performance monitoring system. As part of this project, the operational network for Speed Post and other categories of mail has been restructured leading to optimized network and simplified operations.

Speed Post is a premium product offered by the Department with time bound delivery and tracking facility.  As part of the project, a major emphasis has been laid on providing complete tracking information for Speed Post items on the website (www.indiapost.gov.in) for the benefit of the people using Speed Post. As a result, in the last two years, the number of items having complete tracking information on the website has gone up from 63 lakhs to 2.78 Crores per month.  Speed Post transit has improved by more than a day on an average across the network.

A comprehensive online monitoring system for Speed Post operations has been developed and performance of operational units is monitored in terms of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on a day-to-day basis.

Mainstreaming The Marginals

Though India has made tremendous progress in science-technology, economic growth and society as a whole, yet there still exists the shameful practice of manual scavenging. Not only this impedes on human development, it also give rise to stark discrimination. The government has taken steps to address this issue and mainstream these people. Apart from reservation in education, jobs and political representation for the scheduled caste to which they belong provided for in our constitution, National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation was set up in 1997 to help them become economically independent .

 

The NSKFDC is under the Central Government has an authorised share capital of 200 crore rupees.  The main function of the NSKFDC is to act as an apex body for all round Socio-economic upliftment of the Safai Karamcharis and their dependents throughout India.

 

The mission of NSKFDC is to empower the Safai Karamcharis, Scavengers and their dependents to break away from their traditional occupation, depressed social conditions and poverty and help them to work their own way up the social and economic ladder, with dignity and pride.

 

Since the inception of NSKFDC nearly two lakh 49 thousand people have benefitted. Financial assistance is provided in the form of 100 per cent grants to the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) and Central and State Government and their training agencies

 

These agencies provide skills and entrepreneurial development of Safai Karamcharis and their dependants for taking up income generating activities in industry, service and business sector.

 

Grants can be provided upto a maximum of Rs. 1.00 lakh per project for :

·         Institutional Linkages Programme (lLP)

·         Skill up-gradation Training Programme (STP)

·         Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP)

 

The skill upgradation and training is provided in Agricultural and Allied Activities that ranges from setting up of a bio gas plant to mushroom cultivation and handling equipmentor horticulture etc.

 

Upgradation of training is also provided to take up occupation of artisans and other traditional occupations that includes stone work, handicraft and even wood carving. They are also provided financial assistance and training to  set up small business and industries in a large number of areas .

 

The main features of the various schemes and programmes include:

 

Term loan for starting any kind of income generating activities: This includes projects costing upto Rs.5.00 lakhs at the interest rate of 6% per annum.

 

Micro Credit Finance: For taking up any sundry income earning activities MCF is provided upto the  extent of Rs. 25,000 per borrower at 5% interest and at 4% for women borrower.

 

Education loan: Term loan is provided to students for technical and professional courses of graduation and higher levels upto the extent of Rs.3.00 lakhs per student or Rs.75,000/- per year at the interest rate of 6% per annum.

 

Sanitation related economic activities: For a more scientific and hygienic approach to removal and disposal of garbage so that there is no direct contact with garbage and unhygienic substances thereby lowering the exposure of the sanitation worker to hazardous and unhealthy conditions.

 

Loan to the tune of 10 lakh rupees is provided for starting sanitation related income generating activities. They may include a mechanized garbage disposal work, mechanized soak pit cleaning work, pay and use toilets facilities, etc.

 

Training Programmes: Because of the prevailing social scenario most persons from this community are devoid of any skills other than scavenging and sweeping work. In most of the cases the youth belonging to this community would be the first generation entrepreneurs and therefore invariably require training. They may take up training in trades, skill up-gradation and entrepreneurial development. The entire cost of training including costs of fees, stipend, raw materials, tools and boarding charges if it is a residential course is provided by NSKFDC as grant to the SCA upto Rs.1.00 lakh per project. Further, for those wishing to start self-employment ventures, the SCAs are expected to provide loan to them on completion of their training. Launching of Awareness programmes is also an important component  of the strategy to empower these people.

 

Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers

 

The objective of the scheme is to assist the scavengers which are yet to be rehabilitated in a time bound manner. Under the scheme the beneficiaries are allowed to avail second and subsequent loan from banks if required, without capital subsidy and interest subsidy and other grants under the scheme.

 

Both Micro Financing (Upto Rs.25000/-) and Term Loan (Upto Rs.5.00 lakh ) will be provided at concessional rates of interest. Micro financing will also be done through Self Help Groups (SHGs) and reputed Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The beneficiaries are free to select any viable income generating self employment project.

 

Implementation Period

 

The State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) distributes the funds received from NSKFDC or any other identified agency at apex level within a period of three months to the beneficiaries.  Since the scavengers will be rehabilitated in non-traditional professions, they will require training to acquire new skills and entrepreneurship capabilities. This can be given by government agencies or institutes as well as by reputed specialized training agencies. The average training cost has been taken as Rs.14,000/- per beneficiary, which includes provision for training fee, kits and stipend to trainees.

 

it is unfortunate that even today a large number of people are still engaged in the inhuman and shameful practice of manual scavenging. According to the findings of the Census 2011, there are around 13 lakh insanitary latrines of which some were serviced by humans and others by animals. As Minister for Empowerment and Social justice Mr Mukul Wasnik himself said that if such latrines are there, it means that there is bound to be manual scavenging”. This means that the actual number of people involved in manual scavenging is much more than earlier estimated .

 

With the new revelation of the Census 2011 the government will have to find the extent of the problem and finalise a strategy to address this very serious and urgent issue. The Government is thinking of bring a new law on manual scavenging .

 

But till the time these insanitary latrines are there the problem will remain and for manual scavenging to be completely eradicated each of those involved in this inhuman practice will have to rehabilitated.

 

It is only after this is done that the objective of bringing them up the social and economic ladder with pride and dignity will be achieved.
-Press Information Bureau