REPORT NO. 278
PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA
DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY EIGHTH REPORT
Demands for Grants 2016-17 (Demand No. 97) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development
(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 27th April, 2016) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 27th April, 2016)
Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi April, 2016/Vaisakha, 1938 (Saka) Hindi version of this publication is also available
PARLIAMENT OF INDIA RAJYA SABHA
DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
TWO HUNDRED SEVENTY EIGHTH REPORT
Demands for Grants 2016-17 (Demand No. 97) of the Ministry of Women and Child Development
(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 27th April, 2016) (Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 27th April, 2016)
Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New Delhi April, 2016/Vaisakha, 1938 (Saka) Website: http://rajyasabha.nic.in E-mail: [email protected] C O N T E N T S
PAGES
1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE …...... (i)—(ii)
2. INTRODUCTION...... (iii)
3. ACRONYMS...... (iv)—(v)
4. REPORT...... …...... 1—30
5. RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE - AT A GLANCE ...... 31—38
6. *MINUTES ...... 39—45
*Appended on printing stage. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE (As on 1st September, 2016)
1. Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya ⎯ Chairman RAJYA SABHA 2. Prof. Jogen Chowdhury 3. Prof. M.V. Rajeev Gowda 4. Shri Anubhav Mohanty *5. Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar 6. Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad 7. Shri Basawaraj Patil 8. Shri Sharad Pawar 9. Shrimati Sasikala Pushpa 10. Shri Tiruchi Siva LOK SABHA 11. Shrimati Santosh Ahlawat 12. Shri Bijoy Chandra Barman 13. Shri C.R. Chaudhary 14. Shrimati Bhawana Gawali Patil 15. Shrimati Kothapalli Geetha 16. Shri Anant Kumar Hegde 17. Prof. Chintamani Malviya 18. Shri Bhairon Prasad Mishra 19. Shri Chand Nath 20. Shri Hari Om Pandey 21. Dr. Bhagirath Prasad 22. Shri N.K. Premachandran 23. Shri K.N. Ramachandran 24. Shri Mullappaly Ramachandran 25. Shri Sumedhanand Saraswati 26. Shri M.I. Shanavas 27. Dr. Nepal Singh 28. Dr. Prabhas Kumar Singh 29. Shri P.R. Sundaram 30. Shri Ajay Tamta 31. Shrimati P.K. Sreemathi Teacher
* Ceased to be member of the Committee w.e.f.21.3.2016. (i) (ii)
SECRETARIAT Shri K. P. Singh, Joint Secretary Shri Mahesh Tiwari, Director Shri Vinay Shankar Singh, Joint Director Shri R. K. Mecolt Singh, Assistant Director INTRODUCTION
I, the Chairman of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, having been authorised by the Committee to present the Report on its behalf, do hereby present this Two Hundred Seventy-eighth Report of the Committee on the Demands for Grants (Demand No. 97) of the Ministry of Woman and Child Development for the year 2016-17.
2. The Committee considered the various documents and relevant papers received from the Ministry of Women and Child Development and also heard the Secretary and other Officials of that Ministry on the said Demands for Grants in its meeting held on 21st March, 2016.
3. The Committee considered the Draft Report and adopted the same in its meeting held on the 25th April, 2016.
NEW DELHI; DR. SATYANARAYAN JATIYA 25, April, 2016 Chairman, Vaisakha 5, 1938 (Saka) Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development Rajya Sabha.
(iii) ACRONYMS
AGs : Adolescent Girls AKBY : Anganwadi Karyakartri Bima Yojana APL : Above Poverty Line ARSH : Adolescent, Reproductive and Sexual Health AWCs : Anganwadi Centres AWHs : Anganwadi Helpers AWWs : Anganwadi Workers BBBP : Beti Bachao Beti Padhao BE : Budget Estimates BPL : Below Poverty Line CARA : Central Adoption Resource Agency CARINGS : Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System CCI : Child Care Institute CCT : Conditional Cash Transfer CDPO : Child Development Project Officer CSS : Centrally Sponsored Schemes CWC : Child Welfare Committee ECCE : Early Childhood Care and Education EFC : Expenditure Finance Committee FCI : Female Critical Illness ICDS : Integrated Child Development Services Scheme ICPS : Integrated Child Protection Scheme ICT : Information and Communication Technology IDA : International Development Association IEC : Nationwide Information, Education and Communication IGMSY : Indira Gandhi Matritva Shayog Yojana IMO : Intermediary Organization ISAP : Indian Society for Agri-business Professionals, New Delhi JJ Act : Juvenile Justice Act (iv) (v)
JJB : Juvenile Justice Board MIS : Management Information System MoU : Memorandum of Understanding MSY : Matritva Sahyog Yojana MWCD : Ministry of Women and Child Development NCAER : National Council for Applied Economic Research NCW : National Commission for Women North Eastern Region NER : North Eastern Region NGO : Non Governmental Organization NIPCCD : National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development NMEW : National Mission for Empowerment of Women NNM : National Nutrition Mission NRCW : National Resource Centre for Women PAB : Project Approval Board P&L : Pregnant and Lactating PSE : Pre-School Education RE : Revised Estimates RGSEAG : Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls RMK : Rashtriya Mahila Kosh RTE : Right to Education SAA : Specialized Adoption Agency SARA : State Adoption Resource Agency SHG : Self Help Group SMC : School Management Group SRCW : State Resource Centre for Women STEP : Support to Training and Employment Programme UC : Utilization Certificate VCFS : Village Convergence and Facilitation Service WWH : Working Women Hostel R E P O R T
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, came into existence as a separate Ministry with effect from 30th January, 2016. It has the nodal responsibility to advance the rights and concerns of women and children who constitute 67.7% of the country’s population, as per 2011 census. The Ministry was constituted with the prime intention of addressing gaps in State action for women and children and for promoting inter-Ministerial and inter-sectoral convergence to create gender equitable and child-centred legislation, policies and programmes. The functions of the Ministry include promoting the survival, protection, development and participation of women and children in a holistic manner.
1.2 The role of the Ministry includes policy formulation, programme implementation, coordination with other sectors, child and gender budgeting, data management, training and capacity building, reporting and monitoring on status of children and women and their rights. The Ministry is the prime mover of inclusive programmes, policies, schemes and legislations for women and children and stands solely for securing the best interest of women and children. Promoting social and economic empowerment of women and ensuring survival, development, care and protection of children drive the Ministry’s agenda. Principles of equity, justice and non-discrimination guide the Ministry’s actions concerning women and children.
1.3 The Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development, in his presentation before the Committee on 21st March, 2016 gave an overview of the various programmes/schemes handled by the Ministry and achievements thereof. He apprised the Committee that there has been no substantial increase in the allocation for the Ministry this year i.e. 2016-17. The reason for the minimal increase in BE 2016-17 of `17,300 crore from RE 2015-16 of `17,257 crore is due to the revision in costs sharing ratio between the Centre and the States to 60:40 (90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States).
1.4 An important issue highlighted by the Secretary was the high number of children suffering from malnutrition. The prevalence of underweight children in India is among the highest in the world. India accounts for the highest number of deaths of children due to malnutrition. For tackling malnutrition, the Government has taken several measures to encourage and ensure adequate availability of nutrition amongst different ages especially children in the age group of 0-6 years, adolescent girls and pregnant and lactating mothers. The Secretary submitted that the Ministry is implementing several schemes/programmes as direct targeted interventions.
1.5 The Secretary also mentioned that the Ministry has launched ‘Mahila E-Haat’, an online marketing platform at Rashtriya Mahila Kosh Website on 7th March, 2016. He informed that this is an initiative taken for meeting the aspirations and needs of women entrepreneurs. It will leverage technology for showcasing products made/manufactured/sold by them. They can even showcase their services reflecting creative potential. This platform will strengthen the socio-economic empowerment of women as it will mobilise and provide better avenues to them. 2
II. BUDGETARY ALLOCATION
2.1 There has been a minimal increase in BE 2016-17 as compared to RE 2015-16, however the allocation is quite less as compared to RE 2013-14 and RE 2014-15. The plan outlay of the Ministry of Women and Child Development has gone up from `17257 crore in 2015-16 to `17300 crore in 2016-17 registering a meagre increase of 0.25 per cent. The reason for this minimal increase, as given by the Ministry, is due to the revision in costs sharing ratio between the Centre and States to 60:40 (90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States). The Ministry submitted that as there is no substantial increase in the allocation, no new scheme has been introduced in the current year. A comparison of both Plan and Non-plan allocations of the Ministry including the actual expenditure of the last five years is given below:- (R in crore)
Financial Year BE RE Actual Expenditure Plan Non-Plan Plan Non-Plan Plan Non-Plan
2012-13 18500.00 84.00 17180.00 83.00 16954.14 65.17 2013-14 20350.00 90.00 18200.00 85.65 17978.49 87.49 2014-15 21100.00 93.88 18500.00 88.39 18437.82 103.30 2015-16 10286.23 95.67 17257.00 94.89 11426.43* 70.98* 2016-17 17300.00 108.12 — — —
(*upto 31.12.2015)
2.2 The Committee takes note of the fact that in the years of 2013-14 and 2014-15, the non-plan Actual Expenditure was more than the non-plan Revised Estimates. When enquired from the Ministry, the Committee was made to understand that the reason for such a difference was that there had been re-appropriation of funds from plan to non-plan allocations.
2.3 While the total allocation for women welfare schemes increased from `462.08 crore in RE 2015-16 to `1211.00 crore in BE 2016-17, the total allocation for child welfare scheme decreased from `16723.92 crore in RE 2015-16 to `15987.00 crore in BE 2016-17. The Ministry submitted that the impact of reduction in allocation, mainly under Centrally Sponsored Scheme, is offset by the changed cost sharing ratio between the Centre and the States to 60:40 (90:10 for North Eastern States and Himalayan States). The total allocation for child welfare schemes and that of women welfare schemes are shown below:-
Schemes (Central Sector Schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes) (R in crore) Child Development Schemes Child Development Schemes Women Development Schemes Financial Year BE RE BE RE 2013-14 19296.00 17635.20 1184.00 504.00 2014-15 20111.00 17936.80 909.00 507.80 2015-16 9486.23 16723.92 719.50 462.08 2016-17 15987.00 — 1211.00 — 3
2.4 As is evident from the table, the allocation of child development schemes has always been higher than that of the Women Development Scheme. The reason for such a huge difference between the two, according to the Ministry, is that the Child Development Schemes of the Ministry i.e. ICDS, ICPS etc. are being implemented on a pan India basis whereas the women welfare schemes namely IGMSY and SABLA are being implemented only in selected districts. The proposal of the Ministry to universalize these schemes has not yet been approved by the competent authority.
2.5 The Committee is dismayed to note that there has been no substantial increase in the allocation for the Ministry for the current year. Though there has been a slight increase in the allocation of women development schemes, the allocation for child development schemes have been reduced. The Committee, however, takes note of the reason given by the Ministry that the impact of reduction in allocation is offset by the changed cost sharing ratio between the Centre and the States.
2.6 The Committee is also sad to note that the universalization of women welfare schemes is yet to take place as the universalization of these schemes has not yet been approved by the competent authority. The Committee feels that steps should be taken up to empower women and ensure gender equality. Gender equality is guaranteed under the Constitution of India which not only prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, but also permits positive discrimination in favour of women. Several constitutional provisions reiterate India’s commitment towards the socio-economic development of women and uphold their right of participation in political and decision making process. The Committee observes that the Ministry should make all efforts to ensure universalization of women welfare schemes so that women from every nook and corner of the country are empowered both socially and economically and to recognize women as the agents of charge.
2.7 During 2015-16, the Ministry of Women and Child Development had a Budget Estimate of R10286.73 crore under Plan including R8335.77 crore for ICDS which was 81.03 per cent of the plan budget of the Ministry. An additional allocation of R4000 crore (R3600 crore for ICDS and R400 crore for SABLA) was given in the first supplementary. The pace of expenditure under ICDS has been satisfactory. By 31st December, 2015, the Ministry had released 84.94% of the allocation at BE stage (+first Supplementary). In respect of some other major schemes like ICPS and SABLA, expenditure of 89.63% and 85.81% respectively was incurred till 31.12.2015. However, under some schemes like National Nutrition Mission (NNM) and World Bank assisted ISSNIP, the expenditure could not be incurred as both the schemes were in the process of being reviewed and recast. The allocation of the Ministry has been revised to R17257 crore at RE stage. The Ministry had been able to spend 79.98% of BE (+first Supplementary) and 66.21% of RE up to 31.12.2015. Statement showing expenditure during 2014-15 and BE/RE 2015-16, expenditure during 2015-16 upto 31.12.2015 and BE 2016-17 is shown below:- 4
(R in crore) Sl. Schemes Expenditure BE RE Expenditure BE No. 2014-15 2015-16 2015-16 2014-15 2016-17 (upto 31.12.2015)
1 Integrated Child Development 16581.03 8335.77 15483.77 10138.20 14000.00 Services (ICDS) 2 National Nutrition Mission 20.00 205.79 65.00 0.00 360.00 (NNM) 3 Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for 624.42 75.50 475.50 408.01 460.00 Empowerment of Adolescent Girl (SABLA) 4 Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog 343.14 438.00 233.50 183.32 400.00 Yojana (IGMSY) 5 Integrated Child Protection 446.08 402.23 402.23 360.52 397.00 Scheme (ICPS) 6 Central Adoption Resources 3.10 10.00 5.00 4.42 8.00 Agency (CARA) 7 Central Social Welfare Board 40.82 45.00 38.00 23.47 45.00 (CSWB) 8 National Commission for 21.85 20.00 20.00 14.94 20.00 Women (NCW) 9 Rashtriya Mahila Kosh 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 (RMK) 10 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 34.84 100.00 75.00 19.22 100.00 11 Support to Training and 7.40 30.00 16.00 9.26 30.00 Employment Programme (STEP) 12 Swadhar Greh 28.67 54.00 52.50 34.70 100.00 13 National Mission for 9.11 33.50 26.50 16.50 50.00 Empowerment of Women (NMEW) 14 Women’s Helpline 0.00 20.00 17.50 12.38 25.00 15 One stop crisis centre 0.00 14.00 13.00 8.64 75.00
2.8 The Committee observes that in almost all the major schemes, except for ICDS, SABLA, ICPS and NCW, BE allocation has been drastically brought down at the RE stage. Further, the Committee feels that the funds allocated have not been utilized to the fullest extent. It is unfortunate to note that in the scheme of National Nutrition Mission, there has been no utilization of funds at all. The Committee would like to point out that in schemes like ICDS, SABLA and ICPS, the funds allocated in BE 2016-17 have been reduced. Also in the scheme of RMK, there has been no allocation of funds at all for the last two years. The Committee desires that a status note on this be furnished for its consideration. 5
2.9 The reasons for under-utilization of funds as given by the Ministry for certain schemes during 2015-16 are given below:-
Sl. 2015-16 BE (R) Exp. till Savings Reasons No 7.3.2016 (R) (R)
1 Rajiv Gandhi 205,94,00 125,77,00 80,17,00 The cost norms of the scheme National Creche have been revised during the current financial year following Scheme appraisal by the Expenditure Finance Committee. The provision was kept for expenditure in the BE 2015-16 with reference to the proposed cost revision. However, the scheme has been implemented with reference to enhanced cost with effect from 1.1.2016. As such, there is a saving under the scheme.
2 Working Women 28,00,00 7,97,00 20,03,00 Savings occurred due to non- Hostel receipt of adequate proposals from State Governments which are complete and viable. In some cases required documents have not been received from the implementing agencies and State Governments. 3 Integration Education 25,00,00 1,12,00 23,88,00 The SFC has approved the in Nutrition (FNB) revised IEN Scheme with special emphasis on setting up/expansion of four existing Quality control Laboratories of FNB at Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai. For this purpose, appropriate pieces of land are required to be purchased for which new object head 53 is required to be opened. In this connection, a technical supplementary has been sought in the Third Batch. 4 National Nutrition 205,79,00 0.00 20579,00 The expenditure could not be in- Mission (NNM) curred as the scheme is in the process of being reviewed and recast. The approval of the com- petent authority to the revised NNM is awaited. 6
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
5 World Bank assisted 113,00,00 1,43,00 111,57,00 The expenditure could not be ICDS System incurred as the scheme is in Strengthening and the process of being reviewed Nutrition Improve- and recast. Loan agreement ment Project with World Bank for ISSNIP has been revised during the current financial year ISSNIP is being aligned with NNM. 2.10 The Committee feels that inordinate delays due to one procedural reason or another ultimately leads to delayed implementation of schemes. Ideally, least possible time should be taken for implementing the schemes so that the benefits of the schemes reach the targeted beneficiaries. The Committee firmly believes that concerted efforts need to be made by the Ministry with active co-operation from and co-ordination with the State Governments for successfully implementing the schemes, leading to timely and proper utilization of funds earmarked for the schemes in a financial year. 2.11 The Committee’s attention was drawn to achievements of targets in the year 2014-15 and 2015-16 for some schemes which are as follows:- I - Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme for the children of Working Mothers Quantifiable Deliverables 2014-15 2015-16 Target Achievement Target Achievement No. of new No. of new No. of new No. of new No. of new Crèches to be Creches were Creches could Creches to be Creches could be opened proposed be sanctioned opened sanctioned
No. of Creches 25,746# 23,293* 25,746# 21,363* funded No. of child 6.43 lakh 5.82 lakh 6.43 lakh 5.34 lakh beneficiaries (approx.) (approx.) # indicates number of approved crèches. * Indicates the number of functional crèches. II - Scheme for Welfare of Working children in Need of Care and Protection Quantifiable Deliverables 2014-15 2015-16 Target Achievement Target Achievement No. of projects 116 63 116 31 to be assisted No. of beneficiaries 11,600 6300 11600 3100
III - Support to Training and Employment (STEP)
Quantifiable Deliverables 2014-15 2015-16 Target Achievement Target Achievement as on 28.1.2016 Number of beneficiaries 30,000 30,953 15,000 11,608 7
2.12 The Committee finds that physical targets with respect to the above-mentioned schemes remained under-achieved in 2014-15 and 2015-16. The Committee believes that these schemes meant for girl child, adolescent girls and women were of vital importance for the welfare of the women and girl child. Any problems faced in the achievement of targets need to be identified and addressed for the efficacious implementation of the schemes. The Committee feels that the matter of under achievement of targets should be taken up by the Ministry with the concerned State Governments for resolving any constraints faced, so that the objectives of such schemes may be realised. 2.13 The Committee was informed that the Ministry is regularly monitoring the receipt of Utilization Certificates from the Grantee institution. The Ministry submitted that in order to liquidate pending utilization certificates over the years, the office of Chief Controller of Accounts has developed a database to monitor the progress of liquidation of UCs and no fresh release is made to any organization in case of pending UCs against it under the scheme of the Ministry. There were 5036 UCs as on 1st April, 2015 amounting to R665.77 crores and 4822 pending UCs as on 31st December, 2015 amounting to R544.60 crore. 214 UCs were liquidated during the year 2015-16 upto 31st December, 2015 for an amount of R121.16 crore. Utilization Certificates for an amount of R129.51 crore involving 351 UCs were liquidated during the financial year 2014-15 up to 31st December, 2014. The Committee has been given to understand that a good number of UCs relating to old periods are still pending and their liquidation takes longer time because of difficulties in locating the relevant records/correspondences and also in tracing those Grantee Organisations. 2.14 The Committee observes that outstanding UCs have become a perennial problem for the Ministry. Despite the efforts put in by the Ministry, there is still a good number of UCs that are still pending. The Committee would appreciate if proactive efforts are initiated by the Ministry for liquidating the very old Utilization Certificates. Pendency pertaining to the recent years also needs to be brought to the minimum level. The Committee is of the view that urgent steps on a priority basis need to be taken by the Ministry for liquidating the pending UCs, especially the old ones along with a proper analysis of the situation with the co-operation of the State Governments and implementing agencies. Constraints faced in the procedural formalities and accounting system need to be identified and addressed so as to ensure compliance with all the prescribed requirements. III. INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SCHEME (ICDS) 3.1 The ICDS Scheme is one of the flagship programmes of the Government of India and represents one of the world’s largest and unique programmes for early childhood care and development. The ICDS Scheme offers a package of six services, viz. (i) supplementary nutrition (ii) pre-school non-formal education (iii) nutrition and health education (iv) immunization (v) health check up and (vi) Referral services 8
Health related services are provided through convergence with Health Ministry. The ICDS Scheme has been universalized with 7076 ICDS Projects and 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) including Mini AWCs. The scheme presently operates through a network of about 7072 operational Projects and about 13.48 lakh AWCs as on 30.9.2015.
3.2 The Committee was given to understand that in order to address various programmatic, management and institutional gaps and to meet administrative and operational challenges, Govern- ment approved the proposal for Strengthening and Restructuring of ICDS Scheme with an over- all budget allocation of R1,23,580 crore during the 12th Five Year Plan. The budget allocation and expenditure under ICDS Scheme during the first four years of the XII Plan and the BE of 2016-17 is as shown below:-
(R in crore)
Sl. Year Budget Budget Expenditure Percentage No. Allocation Allocation w.r.t. RE (BE) (RE)
1 2012-13 15,850.00 15,850.00 15701.50 99.06% 2 2013-14 17,700.00 16,312.00 16267.49 99.73% 3 2014-15 18,195.00 16,561.60 16581.82 100.12% 4 2015-16 8,335.77 15,480.77 10142.66 65.51% (as on 31.12.15) 5 2016-17 14000.00 — — —
3.3 The Committee notes that there has been a consistent increase in the allocations for the first three years of the XII Plan. However, for the year 2015-16, the allocation was reduced substantially at BE on account of the recommendations of 14th Finance Commission. The Ministry pointed out that additional funds were provided for ICDS Scheme and hence RE of 2015-16 was enhanced to R15,480.77 crore. For the current year, the BE was increased slightly in comparison with BE 2015-16, however the increase is not that significant. It is to be noted that ICDS Scheme is the biggest and most unique programme. It is of utmost importance that the benefits of the scheme reach all the targeted beneficiaries. In order to do as, enough funds for implementing are required. The Committee observes that the Ministry should put in efforts to make sure that the shortage of funds does not become a hindrance in implementing the scheme and also in enhancing the outreach of the scheme so as to include maximum number of beneficiaries.
3.4 The Committee also appreciates the efforts of the Ministry for fulfilling its financial targets. However, a lot more remains to be done. Given the immence importance of the nature of the Scheme, the Committee feels that the funds should be utilized properly, so that maximum number of women and children are benefitted by this Scheme. 9
Status of Infrastructure in Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) 3.5 Out of the 14 lakh sanctioned AWCs, there are 13.49 lakh operational AWCs as on 31.12.2015. State-wise details indicate gaps in respect of the following States:- State AWCs Sanctioned AWCs Operational Bihar 115009 91677 Gujarat 53029 52082 Jammu and Kashmir 31938 29599 Karnataka 65911 64558 Madhya Pradesh 97135 92198 Manipur 11510 9883 Nagaland 3980 3455 Odisha 74154 71204 Punjab 27314 26656 Rajasthan 62010 60801 Tripura 10145 9911 Uttar Pradesh 190145 187997 Uttarakhand 20067 19479 West Bengal 119481 114763 Delhi 11150 10897
3.6 The Committee feels that the constraints in making the sanctioned AWCs opera- tional need to be identified and taken care of. In States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the number of operational AWCs have not increased. The Committee is of the view that the Ministry has yet to do enough in this regard. The Committee, therefore, reiterates that the hurdles that come in the process should be identified and taken care of. 3.7 As per the information available on Annual Report of the Ministry, as on 31st October, 2015 from 12.49 lakh AWCs, about 89.91% AWCs are running from the pucca buildings and the remaining 10.09% from Kutcha buildings; 34.22% running from Government owned buildings; 21.18% running from school premises; 5.78% running from Panchayat buildings; 28.86% running from rented house; 9.14% running from others; 0.82% running from open space. 69.60% AWCs are having drinking water facilities within the premises and 49.38% AWCs have toilet facilities. 3.8 As regards construction of AWC buildings, there is a provision for construction of AWC buildings under the restructured ICDS scheme for which cost norms are R4.50 lakh per unit. Further, for the first time, MWCD has entered into convergence with Ministries of RD and PRI for construction of AWC buildings under MGNREGS for which MGNREGS would provide funds @ R5 lakh per unit and MWCD would provide R2 lakh per unit. The MWCD intends to construct 4 lakh AWC buildings till 2019 @ 1 lakh AWC buildings per year. During the current year, about 30,000 AWC buildings have already been sanctioned. 3.9 Under 14th Finance Commission Award, extensive powers have been vested with Panchayati Raj Institutions for making provisions of drinking water and sanitation facilities. Construction of toilets and provision of drinking water AWCs are being taken up in convergence of Ministry of Panchayati Raj. For provision of drinking water, there is a convergence between MWCD and Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation. The facility of drinking water is available in 60% of the AWCs. As regards, sanitation facilities, the Ministry has written to the States/UTs 10 to utilise the funds provided to them under the 14th Finance Commission Award.
3.10 According to the data provided by the Ministry in its Replies to the Questionnaires, the Committee observes that barring a few States, majority of the AWCs in various States do not have drinking water and toilet facilities. Absence of such facilities would be a discouraging factor for the targeted beneficiaries. The Committee would like to emphasize upon the importance of providing these facilities in all the AWCs. The Committee, accordingly, recommends that the Ministry should find out all the hurdles that come in the way and solve them urgently without any delay. The Committee acknowledges the initiative of the Ministry with respect of convergence of scheme run by other Departments/Ministries so as to provide the basic facilities to AWCs. It is now obligatory upon the MWCD to reach out to the Ministries of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation and also the respective States Governments to get their maximum support in providing AWCs with pucca houses, drinking water and sanitation facilities, the Committee observe. Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) 3.11 Supplementary Nutrition is one of the six services being delivered at AWCs under the ICDS scheme. Provision of supplementary nutrition is primarily made to bridge the gap between Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the Average Daily Intake (ADI) of children and pregnant and lactating women. Under the revised Nutritional and Feeding norms which have been made effective from February 2009, State Governments/UTs have been directed to provide 300 days of supplementary food to the beneficiaries in a year which would entail giving more than one meal to the children from 3-6 years who come to AWCs. This includes morning snacks in the form of milk/banana/egg/seasonal fruits/micro-nutrient fortified food followed by a Hot Cooked Meal. For children below 3 years of age and pregnant and lactating mothers, age appropriate Take Home Rations (THRs) in the form of pre-mix/ready-to-eat food are provided. Besides for severely underweight children in the age of 6 months to 6 years, additional food items in the form of micronutrient fortified food and/or energy dense food as THR have been recommended. These norms have also been endorsed by the Supreme Court in order dated 22.04.2009. 3.12 Committee’s attention has been drawn to the financial norms of Supplementary Nutrition which have been revised w.e.f. 22.10.2012 and to be rolled out in phased manner under the restructured ICDS which are as given below:- Category Existing norms per Revised cost norms per Per beneficiary per day beneficiary per day beneficiary per day (w.e.f. 16.10.08) (as per phased roll-out) Calories Protein (K Cal) (gms)
Children (6-72 months) R4 R6 500 12-15 Severely malnourished R6 R9 800 20-25 children (6-72 months) Pregnant Women and R5 R7 600 18-20 lactating mothers 11
3.13 On a specific query, the Secretary mentioned that cost norms per beneficiary is quite less and it is high time that this amount was revised. The Ministry is putting up a proposal to the NITI Aayog in this regard. He informed the Committee that if this constraint is removed, the Ministry would be able to provide much better food in AWCs. 3.14 The Committee is of the view that even the revised cost norms per beneficiary per day appears to be on the lower side, keeping in view the inflationary trends in recent times leading to rising prices of food-grains and of other items. The Committee wonders whether in the prescribed cost norms, the beneficiary would be getting the prescribed calories/ protein. The Committee believes that the idea of providing SNP to the women and children is to fulfil any deficiency in their daily in-take of food. To keep up the quality and quantity of SNP, the Committee recommends for further increase in the cost norms set for providing SNP on a daily basis. Availability of Pre-School Education (PSE) Kits and Medicine Kits. 3.15 Availability of Pre-Education kits and Medicine kits is to be made by the States/UTs who are expected to ensure delivery of these kits to the targeted beneficiaries. It has been brought to the notice of the Committee that the Ministry have prescribed a five tier monitoring mechanism at the National, State, District, Block and AWC level.The prime responsibility of these Committees is to ensure that the services under the ICDS scheme are delivered as per the norms which includes distribution of PSE and medicine kits and the SNP. 3.16 The status of procurement of Medicine kits by the States/UTs during the last three years 2012-13, 3013-14, 2014-15 are given below:- (R in lakh) States/UTs 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Bihar NR NR NR Chhattisgarh NR 12.62 NR Goa NR NR 11.26 Gujarat 291.84 1.9 3.29 Haryana NR NR NR Himachal Pradesh 278.46 298.49 NR Jammu & Kashmir NR NR 125.81 Madhya Pradesh 495.77 177.94 45.46 Maharashtra 511.69 NR NR Odisha NR NR NR Punjab 114.39 159.92 58.93 Rajasthan 341.76 271.54 NR Dadra and Nagar Haveli NR NR NR Lakshadweep NR NR NR Arunachal Pradesh 180.84 NR NR Assam 295.94 492.58 199.96 Manipur NR NR 96.56 Sikkim 7.69 NR NR Tripura NR NR NR
NR= Not reported in Statement of Expenditure. 12
3.17 The statement showing expenditure on PSE kit during last three years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 as reported by the States/UTs is given below:-
States/UTs 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Bihar NR NR NR Chhattisgarh 387.83 1347.47 NR Goa NR NR 32.22 Haryana NR NR NR Himachal Pradesh NR NR 746.22 Jammu & Kashmir NR NR 415.23 Karnataka 537.07 618.59 182.45 Punjab 198.39 508.21 154.2 Rajasthan 546.66 NR NR Delhi NR 87.07 NR Dadra & Nagar Haveli NR NR NR Lakshadweep NR NR NR Arunachal Pradesh 60.28 NR NR Manipur NR NR 289.69 Nagaland 34.55 182.55 93.29 Sikkim 12.25 NR NR NR = Not reported in Statement of Expenditure.
3.18 On a specific query raised by the Committee regarding status of procurement of Pre-School kits and Medicine Kits by the States/UTs during the last three years, the Committee notes that proper information of procurement details and the number of States not making available PSE and Medicine kits have not been furnished by the Ministry. However, from this information the Committee concludes that very few States witnessed increase in the expenditure incurred for PSE and Medicine kits while a majority of States have not given any data at all.
3.19 The Committee would like to emphasize upon the importance of the availability of PSE and Medicine kits in AWCs which introduce young children to non-formal pre-school education through a variety of activities and teaching and provide them medical and whenever required during their stay in and AWC. The Committee feels that adequate attention and priority is not being given to this component of the ICDS Scheme. The Committee recommends to the Ministry to make efforts so that the targeted beneficiaries receive the kits meant for them.
Staff and Key Functionaries of ICDS
3.20 An area of concern which has remained with the Committee for long is that a large number of posts of AWC functionaries continue to lay vacant. The table below shows that status of vacancy of the functionaries which is quite dismal with respect to Supervisors and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs). 13
Year Supervisors Anganwadi Helpers Sanctioned Posts Vacant Posts Sanctioned Posts Vacant Posts
2013-14 54166 19242 1255456 83243 2014-15 55187 19452 1283150 118609 2015-16 53187 19178 1283150 123735 (as on 31.12.15)
3.21 The Committee is dismayed to note that barring a very few States, majority of the States have got a long way to go in filling the vacant posts of the ICDS functionaries. With the expansion and strengthening of ICDS Scheme, more efforts need to be made in order to fill the vacancies. The pace of filling up of vacancies is drastically very slow. The ICDS functionaries play a very important role in implementing the scheme efficiently. The Committee reiterates that the vacancy problem that continues for a long time needs to be addressed urgently without further delay. The Committee would like to be apprised of the steps taken by the Ministry to fill the vacant posts. The Committee also recommends that the Ministry should pursue the matter with the State Governments on a priority basis, if need be at the highest level so that vacant posts are filled at the earliest. 3.22 It has been submitted by the Ministry that the AWWs/AWHs are honorary workers who are paid honorarium of R3000 and R1500 per month respectively. The Committee was further informed that the honorarium of AWWs of mini-AWCs was recently increased from R1500 to R2500 per month. Beside States/UTs are also paying additional honorarium from their sources. After the devolution of funds to the States/UTs, the availability of funds with them has increased. The Committee was informed that the Ministry has been requesting the States/UTs to enhance the additional honorarium being paid by from their source to the AWWs/AWHs. Besides honorarium, following benefits are also extended to them to improve the working conditions of AWWs/AWHs.:- (i) Anganwadi Karyakarti Bima Yojana (ii) Annual uniform and badge (iii) Maternity leave (iv) Reservation of 50% posts in appointment to the post of supervisor by way of promotion of eligible AWWs. (v) Reservation in appointment to the posts of AWWs for AWHs. 3.23 The Committee while taking note of the efforts of the Ministry in improving the working conditions of AWWs/AWHs, expresses its serious concern about its reaching to the ground level. It is to be noted that AWWs/AWHs play a very important role in the proper implementation of the ICDS Scheme. Therefore, it is important that these benefits reach to the workers and they are remunerated properly. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take up steps in enhancing the honorarium paid to AWWs/AWHs. 3.24 The Committee was informed that the National Awards for the Anganwadi Workers for the years 2013-14 has already been finalized and conferred to Awardees on 1st December, 2015 at New Delhi. The Guidelines for National Awards for the AWWs for the years 2014-15 and 14
2015-16 have been finalised and sent to States/UTs for implementation. As per these Guidelines, States/UTs are required to send the nominations for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16 by 15th September, 2015 and 15th March, 2016 respectively. 25 States/UTs have sent nominations for the year 2014-15. 3.25 The Committee appreciates the steps taken by the Ministry in finalising and confer- ring the awards to the AWWs. However, the Committee expresses its concern about unduly long process for selection of AWWs for awards. Delay in awarding the worker can only hamper the functioning of the ICDS Scheme. The Committee recommends that the selection process should be completed without any further delay and services of deserving functionaries duly recognised.
World Bank assisted ICDS Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Project (ISSNIP)
3.26 The ISSNIP has been designed with financial assistance of the World Bank (IDA) to supplement and provide value addition on the existing ICDS programme, through systems strengthening for better service delivery as well as to allow the select States /districts to experiment innovate and conduct pilots of potentially more effective approaches for ICDS, to achieve early childhood education and nutrition outcomes. The Committee was informed that Phase I of the ICDS System Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) which was scheduled to be concluded on 31.12.2015 has since been restructured with modification in activities and extension of time-frame by two years, i.e. up to 30.12.2017. The Amended and Restated Financing Agreement has been signed between Department of Economic Affairs and IDA on 29.9.2015. Necessary approval on the restructured ISSNIP has also been obtained from Department of Expenditure. The Restructured ISSNIP will continue to cover the 162 high malnu- trition burdened districts spread over eight States of the country, viz. Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
3.27 The Committee is happy to note that the Ministry has taken steps to implement the scheme. However, Phase I of the project, due to restructuring, has been extended by two years. The Committee, recommends, that the Ministry should take up steps to ensure that the scheme is implemented on time so that the targeted beneficiaries are not deprived of the benefits of this scheme.
IV. INTEGRATED CHILD PROTECTION SCHEME (ICPS)
4.1 The Integrated Child Protection Scheme was revised in the year 2014-15 and has come into effect from 1st April, 2014. Some of the key features of the revised scheme are increased maintenance grant for children in homes, from existing R750 to R2000 per child per month enhanced cost of construction from existing provision from R600 per sq. Feet to R1000 per sq. Feet; flexibility in the staffing pattern and in service delivery structures, depending on the size and need of State/UT, to provide child protection services in a more cost effective manner; and flexibility to States to source additional funds from corporate/private donors for any component of the Scheme.
4.2 The scheme provides financial support to State Governments/UT Administrations for run- ning services for children either themselves or through suitable NGOs. These services include (a) Homes of various types for children; (b) Emergency Outreach services through Childline; (c) 15
Open Shelters for children in need of care and protection in Urban and Semi Urban Areas; (d) Family Based Non-Institutional Care through Sponsorship, Foster Care and Adoptions. 4.3 Financial Assistance under the Scheme is also provided for setting up of statutory bodies under the JJ Act namely; Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs). As reported by State Governments/UT Administrations, 644 CWCs and 647 JJBs have so far been set up across the country. 4.4 The status of the scheme with respect to budgetary allocation and number of beneficiaries for the last three years is as shown below:- Year No. of States Budget Allocation Amount Sanc- Number of that have signed (R in crore) tioned (Rin crore) Beneficiaries MOUs
2013-14 35 BE-300.00 265.78 74,983 RE-270.00 2014-15 36 BE-400.00 448.43 91,769 RE-450.00 2015-16 36 BE-402.23 362.12 78,463 RE-402.23 (as on 31.12.2015)
4.5 Attention of the Committee has been drawn to the increase in the number of missing children over the recent years. The Ministry submitted that under ICPS, an effective system for child protection and data management, reporting and a tool for monitoring the implementation of all its child protection issues has been developed. A revised and user friendly version 2.0 of Track Child was launched in 2015-16 for better connectivity with enhanced features such as Mobile Application. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has also launched Khoya-Paya on 2nd June, 2015. Khoya-Paya, is an enabling platform, where citizens can report missing children as well as sightings of their whereabouts without losing much time. Found children can also be reported. Any citizen can register on Khoya Paya by using an Indian Mobile number. The Khoya- Paya portal has been integrated as a citizen corner on the track Child portal. 4.6 Childline India Foundation (CIF) has been designated as Mother NGO by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for managing Childline service across the country. Under ICPS, 100 per cent financial assistance is provided to the CIF. CIF is working in 366 locations as indicated below in the table. Year No. of Cities/districts No. of Partner Grant released covered Organisations (R in crores) 2011-12 205 449 23.16 2012-13 269 547 30.83 2013-14 278 544 30.04 2014-15 283 543 53.62 2015-16 366 607 56.73(as on 31.12.15) 16
4.7 The Committee would like to express its satisfaction over the various steps to deal with the issue of missing children. It is to be noted that everyday thousands of children are reported missing and many of them are never found. Therefore, it is imperative that the all out efforts are required to be taken up in this regard. Hence the Committee recom- mends that missing children should become a priority issue with State and Union Govern- ments and law enforcement agencies. Separate Cell for missing children should be estab- lished at all police stations. It was obvious that the police agencies, despite best efforts, have not been able to rescue and retrieve thousands of missing children due to various factors. The resources and time to their command are limited and above all, the issue of missing children has not received the required sensitive handling, except in a few instances. By and large, there is no involvement of other Government agencies. The efforts to locate the missing children need to be synergised to build up an effective and functional system where the various partners work in a concerted, coordinated and integrated manner. The Committee feels strongly about utilisation of advanced technologies, skills and training for the same.
4.8 On a specific query regarding efforts taken up by the Ministry to strengthen the mechanism for monitoring of quality services at the Juvenile Homes so as to prevent abuse or exploitation of children, the Ministry submitted that Section 41 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 has made registration of Homes mandatory within six months of the Act coming into force. There are stringent penalties in case of non-compliance. Under Section 8, the Juvenile Justice Board is required to conduct at least one inspection visit every month of residential facilities for children in conflict with law and recommend action for improvement in quality of services to the District Child Protection Unit and the State Government. Further, under Section 54, State Government is required to appoint inspection committees for the State and district. The inspection Committees are required to mandatorily conduct visits to all facilities housing children, at least once in three months. The Act also includes detailed rehabilitation and re-integration services that are to be provided to institutions registered under the Act such as education, vocational training, skill development, mental health interventions including counselling, recreational activities, etc.
4.9 The Committee would like to point out that well meaning laws alone would not make any change at the ground level. What is required is their implementation in accordance with their objective. The Ministry, being the nodal authority for all child-welfare measures, has to be pro-active in sensitizing the State Governments in carrying out the assigned tasks.
V. BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO (BBBP)
5.1 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched by Prime Minister on 22nd January, 2015 at Panipat, Haryana. BBBP addresses the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and related issues of women empowerment over a life-cycle continuum. It is a tri-ministerial effort of Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare and Human Resource Development. The key elements of the scheme include Enforcement of PC&PNDT Act; Nation-wide awareness and advocacy campaign and multi-sectoral action in select 100 districts (low on CSR) in the first phase. There is a strong emphasis on mindset change through training, sensitization, awareness raising and community mobilization on ground. 17
5.2 Achievements under BBBP are under follows:- The Multi-sectoral District Action Plans have been operationalized in all State/UTs except West Bengal and Lakshadweep. Capacity-building programmes and Trainings have been imparted to Master Trainers to further strengthen capacities of district level officials and frontline workers. Nine set of such trainings have been organized covering all States/UTs by NIPCCD, MWCD from April-October, 2015. As a part of branding exercise, BBBP logo is a part of all Government of India newspaper advertise- ments issued by different Ministries/Departments bringing greater visibility to the issue in the public domain. Advocacy and Media Campaign for 2015-16 is exhaustive with a 360 degree approach and includes Radio and TV campaign, Cinema Halls, IVR based 139 (the universal railway enquiry number), community engagement through Song and Drama Division, and online digital media. Radio, TV and IVR based 139 (the universal railway enquiry number) campaigns are running.
5.3 The budgetary allocation and expenditure in the scheme of BBBP is given in the table below:- (R in crore) Year BE RE Expenditure 2014-15 100 50 34.84 2015-16 100 75 19.22(upto 31.12.2015 2016-17 100 —
5.4 The Committee would like to point out that Child Sex Ratio (CSR), an indication of gender discrimination towards girl child stands at 918 girls per 1000 boys in the age group of 0-6 years, much lower than the figure of 927 in 2001 Census. The unabated decline in CSR since 1961 is a matter of grave concern as it reflects the low status of women in our society and indicates her disempowerment. Hence, it is important that the Ministry check this serious problem before it is too late. However, the Committee is disappointed to note the unsatisfactory utilisation trend of this scheme despite dealing with grave matter. Therefore, the Committee observes that the Ministry should make serious efforts to utilize the funds properly so as to benefit the targeted beneficiaries. The Committee also recommends that the Ministry should take concerted efforts to check this declining CSR in a mission mode and also to put more aggressiveness, energy and resources to reverse this trend.
VI. RAJIV GANDHI SCHEME FOR THE EMPOWERMENT OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS-(SABLA)
6.1 Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for empowerment of adolescent girls - SABLA introduced on a pilot basis in August, 2010 is operational in 205 selected districts across the country. SABLA aims at all-round development of adolescent girls (AGs) of 11-18 years (with a focus on all out-of-school AGs) by making them ‘self-reliant’ by improving their health and nutrition status, promoting awareness about health, hygiene, nutrition, Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH), family and child care and facilitating access to learning about public services through various interventions such as guidance and counselling as well as Vocational Training. It also aims towards mainstreaming ‘out of school AGs’ into formal/non-formal education. The scheme has two major components Nutrition and Non Nutrition Component. 18
6.2 SABLA is an intervention which addresses the health needs of Adolescent Girls and will not only lead to a healthier and more productive force but will also help to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. 6.3 Nutrition is being given in the form of Take Home Ration or Hot Cooked Meal for 11-14 years out of school girls and 14-18 years to all AGs (out of school and in school girls). Each adolescent girl is given 600 calories and 18-20 grams of protein and micronutrients (which is approx. 1/3 of recommended dietary allowance) per day for 300 days in a year. The out of school adolescent girls (11-14 years) attending AWCs and all girls (14-18 years) are provided Supplementary nutrition in the form of Take Home Ration/Hot Cooked Meal. The nutrition provided is as per the norms for P&L mothers. 6.4 While the nutrition component aims at improving the health and nutrition status of the adolescent girls the non-nutrition component addresses the developmental needs. In the Non Nutrition Component, out of school adolescent girls of 11-18 years are being provided IFA supplementation, health check-up and referral services, nutrition and health education, ARSH counselling/guidance on family welfare, life skill education, guidance on accessing public services and vocational training (only 16-18 year old adolescent girls).
6.5 In 2016-17, the scheme has a budgetary outlay R600 crore and targets to provide nutrition to 1 crore adolescent girls. The scheme is proposed to be continued in 2016-17 with revised nutrition @ R7 per beneficiary per day for 300 days in a year against the present rate of R5/beneficiary/day and non-nutrition norms (@ R7 lakh per project per annum against the present rate of R3.8 lakh/project/annum). 6.6 The feedback received from the States/UTs and the findings of third party evaluation of the scheme RGSEAG-Sabla has shown satisfactory progress of the nutrition component under the scheme. However, the implementation and service delivery of the non-nutrition component needs further improvement. As the non-nutrition component involves convergence with line departments, efforts are being made to strengthen the convergence under the scheme. The norms under the scheme been proposed to be revised in addition to the provision for flexibility in scheme to address local needs of AGs. 6.7 It is quite evident from the figures below that number of beneficiaries of the nutrition component in more compared to the non nutrition one.
Quantifiable Deliverables 2014-15 2015-16 Target Achievement Target Achievement Number of beneficiaries 116.86 lakh 107.49 lakh 100.77 lakh 83.30 lakh (as covered for nutrition under reported by States SABLA as on 31.1.2016) Number of beneficiaries 84.47 lakh 51.89 lakh 80.66 lakh 25.39 lakh (as covered for non-nutrition reported by States services under SABLA as on 31.1.2016)
6.8 The Committee is happy to note that the scheme for empowerment of adolescent girls is yielding good results, especially with respect to the nutrition component. Proper nutrition for the adolescent girls is of vital importance for their state of health, hygiene of the girl child, family and child care. The non-nutrition component, on the other hand, 19 needs to be strengthened as envisaged by the Ministry. The Committee is of the view that the non-nutrition component of the scheme is very important for the development and empowerment of adolescent girls. The Committee hopes that this component is strength- ened so as to benefit maximum number of adolescent girls. VII. INDIRA GANDHI MATRITVA SAHYOG YOJANA (IGMSY) 7.1 Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) is a Centrally Sponsored Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme for pregnant and lactating women introduced in October, 2010 in 53 selected districts on pilot basis using the platform of ICDS. In the Scheme, the pregnant and lactating women who are 19 years and above, for first two live births, are paid R6000 in two instalments upon fulfilling specific health and nutrition conditions. As per the schematic norms, cash benefit is provided in the bank/post office accounts of the beneficiaries by the State Governments/UT Administrations wherein distributing maternity benefit in cash/cheque is not permissible. The scheme has an annual budget of R438 crores. IGMSY has promoted financial inclusion, among 6 lakh women annually, thereby promoting economic empowerment process. From 2015-16, the scheme has cost sharing of 60:40 between Centre and general category States, 90:10 between Centre and special category States (8 northern States and 3 hilly States of Himalayan region) and 100% support for UTs. 7.2 The Budget Estimate for 2015-16 is R438 crore and Revised Estimate is R233.50 crore. Funds amounting to R232.99 crore have been released to the States/UTs upto March, 2016. The Budget Estimate for 2016-17 is R400 crore as Central Government share for implementing the scheme is in accordance with the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013. The financial and physical progress of the last three years of some of the poorly performing States under the scheme is given in the following table:- (R in lakh) States/UTs 2013-14 2014-15 Funds Utilisation Funds Utilisation Funds Utilisation released reported released reported released reported
Assam 149.78 2186.92 1744.74 NR 872.38 NR Bihar 1758.10 3849.02 4862.81 2747.60 2431.40 NR Chhattisgarh 1456.53 678.66 859.86 1500.00 429.94 NR Himachal Pradesh 124.30 140.36 295.19 180.56 537.11 295.17 Jammu & Kashmir 665.24 689.44 522.38 NR 261.20 NR Jharkhand 34.64 320.55 — 331.26 17.32 0.00 Manipur 0.00 NR — NR 0.00 NR Meghalaya 53.93 33.18 — NR 26.96 NR Rajasthan 935.01 1750.97 3640.40 2156.69 1820.20 1325.95 Tripura 161.76 100.82 209.70 73.16 479.83 57.67 Uttarakhand 332.64 525.19 570.58 418.16 1182.74 324.60 Daman and Diu 4.13 5.58 18.70 5.56 9.36 NR Dadra and Nagar Haveli 11.29 11.37 — NR 5.64 NR Lakshadweep 0.00 NR — NR 0.00 NR NR : Not Reported — : Not Released.
7.3 On a specific query regarding the performance of IGMSY the Ministry submitted that the financial performance of the scheme has improved over the years (from R293.83 crores during 2011-12 to R343.14 crores during 2014-15). Similarly, the beneficiary coverage has 20 also improved (from R3.50 lakhs in 2011-12 to R6.16 lakh during 2014-15). Regarding the decrease of funds allotted in 2015-16 as compared to 2014-15, the Ministry pointed out that the reason for such a decrease is mainly due to change in cost sharing pattern between Centre and State from 2015-16 (earlier it was 100% financially supported by the Government of India). Further, the reduced number of beneficiaries 2015-16 is due to non-reporting of beneficiaries covered by some States and UTs. The number of beneficiaries is likely to be around 6 lakhs during 2015-16.
7.4 The Committee observes that despite the Ministry’s submission of improvement in the achievements of the scheme both financially and physically, the figure shown above paints a different picture. Keeping aside a few States and UTs, almost all the States and UTs have not utilised the funds completely. Many States and UTs have also not reported any data for the year 2014-15 inspite of the time lapsed. Data for the year 2015-16 is not complete. In State of Manipur and UT of Lakshadweep, no funds have been released for the last three years. The Committee is disappointed with the lackadaisical attitude of the Ministry towards this scheme. The Committee recommends the Ministry to make serious efforts with co-operation of the State Governments in putting in place the necessary structures for service delivery to maximum pregnant and nursing women requiring cash incentives for their health, nutrition and also partial compensation for their wage loss.
VIII. RASHTRIYA MAHILA KOSH (RMK)
8.1 The National Credit Fund for Women known as Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) was set up by the Government of India in 1993 as a national level organisation under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, initially with a corpus of R31/ crore in 1993 to meet the credit needs of poor and asset less women in the informal sector. RMK works as a single-window organisation. Apart from giving micro-credit, it also builds the capacities of Self Help Groups (SHGs)/women members and partner organisations through trainings in financial management, enterprise development, skills and modern management practices, as well as exposure visits and assistance in marketing.
8.2 RMK’s micro-finance programmes for the socio-economic upliftment of poor women are dispensed through NGOs/SHGs. These NGOs may be voluntary organisations, Government autonomous bodies, and Cooperative societies etc. to work as Financial Intermediary Organisations (IMOs). RMK provides loans to the organisations at the rate of 6 per cent per annum. The organisations in turn are eligible to provide loan to end beneficiaries at the rate of 14 per cent per annum. With effect from 17.11.2015, this has been revised to 10% per annum on reducing balance method. The loaning guidelines has also been revised and revamped for its more effectiveness.
8.3 The RMK has extended its IMOs network across the country including the Andaman and Nicobar Island and the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir. As on 31.12.2015, RMK has sanctioned cumulative loans of R360.24 crore benefiting 7,35,239 women. Out of this sum or R302.38 crore was disbursed. Due to restructuring of RMK and also as the lending guidelines of RMK is under revision, no fresh loans have been sanctioned till quarter ending 31.12.2015.
8.4 The Committee takes note of the fact that the data on loan sanctioned, disbursed and number of beneficiaries as on 31.12.2014 and 31.12.2015 have not changed at all. 21
Further, the Committee observes that no fund has been allotted for this scheme since 2012-13 and no utilization of fund since 2011-12. The Committee may be apprised of the reasons why there has been no allocation and utilisation of funds. For the year 2016-17, a meagre amount of R1 crore has been assigned for this scheme. The Committee fails to understand why a meagre sum of R1 crore has been allotted for this scheme meant for the economic empowerment of poor women. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should complete all necessary procedures and formalities without further delay and process of seeking approvals from the concerned authorities should be expedited so that women beneficiaries benefit from this scheme. IX. HOSTELS FOR WORKING WOMEN 9.1 Under the Scheme of Working Women Hostel financial assistance is provided for construction/running of Hostel in rented premises for those working women who may be single, widowed, divorced, separated, married but whose husband or immediate family does not reside in the same area and for those women who are under training for job. Provision of day care centre for children of the inmates of the Hostel is an important aspect of the scheme. The Scheme has been revised in June, 2015. As per revised guidelines, Working Women are entitled to hostel facilities provided their gross income does not exceed R50,000 consolidated (gross) per month in metropolitan cities, or R35,000 consolidated (gross) per month, in any other place. When the income of any working women already residing in a hostel exceeds the prescribed limits, she will be required to vacate the hostel within a period of six months of crossing the income limit. Implementing Agencies will be provided financial assistance for installing Solar Water Heating System/Gyser and providing Washing Machines for the use of inmates of the Hostel. 9.2 Since its inception in 1972-73, 921 hostels have been sanctioned under the scheme all over the country benefitting about 69,051 working women. During the last five years, 71 new proposals were received. Complete and viable proposals recommended by the concerned State Government were considered by the Project Sanctioning Committee and 33 new proposals were sanctioned. In the financial year 2015-16, a budgetary allocation of R28 crore was made for the construction of working women’s hostel across the country, out of which, R5.56 crore have been released upto 31.12.2015. The reason for underutilization fund, according to the Ministry, was due to non-receipt of adequate proposals from State Governments which are complete and viable. The Ministry also mentioned that in some cases, required documents have not been received from the implementing agencies and State Governments. For the financial year 2016-17, R28.00 crore was allotted for this scheme. 9.3 The performance of the Scheme of Hostels for Working Women is given in the following table:- Quantifiable 2014-15 2015-16 Deliverables Target Achievement Target Achievement as on 28.1.2016 Number of Hostels Depends on the 3 new Hostels Depends on the 5 new Hostels to be sanctioned and good and feasible for 260 Working good and feasible for 397 working number of beneficiaries proposals complete women were sanctioned women have to be covered all respect. in all respect. complete in proposals been sanctioned 22
9.4 The Committee is of the view that the revision of the Scheme has not helped in the performance of the scheme with respect to the receipt of complete and viable proposals for construction of new hostels for working women. In the year 2014-15, only 3 proposals were sanctioned, while 5 proposals had been sanctioned in 2015-16. The Committee observes that the Ministry needs to take serious steps to improve the performance of the scheme with respect to construction of more hostels for working women. The Ministry should take up strict steps with the State Governments/UT Administrations so that more complete and viable proposals are sent on a regular basis.
X. SWADHAR GREH
10.1 Swadhar Scheme was launched by the Ministry during the year 2001-02 for the benefit of women in difficult circumstances with the following objectives: To provide primary need of shelter, food, clothing and care to the marginalized women/girls living in difficult circumstances who are without any social and economic support; To provide emotional support and counselling to rehabilitate them socially and economically through education, awareness etc; To arrange for specific clinical, legal and other support for women/girls in need; and To provide for helpline or other facilities to such women in distress.
10.2 The Scheme is being implemented through Social Welfare/Women and Child Welfare Department of State Government, Women’s Development Corporations, Urban Local Bodies, reputed Public/Private Trust or Voluntary Organisations. At present 311 Swadhar Homes are functioning across the country. Under Swadhar Scheme, financial allocations and actual expenditure for the last three years are as under:-
Year Budget Estimates Expenditure
2013-14 75.00 53.74 2014-15 115.00 28.60 2015-16(as on 25.1.16) 54.00 38.60
The budgetary allocation for the year 2016-17 has been enhanced to R100 crore.
10.3 It has been pointed out by the Ministry that the Scheme Swadhar and Short Stay Homes have been merged and revised as “Swadhar Greh” Scheme. The revised financial norms came into effect from 1.1.2016. Till date an amount of R1,23,48,000 has been released under the Swadhar Greh Scheme to State Government of West Bengal for the implementation of Swadhar Greh Scheme. Proposal for disbursement of funds to the States of Odisha and UT of Puducherry is under consideration. In addition to this, all other States have been asked to sent their proposals for release of funds.
10.4 The Committee appreciates the efforts taken by the Ministry to implement the Swadhar Greh Scheme. However, a lot more can be done to improve on this. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should approach all the State Governments/ UT Administrations to send their proposals on time. The Scheme of such importance should be implemented with all sincerity so as to benefit the victims in unfortunate circumstances. 23
XI. UJJWALA SCHEME
11.1 The Ministry has formulated a Central Scheme Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of Trafficking for Rescue, Rehabilitation and Re-integration of victims of Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Ujjwala. The objective of the scheme is to prevent trafficking of women and children through social mobilization/workshops/seminars etc., to facilitate rescue of victims from place of exploitation to safe custody in homes, providing rehabilitation services to the victims such as shelter, food, clothing, medical treatment including counselling, legal aid and vocational training. The Scheme is run through implementing agencies all over India on the recommendation of State/ UT Governments as per the norms of the Scheme. The Ministry releases grants-in-aid to the implementing agencies in two instalments, the first instalment being released with the sanction of the project and second and subsequent instalments will be released when the agencies have spent the previous instalments along with its proportionate share of cost. The grants are released to the implementing agencies for running of rehabilitation homes and for prevention. During the year, 27 new projects including 13 rehabilitation homes have been sanctioned. At present there are 276 operational projects of which 162 are rehabilitation homes and remaining projects for prevention. The capacity of victims of trafficking in the rehabilitation homes ranges from 25 to 50 and approx. 5000 victims are receiving rehabilitation services. During 2014-15, a total of R12.79 crores was released as grants-in-aid to the implementing agencies for Ujjwala Scheme. In the current financial year R13.87 crores has been released up to December, 2015 and a budget provision of R35 crores has been kept for 2016-17.
11.2 The Committee is happy to note the Ujjwala Scheme is being implemented properly by the Ministry. It is to be noted that this scheme is a valuable step in the direction of protecting two vulnerable sections of society i.e., women and children from exploitation. The Committee observes that funds allotted for this scheme should be utilized properly so as to empower victims of trafficking and help them become financially independent. The Committee is of the view that the Ministry should put in place a monitoring mechanism to see that the concerned NGOs are implementing the scheme effectively so that the objectives of the Scheme may be realised.
XII. NATIONAL MISSION FOR EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN (NMEW)
12.1 National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) aims to achieve holistic empowerment of women through convergence of schemes/programmes of the Government both at the Centre and at the State/UT level. The Scheme was approved for continuation during the Twelfth Plan Period as a sub-component of the Umbrella Scheme for Protection and Development of Women under Ministry of Women and Child Development.
12.2 At the State/UT level, the institutional mechanism to take forward the issue of empowerment of women rests with the State Mission Authority (SMA) and State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW) established under the respective State Government/UT Administration. SRCWs are functional with dedicated staff in 24 States/UTs.
12.3 In order to facilitate convergence of schemes/programs at the ground level and enable greater access for women to Government schemes/programs and create awareness on gender 24 issues Poorna Shakti Kendra (PSK) project was conceived in a pilot mode for selected districts. The PSK project entails setting-up of convergence centres at the district, block and Gram Panchayat (GP level). Each centre/Kendra at GP level has two Mahila Gram Samanvayaks (Village Coordinators) who act as motivators for the women in the area and are also responsible for providing support/facilitation on various issues that affect women’s empowerment. The first pilot project to demonstrate convergence of programmes and schemes was launched in district Pali, Rajasthan on September, 16, 2011.
12.4 The PSK projects have been instrumental in bringing about greater access and awareness related to women centric schemes/programs at the village level. With the learning from this project, Village Convergence and Facilitation Service (VCFS) has been extended (during 2015-16) to 100 BBBP districts and 200 High Burden Districts across the country.
12.5 The budgetary allocation and expenditure for the last three years of the scheme are given below:-
(R in crores) Year BE RE Expenditure
2013-14 55.00 24.00 20.19 2014-15 90.00 8.00 9.16 2015-16 33.50 26.50 19.36(as on 29.2.2016) 2016-17 50.00 —
12.6 The Committee observes that the objective of the NMEW Scheme is of vital importance as it aims for social, economic and educational empowerment of women. The Committee is of the view that the Scheme has not been implemented properly as is evident from the under utilisation of funds. The Committee feels that the Ministry should put in more efforts so that the objectives of the Mission are achieved by completing the process of putting all the necessary structures in place and receipt of viable proposals from the States. The Committee hopes that the allocation of R50.00 crore for the year 2016-17 is utilized fully for the implementation of the scheme. XIII. NIRBHAYA SCHEMES
13.1 As per the guidelines of Ministry of Finance dated 25.3.2015, Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal authority for appraisal of the schemes/proposals received under Nirbhaya Fund. The proposals as and when received from various Central Ministries/agencies are appraised and recommended by an Empowered Committee of officers under Nirbhaya Fund on priority. Apart from this, MWCD is administering two Schemes namely, One Stop Centre Scheme (OSC) and Universalisation of Women Helpline (WHL) under Nirbhaya Fund.
One Stop Centre Scheme (OSC)
13.2 The OSC with total project cost of R18.58 crore approved in March, 2015 for setting-up of One Stop Centre one in each State/UT to facilitate access to an integrated range of services including medical aid, police assistance, legal aid/case management, psychosocial counselling, 25 temporary support services to women affected by violence. Till date, proposals of 33 States/Union Territories have been cleared by Programme Approval Board (PAB). An amount of R10.17 crores has been released to 31 States/UTs. The proposal of Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh is under consideration in the Ministry. There are 8 operational One Stop Centres in Chhattisgarh (Raipur), Andhra Pradesh (Vijayawada), Haryana (Karnal), Odisha (Bhubaneshwar), Chandigarh (UT), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar (Port Blair), four more OSCs are scheduled to be commissioned in March, 2016.
Women Helpline (WHL)
13.3 The WHL Scheme with a total project cost R69.49 crore was approved in February, 2015 for implementation in 2015-16. The scheme of Universalisation of Women Helpline is exclusively designed to support women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces, including in the family, community, workplace etc. The Women Helpline will provide 24 hour emergency response to all women affected by violence both in public and private sphere. An amount of R15.46 crore has been sanctioned to 33 States/Union Territories.
13.4 The Budgetary allocation and expenditure under these schemes for the last three years are shown below:- (R in crores) Year One Stop Centres Women Helpline BE RE Expenditure BE RE Expenditure 2013-14 10.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 0.00 0.00 2014-15 20.00 0.00 0.00 10.00 0.00 0.00 2015-16 14.00 13.00 9.11(as on 29.2.16) 28.00 17.50 13.81(as on 29.2.16) 2016-17 75.00 — 25.00 —
An allocation of R400 crore is made for Other Scheme funded from the Nirbhaya Fund for the year 2016-17. The Ministry has pointed out that this additional fund of R400 crore would be either utilized for expansion of OSC and WHL or a new scheme would be formulated. A decision in this regard is yet to be taken.
13.5 The Committee is happy to note that the Ministry is taking some positive steps towards implementation of Schemes under the Nirbhaya Fund. However, the Committee is of the view that the Ministry should put in more efforts to ensure that the funds allotted are utilised to the full extent. It has been brought to the notice of the Committee that for the past 3 to 4 year, almost all the funds are lying idle. It is a complete irony that on one hand, crimes, against women are on the rise and on the other, funds allotted to tackle this issue has remained unutilized. Hence, the Committee recommends that concerted efforts are required to be taken up by the Ministry to ensure protection and welfare of women.
XIV. CENTRAL ADOPTION RESOURCE AUTHORITY (CARA)
14.1 Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), which was an Autonomous Body of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, has now become a statutory body as per the provisions under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, 26 which has been notified on 31.12.2015 and has come into force with effect form 15.01.2016. It functions as a nodal body at National level on adoption related matters of Indian children.
14.2 The number of abandoned and surrendered children available in all the Specialised Adoption Agencies across the country is 2354 and 1220 respectively. This data is retrieved from the information available on Child Adoption Resource Indormation and Guidance System (CARINGS), which is an on-line portal of Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). The number of children placed in adoption during the last three years is as follows:
Year In-country Inter-country Total adoptions adoptions
2012-13 4694 308 5002 2013-14 3924 430 4354 2014-15 3988 374 4362
14.3 The Committee was made to understand that although Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015, has streamlined adoption procedure in the country, and the online system CARINGS has brought transparency and efficiency, it is observed that Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) have to still wait for adoption as the availability of adoptable children is less in comparison to waiting parents. Also, there is need for more capacity building of all stakeholders including adoption agencies all over the country, the District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) and judicial officials so that they perform their respective roles efficiently and effectively. 14.4 Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015, has further streamlined adoption proce- dures in the country to promote both In-country and Inter-country adoption. There are checks and balances in the procedure which ensure that children placed in Inter-country adoption are not exploited. The Home Study Report (HSR) of the Inter-country parents is done by accredited Authorized Foreign Adoption Agency (AFAA), which establishes the eligibility and suitability of the parents. This HSR is scrutinized by CARA before approving them as suitable for adoption. In case of Inter-country adoption, no objection certificate (NOC) is examined by an external expert committee, headed by Professor of AIIMS. Thereafter, the court concerned examines the suitabil- ity and eligibility of parent and issues adoption order. The receiving country issues certificate under Article 5 or 17 of Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993 reassuring the safeguards to be provided to adopted child in their country. CARA monitors the growth and adjustment of the child for two years through follow-up reports. 14.5 The Committee finds that the number of In-country and Inter-country adoptions have not increased at all. Further, data relating to the year 2015-16 has not been provided by the Ministry. Despite formulating Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015, the adoption rate has not picked up at all. The Committee observes that the Ministry should put in place a system where prospective parents may undergo a hassle free adoption process. The Committee may also be apprised why the number of Inter-country adoption has dropped considerable. The Committee believes that the whole process of adoption, be it In-country or Inter-country should be made parent-friendly and child-friendly. The facilitators of the adoption process should be sensitive to the sentiments and vulnerability of orphaned or abandoned children and also of prospective parents. 27
XV. NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN (NCW) 15.1 The National Commission for Women (NCW) was set up in 1992 as a statutory apex national level body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. The functions/activities of the Commission include: (i) To investigate and examine all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws; (ii) To call for special studies or investigations into specific problems or situations arising out of discrimination and atrocities against women; (iii) Undertake promotional and educational research so as to suggest ways of ensuring due representation of women in all spheres and identify factors responsible for impending their advancement; (iv) Participate and advise on the planning process of socio-economic development of women; (v) Evaluate the progress of the development of women under the Union and the States; (vi) Inspect or cause to be inspected a jail, remand home, women’s institution or other place of custody where women are kept as prisoners or otherwise and take up with the concerned authorities for remedial action, if found necessary. NCW organizes meetings/seminars/conferences on various issues relating to women. The Commission also collaborates by providing funds to the eligible NGOs, State Commissions for Women etc. to conduct various programmes, including Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats, wherein a number of family and civil disputes involving women are resolved after observing due procedures. The Commission also provides assistance to the institu- tions/reputed scholars to undertake special studies. 15.2 The physical performance of NCW for 2014-15 and 2015-16 is as follows:-
Sl. Activity 2014-15 2015-16 No. Achievement Achievement (up to 31.12.15) 1. No. of Conferences/Seminars/Public hearings/ 79 38 Awareness Programmes etc. by NCW 2. No. of special studies sponsored by NCW 17 22 3. No. of Legal awareness programmes sponsored 301 72 4. No. of Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalats sponsored 65 — 5. No. of Investigations undertaken under Section 18 6 10(1) and 10(4) of the NCW Act, 1990 6. No. of Complaints/Cases received in Commission 32,118 19,088
15.3 The Committee is happy to note the performance of NCW for the year 2014-15. However, the achievements for the year 2015-16 seem to be lagging far behind as compared to the previous year. The Committee would like to refer to the rising crimes against women in the recent times which violate the right to life and right to various freedoms 28 enjoyed by women citizens of the country. Women have been at the receiving end most of the time, be it gender based violence and discrimination, sexual assault and rape, dowry deaths, crime and killings in the name of honour, trafficking, patriarchal bias in matters of family and inheritance laws etc. The Committee fails to see any pro-active role of the Commission with respect to safeguarding rights of women. The Committee recommends that vigorous and concerted efforts need to be taken by the Commission, especially with respect to crimes against women. 15.4 The Committee was given to understand that by the end of December, 2015, 19088 numbers of complaints/cases were registered at the Complaint and Investigation Cell of the Commission. According to the written replies to the questionnaires, the Ministry informed that the status of total number of cases received and closed by NCW during the last three years is as follows: Year Cases Received Cases Closed 2013-14 22422 10349 2014-15 32118 16369 2015-16 23505 7208
The cases which are not disposed off/closed are taken up by the Commission and are pending disposal at various stages.
15.6 The Ministry pointed out that NCW as per its mandate has been constantly reiterating its concern to protect/restore the rights of women and their empowerment. In order to facilitate in providing justice to aggrieved women NCW corresponds with different State/Districts authorities to ensure smooth and speedy disposal of their complaints. The Commission also takes suomotu cognizance on the basis of various media reports in incidents of heinous crimes against women. If required Inquiry Committees are constituted under section 8 of the NCW Act and its recommendations are taken up with appropriate authorities to act upon such reports recommendations. However, the NCW has constraints in providing justice to victims in a time bound manner as in most of the cases the actual disposal/redressal of their grievances depends upon the action taken by the appropriate authorities.
15.7 The list of top ten categories (in descending order) under which complaints have been registered is as follows:
Sl.No. Category No. of Complaints
1. Right to live with Dignity 5776 2. Police Apathy against Women 5407 3. Violence against Women 2208 4. Outraging modesty of Women 2076 5. Dowry harassment/Cruelty to Married Women 1685 6. Right to exercise choice in marriage 493 7. Sexual Harassment including sexual harassment at workplace 405 8. Bigamy/Polygamy 204 9. Cyber Crimes against Women 183 10. Privacy of women and rights thereof 120 29
The maximum number of complaints/cases registered were in the States of Uttar Pradesh (11819), Delhi (2310), Haryana (1013), Rajasthan (814) etc.
15.8 The Committee has been emphasizing upon the curtailment of crimes against women. However, the data given above paints a gloomy picture. The Committee is of the view that proper structure should be put in place to hinder such crimes against women and also to deliver justice on time. Apart from this, the Committee believes that a vigorous awareness generation programme through various mediums should be undertaken by NCW with special focus on officers, colleges/universities, schools etc. Women need to know their rights and the platform for redressal of their grievances. The Committee, therefore, recommends that a pro-active role should be played by NCW not gist for redressal of complaints but also their prevention.
XVI. RESEARCH, PUBLICATION AND MONITORING, INFORMATION AND MASS MEDIA
16.1 The objective of the scheme is to support research/evaluation works dialogue on the issues concerning women and children in the country towards bridging information gaps and to help improving ongoing interventions. The emphasis is on creating awareness amongst the masses and the communities in the country about the sensitivity of issues concerning women and children. Attempt is also made to address the gaps and shortfalls in this context. Further, the Ministry endeavours to promote strategic use of all forms of the mass media as a resource to advance social and public policy initiatives. This would lead to increase the accessibility of intended benefits to women and children in the country.
16.2 The budget allocation and utilization trend for the last three years are shown is the following table:-
(R in crore) Year Research Publication and Monitoring Information and Mass Media BE RE Expenditure BE RE Expenditure
2013-14 2.00 1.00 0.76 50.00 50.00 38.21 2014-15 2.00 1.50 0.93 50.00 42.00 36.36 2015-16 2.00 2.00 1.38 50.00 40.00 11.64 (as on 29.2.16) (as on 29.2.16) 2016-17 2.00
16.3 The Committee is sad to note that there has been a consistent trend of under- utilization for the past three years. The Committee desires that the Ministry provide the reasons for such under-utilization. The Committee strongly feels that a comprehensive advocacy and awareness generation policy and plan of action has to be developed and implemented that will ensure awareness generation and public education of existing policies and programmes for women and children at all levels. National awareness campaign having involvement of all concerned has to be launched. Only then, public at large and other stakeholders can be sensitized in the real sense. The Committee is of the view that the efforts made in bringing out such a large number of laws and allied schemes/programmes can register their impact only if awareness about them is created both in the designated authorities, implementing agencies and also targeted beneficiaries. 30
XVII. GENDER BUDGETING 17.1 In order to advance the agenda of promoting gender equality and mainstreaming gender across sectors, Government of India adopted Gender Budgeting as a budgetary strategy at the national level in 2005-06 with the introduction of the Gender Budget Statement as part of the National Budget. Gender Budgeting is an ongoing process to ensure that benefits of development reach women as much as men. Gender Budgeting is concerned not only with public expenditures but also with the gender differentiated impact of revenue mobilisation by the Government. Gender Budgeting entails maintaining a gender perspective at various stages the programme/policy formu- lation, assessment of needs of target groups, review of existing policies and guidelines, allocation of resources, implementation of programmes, impact assessment, reprioritization of resources etc. 17.2 A plan scheme for Gender Budgeting was launched in the year 2008 during the Eleventh Plan Period. This scheme is being continued in the Twelfth Plan. An outlay of R2.00 crore was allocated for the Scheme 2015-16, for conducting various training programmes and workshops on Gender Budgeting, out of which, an amount of R1.45 crore have been incurred till December, 2015. During the year 2015-16, a total of 30 training programmes/workshops on the subject were organised by the Ministry against a target of 20 in collaboration with training institutes of repute, both at the National and State Level. These included trainings for officers of various Ministries/ Departments of Central Government as well as State level functionaries. 17.3 It was pointed out to the Committee that the proposal for Child Budgeting on the pattern of Gender Budgeting is under consideration in the Ministry. Like Gender Budgeting, Child Budgeting as a concept and an initiative, needs to be pursued on a regular basis. This should involve, the Ministries concerned in the Central Government as well as the State Governments. The Ministry mentioned that a Committee has been notified on 03.03.2016 to examine the issue for which a Draft Concept Paper is under submission. 17.4 The Committee finds that considerable progress has been made in the area of fund management across the Ministries both at the Central and State level from the perspective of women specific concerns. The Committee of the view that the Ministry of Women and Child Development, being the nodal agency for Gender Budgeting, should focus upon the proper allocation to and full utilization of funds for the Gender Budgeting Scheme. Gender Budgeting as tool for translating the gender commitment is gaining wide importance in recent times. Hence, the Committee observes that the Ministry should make conscious efforts for proper utilisation of funds for the scheme. 31
RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS — AT A GLANCE
II. BUDGETARY ALLOCATION The Committee is dismayed to note that there has been no substantial increase in the allocation for the Ministry for the current year. Though there has been a slight increase in the allocation of women development schemes, the allocation for child develop- ment schemes have been reduced. The Committee, however, takes note of the reason given by the Ministry that the impact of reduction in allocation is offset by the changed cost sharing ratio between the Centre and the States. (Para 2.5) The Committee is also sad to note that the universalization of women welfare schemes is yet to take place as the universalization of these schemes has not yet been approved by the competent authority. The Committee feels that steps should be taken up to empower women and ensure gender equality. Gender equality is guaranteed under the Constitution of India which not only prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, but also permits positive discrimination in favour of women. Several constitutional provisions reiterate India’s commitment towards the socio-economic development of women and uphold their right of participation in political and decision making process. The Committee observes that the Ministry should make all efforts to ensure universalization of women welfare schemes so that women from every nook and corner of the country are empowered both socially and economically and to recognize women as the agents of charge. (Para 2.6) The Committee observes that in almost all the major schemes, except for ICDS, SABLA, ICPS and NCW, BE allocation has been drastically brought down at the RE stage. Further, the Committee feels that the funds allocated have not been utilized to the fullest extent. It is unfortunate to note that in the scheme of National Nutrition Mission, there has been no utilization of funds at all. The Committee would like to point out that in schemes like ICDS, SABLA and ICPS, the funds allocated in BE 2016-17 have been reduced. Also in the scheme of RMK, there has been no allocation of funds at all for the last two years. The Committee desires that a status note on this be furnished for its consideration. (Para 2.8) The Committee feels that inordinate delays due to one procedural reason or another ultimately leads to delayed implementation of schemes. Ideally, least possible time should be taken for implementing the schemes so that the benefits of the schemes reach the targeted beneficiaries. The Committee firmly believes that concerted efforts need to be made by the Ministry with active co-operation from and co-ordination with the State Governments for successfully implementing the schemes, leading to timely and proper utilization of funds earmarked for the schemes in a financial year. (Para 2.10) The Committee finds that physical targets with respect to the above-mentioned schemes remained under-achieved in 2014-15 and 2015-16. The Committee believes that these schemes meant for girl child, adolescent girls and women were of vital importance for the welfare of the women and girl child. Any problems faced in the achievement of targets 32 need to be identified and addressed for the efficacious implementation of the schemes. The Committee feels that the matter of under achievement of targets should be taken up by the Ministry with the concerned State Governments for resolving any constraints faced, so that the objectives of such schemes may be realised. (Para 2.12)
The Committee observes that outstanding UCs have become a perennial problem for the Ministry. Despite the efforts put in by the Ministry, there is still a good number of UCs that are still pending. The Committee would appreciate if pro-active efforts are initiated by the Ministry for liquidating the very old Utilization Certificates. Pendency pertaining to the recent years also needs to be brought to the minimum level. The Committee is of the view that urgent steps on a priority basis need to be taken by the Ministry for liquidating the pending UCs, especially the old ones along with a proper analysis of the situation with the co-operation of the State Governments and implementing agencies. Constraints faced in the procedural formalities and accounting system need to be identified and addressed so as to ensure compliance with all the prescribed requirements. (Para 2.14)
III. INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SCHEME (ICDS)
The Committee notes that there has been a consistent increase in the allocations for the first three years of the XII Plan. However, for the year 2015-16, the allocation was reduced substantially at BE on account of the recommendations of Fourteenth Finance Commission. The Ministry pointed out that additional funds were provided for ICDS Scheme and hence RE of 2015-16 was enhanced to R15,480.77 crore. For the current year, the BE was increased slightly in comparison with BE 2015-16, however the increase is not that significant. It is to be noted that ICDS Scheme is the biggest and most unique programme. It is of utmost importance that the benefits of the scheme reach all the targeted beneficiaries. In order to do as, enough funds for implementing are required. The Committee observes that the Ministry should put in efforts to make sure that the shortage of funds does not become a hindrance in implementing the scheme and also in enhancing the outreach of the scheme so as to include maximum number of beneficiaries. (Para 3.3)
The Committee also appreciates the efforts of the Ministry for fulfilling its financial targets. However, a lot more remains to be done. Given the immence importance of the nature of the Scheme, the Committee feels that the funds should be utilized properly, so that maximum number of women and children are benefitted by this Scheme. (Para 3.4)
The Committee feels that the constraints in making the sanctioned AWCs opera- tional need to be identified and taken care of. In States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the number of operational AWCs have not increased. The Committee is of the view that the Ministry has yet to do enough in this regard. The Committee, therefore, reiterates that the hurdles that come in the process should be identified and taken care of. (Para 3.6) 33
According to the data provided by the Ministry in its Replies to the Questionnaires, the Committee observes that barring a few States, majority of the AWCs in various States do not have drinking water and toilet facilities. Absence of such facilities would be a discouraging factor for the targeted beneficiaries. The Committee would like to emphasize upon the importance of providing these facilities in all the AWCs. The Committee, accordingly, recommends that the Ministry should find out all the hurdles that come in the way and solve them urgently without any delay. The Committee acknowledges the initiative of the Ministry with respect of convergence of scheme run by other Departments/Ministries so as to provide the basic facilities to AWCs. It is now obligatory upon the MWCD to reach out to the Ministries of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation and also the respective States Governments to get their maximum support in providing AWCs with pucca houses, drinking water and sanitation facilities, the Committee observe. (Para 3.10)
The Committee is of the view that even the revised cost norms per beneficiary per day appears to be on the lower side, keeping in view the inflationary trends in recent times leading to rising prices of food-grains and of other items. The Committee wonders whether in the prescribed cost norms, the beneficiary would be getting the prescribed calories/protein. The Committee believes that the idea of providing SNP to the women and children is to fulfil any deficiency in their daily in-take of food. To keep up the quality and quantity of SNP, the Committee recommends for further increase in the cost norms set for providing SNP on a daily basis. (Para 3.14)
On a specific query raised by the Committee regarding status of procurement of Pre-School kits and Medicine kits by the States/UTs during the last three years, the Committee notes that proper information of procurement details and the number of States not making available PSE and Medicine kits have not been furnished by the Ministry. However, from this information the Committee concludes that very few States witnessed increase in the expenditure incurred for PSE and Medicine kits while a majority of States have not given any data at all. (Para 3.18)
The Committee would like to emphasize upon the importance of the availability of PSE and Medicine kits in AWCs which introduce young children to non-formal pre-school education through a variety of activities and teaching and provide them medical and whenever required during their stay in and AWC. The Committee feels that adequate attention and priority is not being given to this component of the ICDS Scheme. The Committee recommends to the Ministry to make efforts so that the targeted beneficiaries receive the kits meant for them. (Para 3.19)
Staff and Key Functionaries of ICDS The Committee is dismayed to note that barring a very few States, majority of the States have got a long way to go in filling the vacant posts of the ICDS functionaries. With the expansion and strengthening of ICDS Scheme, more efforts need to be made in order to fill the vacancies. The pace of filling up of vacancies is drastically very slow. The ICDS functionaries play a very important role in implementing the scheme efficiently. The 34
Committee reiterates that the vacancy problem that continues for a long time needs to be addressed urgently without further delay. The Committee would like to be apprised of the steps taken by the Ministry to fill the vacant posts. The Committee also recommends that the Ministry should pursue the matter with the State Governments on a priority basis, if need be at the highest level so that vacant posts are filled at the earliest. (Para 3.21) The Committee while taking note of the efforts of the Ministry in improving the working conditions of AWWs/AWHs, expresses its serious concern about its reaching to the ground level. It is to be noted that AWWs/AWHs play a very important role in the proper implementation of the ICDS Scheme. Therefore, it is important that these benefits reach to the workers and they are remunerated properly. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should take up steps in enhancing the honorarium paid to AWWs/AWHs. (Para 3.23) The Committee appreciates the steps taken by the Ministry in finalising and confer- ring the awards to the AWWs. However, the Committee expresses its concern about unduly long process for selection of AWWs for awards. Delay in awarding the worker can only hamper the functioning of the ICDS Scheme. The Committee recommends that the selection process should be completed without any further delay and services of deserving functionaries duly recognised. (Para 3.25) The Committee is happy to note that the Ministry has taken steps to implement the scheme. However, Phase I of the project, due to restructuring, has been extended by two years. The Committee, recommends, that the Ministry should take up steps to ensure that the scheme is implemented on time so that the targeted beneficiaries are not deprived of the benefits of this scheme. (Para 3.27)
IV. INTEGRATED CHILD PROTECTION SCHEME (ICPS)
The Committee would like to express its satisfaction over the various steps to deal with the issue of missing children. It is to be noted that everyday thousands of children are reported missing and many of them are never found. Therefore, it is imperative that the all out efforts are required to be taken up in this regard. Hence the Committee recom- mends that missing children should become a priority issue with State and Union Govern- ments and law enforcement agencies. Separate Cell for missing children should be estab- lished at all police stations. It was obvious that the police agencies, despite best efforts, have not been able to rescue and retrieve thousands of missing children due to various factors. The resources and time to their command are limited and above all, the issue of missing children has not received the required sensitive handling, except in a few instances. By and large, there is no involvement of other Government agencies. The efforts to locate the missing children need to be synergised to build up an effective and functional system where the various partners work in a concerted, coordinated and integrated manner. The Committee feels strongly about utilisation of advanced technologies, skills and training for the same. (Para 4.7) The Committee would like to point out that well meaning laws alone would not make any change at the ground level. What is required is their implementation in accordance with their objective. The Ministry, being the nodal authority for all child-welfare measures, 35 has to be pro-active in sensitizing the State Governments in carrying out the assigned tasks. (Para 4.9) V. BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO (BBBP) The Committee would like to point out that Child Sex Ratio (CSR), an indication of gender discrimination towards girl child stands at 918 girls per 1000 boys in the age group of 0-6 years, much lower than the figure of 927 in 2001 Census. The unabated decline in CSR since 1961 is a matter of grave concern as it reflects the low status of women in our society and indicates her disempowerment. Hence, it is important that the Ministry check this serious problem before it is too late. However, the Committee is disappointed to note the unsatisfactory utilisation trend of this scheme despite dealing with grave matter. Therefore, the Committee observes that the Ministry should make serious efforts to utilize the funds properly so as to benefit the targeted beneficiaries. The Committee also recommends that the Ministry should take concerted efforts to check this declining CSR in a mission mode and also to put more aggressiveness, energy and resources to reverse this trend. (Para 5.4)
VI. RAJIV GANDHI SCHEME FOR THE EMPOWERMENT OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS (SABLA)
The Committee is happy to note that the scheme for empowerment of adolescent girls is yielding good results, especially with respect to the nutrition component. Proper nutrition for the adolescent girls is of vital importance for their state of health, hygiene of the girl child, family and child care. The non-nutrition component, on the other hand, needs to be strengthened as envisaged by the Ministry. The Committee is of the view that the non-nutrition component of the scheme is very important for the development and empowerment of adolescent girls. The Committee hopes that this component is strength- ened so as to benefit maximum number of adolescent girls. (Para 6.8)
VII. INDIRA GANDHI MATRITVA SAHYOG YOJANA (IGMSY) The Committee observes that despite the Ministry’s submission of improvement in the achievements of the scheme both financially and physically, the figure shown above paints a different picture. Keeping aside a few States and UTs, almost all the States and UTs have not utilised the funds completely. Many States and UTs have also not reported any data for the year 2014-15 inspite of the time lapsed. Data for the year 2015-16 is not complete. In State of Manipur and UT of Lakshadweep, no funds have been released for the last three years. The Committee is disappointed with the lackadaisical attitude of the Ministry towards this scheme. The Committee recommends the Ministry to make serious efforts with co-operation of the State Governments in putting in place the necessary structures for service delivery to maximum pregnant and nursing women requiring cash incentives for their health, nutrition and also partial compensation for their wage loss. (Para 7.4)
VIII. RASHTRIYA MAHILA KOSH (RMK) The Committee takes note of the fact that the data on loan sanctioned, disbursed and number of beneficiaries as on 31.12.2014 and 31.12.2015 have not changed at all. 36
Further, the Committee observes that no fund has been allotted for this scheme since 2012-13 and no utilization of fund since 2011-12. The Committee may be apprised of the reasons why there has been no allocation and utilisation of funds. For the year 2016-17, a meagre amount of R1 crore has been assigned for this scheme. The Committee fails to understand why a meagre sum of R1 crore has been allotted for this scheme meant for the economic empowerment of poor women. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should complete all necessary procedures and formalities without further delay and process of seeking approvals from the concerned authorities should be expedited so that women beneficiaries benefit from this scheme. (Para 8.4) IX. HOSTELS FOR WORKING WOMEN The Committee is of the view that the revision of the Scheme has not helped in the performance of the scheme with respect to the receipt of complete and viable proposals for construction of new hostels for working women. In the year 2014-15, only 3 proposals were sanctioned, while 5 proposals had been sanctioned in 2015-16. The Committee observes that the Ministry needs to take serious steps to improve the performance of the scheme with respect to construction of more hostels for working women. The Ministry should take up strict steps with the State Governments/UT Administrations so that more complete and viable proposals are sent on a regular basis. (Para 9.4)
X. SWADHAR GREH
The Committee appreciates the efforts taken by the Ministry to implement the Swadhar Greh Scheme. However, a lot more can be done to improve on this. The Committee recommends that the Ministry should approach all the State Governments/ UT administrations to send their proposals on time. The Scheme of such importance should be implemented with all sincerity so as to benefit the victims in unfortunate circumstances. (Para 10.4)
XI. UJJAWALA SCHEME The Committee is happy to note the Ujjawala Scheme is being implemented properly by the Ministry. It is to be noted that this scheme is a valuable step in the direction of protecting two vulnerable sections of society i.e., women and children from exploitation. The Committee observes that funds allotted for this scheme should be utilized properly so as to empower victims of trafficking and help them become financially independent. The Committee is of the view that the Ministry should put in place a monitoring mechanism to see that the concerned NGOs are implementing the scheme effectively so that the objectives of the Scheme may be realised. (Para 11.2) XII. NATIONAL MISSION FOR EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN (NMEW) The Committee observes that the objective of the NMEW Scheme is of vital impor- tance as it aims for social, economic and educational empowerment of women. The Committee is of the view that the Scheme has not been implemented properly as is evident from the under utilisation of funds. The Committee feels that the Ministry should put in more efforts so that the objectives of the Mission are achieved by completing the process 37 of putting all the necessary structures in place and receipt of viable proposals from the States. The Committee hopes that the allocation of R50.00 crore for the year 2016-17 is utilized fully for the implementation of the scheme. (Para 12.6) XIII. NIRBHAYA SCHEMES The Committee is happy to note that the Ministry is taking some positive steps towards implementation of Schemes under the Nirbhaya Fund. However, the Committee is of the view that the Ministry should put in more efforts to ensure that the funds allotted are utilised to the full extent. It has been brought to the notice of the Committee that for the past 3 to 4 year, almost all the funds are lying idle. It is a complete irony that on one hand, crimes, against women are on the rise and on the other, funds allotted to tackle this issue has remained unutilized. Hence, the Committee recommends that con- certed efforts are required to be taken up by the Ministry to ensure protection and welfare of women. (Para 13.5) XIV. CENTRAL ADOPTION RESOURCE AUTHORITY (CARA) The Committee finds that the number of in-country and inter-country adoptions have not increased at all. Further, data relating to the year 2015-16 has not been provided by the Ministry. Despite formulating Guidelines Governing Adoption of Children, 2015, the adoption rate has not picked up at all. The Committee observes that the Ministry should put in place a system where prospective parents may undergo a hassle free adoption process. The Committee may also be apprised why the number of inter-country adoption has dropped considerable. The Committee believes that the whole process of adoption, be it in-country or inter-country should be made parent-friendly and child-friendly. The facilitators of the adoption process should be sensitive to the sentiments and vulnerability of orphaned or abandoned children and also of prospective parents. (Para 14.5) XV. NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN (NCW) The Committee is happy to note the performance of NCW for the year 2014-15. However, the achievements for the year 2015-16 seem to be lagging far behind as compared to the previous year. The Committee would like to refer to the rising crimes against women in the recent times which violate the right to life and right to various freedoms enjoyed by women citizens of the country. Women have been at the receiving end most of the time, be it gender based violence and discrimination, sexual assault and rape, dowry deaths, crime and killings in the name of honour, trafficking, patriarchal bias in matters of family and inheritance laws etc. The Committee fails to see any pro-active role of the Commission with respect to safeguarding rights of women. The Committee recommends that vigorous and concerted efforts need to be taken by the Commission, especially with respect to crimes against women. (Para 15.3) The Committee has been emphasizing upon the curtailment of crimes against women. However, the data given above paints a gloomy picture. The Committee is of the view that proper structure should be put in place to hinder such crimes against women and also to deliver justice on time. Apart from this, the Committee believes that a vigorous awareness generation programme through various mediums should be undertaken by NCW 38 with special focus on officers, colleges/universities, schools etc. Women need to know their rights and the platform for redressal of their grievances. The Committee, therefore, recommends that a pro-active role should be played by NCW not gist for redressal of complaints but also their prevention. (Para 15.8) XVI. RESEARCH, PUBLICATION AND MONITORING, INFORMATION AND MASS MEDIA The Committee is sad to note that there has been a consistent trend of under- utilization for the past three years. The Committee desires that the Ministry provide the reasons for such under-utilization. The Committee strongly feels that a comprehensive advocacy and awareness generation policy and plan of action has to be developed and implemented that will ensure awareness generation and public education of existing policies and programmes for women and children at all levels. National awareness campaign having involvement of all concerned has to be launched. Only then, public at large and other stakeholders can be sensitized in the real sense. The Committee is of the view that the efforts made in bringing out such a large number of laws and allied schemes/programmes can register their impact only if awareness about them is created both in the designated authorities, implementing agencies and also targeted beneficiaries. (Para 16.3) XVII. GENDER BUDGETING The Committee finds that considerable progress has been made in the area of fund management across the Ministries both at the Central and State level from the perspective of women specific concerns. The Committee of the view that the Ministry of Women and Child Development, being the nodal agency for Gender Budgeting, should focus upon the proper allocation to and full utilization of funds for the Gender Budgeting Scheme. Gender Budgeting as tool for translating the gender commitment is gaining wide importance in recent times. Hence, the Committee observes that the Ministry should make conscious efforts for proper utilisation of funds for the scheme. (Para 17.4) 39
MINUTES 40 41
XI
ELEVENTH MEETING
The Committee on Human Resource Development met at 11.00 A.M. on Monday, the 21st March, 2016 in Committee Room ‘A’, Ground Floor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.
MEMBERS PRESENT
1. Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya — Chairman
RAJYA SABHA 2. Shri Vishambhar Prasad Nishad 3. Shri Basawaraj Patil 4. Shri Tiruchi Siva LOK SABHA 5. Shrimati Santosh Ahlawat 6. Shri C.R. Chaudhary 7. Prof. Chintamani Malviya 8. Shri Bhairon Prasad Mishra 9. Shri Chand Nath 10.Shri Hari Om Pandey 11. Dr. Bhagirath Prasad 12.Shri K.N. Ramachandran 13.Shri Mullappaly Ramachandran 14.Shri Sumedhanand Saraswati 15.Dr. Nepal Singh 16.Dr. Prabhas Kumar Singh 17.Shri Ajay Tamta 18.Shrimati P.K. Sreemathi Teacher SECRETARIAT Shri K. P. Singh, Joint Secretary Shri Mahesh Tiwari, Director Shri Vinay Shankar Singh, Joint Director Shri R. K. Mecolt Singh, Assistant Director 42
I. Department of Higher Education 1. Shri Vinay Sheel Oberoi, Secretary 2. Shri R. Subrahmanyam, Additional Secretary 3. Prof. Ved Prakash, Chairman, UGC 4. Prof. J.S. Sandhu, Secretary, UGC 5. Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE 6. Dr. Avinash S. Pant, Vice Chairman, AICTE 7. Shri J.RG. Tilak, Vice Chancellor, NUEPA 8. Prof. Nageshwar Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, IGNOU 9. Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT 10. Smt. Darshana Momaya Dabral, Joint Secretary & FA 11. Shri Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary 12. Smt. Ishita Roy, Joint Secretary 13. Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Joint Secretary 14. Shri Shashi Prakash Goyal, Joint Secretary 15. Shri Rakesh Ranjan, Joint Secretary 16. Smt. Aparna Sharma, Joint Secretary 17. Shri RN. Tiwari, DDG 18. Shri B.N. Pandey, Economic Adviser (HE) 19. Shri Baswaraj Swami, Registrar, NUEPA 20. Shri Alok Mishra, Director 21. Smt. Tripti Gurha, Director 22. Shri Raju Srinivasan, Director 23. Shri Amit Shukla, Director 24. Shri S.K. Sinha, Director 25. Shri S. Shankar, Director 26. Shri V.K. Siljo, Director 27. Shri Rajesh Singh, Director 28. Smt. Rina Sonowal Kouli, Director 29. Shri Sanjeev Sharma, Director
II. Ministry of Women and Child Development 1. Shri V. Somasundaram, Secretary 2. Smt. Preeti Sudan, Additional Secretary 3. Shri Nutan Guha Biswas, Additional Secretary 4. Smt. Rashmi Saxena Sahni, Joint Secretary 43
5. Ms. Sarita Mittal, Financial Adviser 6. Ms. Nandita Mishra, Economic Adviser 7. Ms. Sarada Ali Khan, Joint Secretary 8. Ms. Vandana Gupta, Joint Secretary 9. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Joint Secretary 10. Ms. Ratna Anjan Jena, Statistical Adviser 11. Shri K.R Singh, Director 12. Shri R.P. Pant, Director 13. Shri Dinesh Kumar Saxena, Project Director/IISNIP
2. At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the Members of the Committee to the meeting.
3. The Secretary, Department of Higher Education made his presentation before the Committee on the Demands for Grants 2016-17 of the Department with special emphasis on the reasons for budgetary allocations for various schemes/programmes of the Department, performance of schemes/programmes, problem areas faced in the implementation of schemes/ programmes and remedial steps taken by the Government. The Chairman and members raised queries which were replied to by the Secretary and other officials of the Department.
(The Committee adjourned at 1.37 p.m. and reassembled after lunch at 3.00 p.m.)
4. Thereafter, the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development gave the presentation on Demands for Grants 2016-17 of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The Members raised some queries on the functioning of the Ministry including the survival, protection, development and participation of women and children in a holistic manner, the budgetary outlay as well as actual allocation for the Ministry of Women and Child Development, problems faced in implementation of schemes/programmes and remedial steps taken by the Ministry. The Chairman and members asked clarifications which were replied to by the Secretary and other officials of the Department
5. A verbatim record of the proceedings was kept.
6. The Committee then adjourned at 4.25 P.M. Printed at: Bengal Offset Works, 16/335, Khajoor Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005