ABSTRACT

New initiative termed as “Development and Reform Facility” (Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana) of the Union Planning Commission, New Delhi - Implementation of the Programme in Tiruvannamalai District during 2002-2003 – Administrative Sanction and constitution of Steering Committee – Orders Issued.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT (SP-2) DEPARTMENT

G.O.Ms.No.107.
Dated: 01-10-2002

Read:

1) From the Secretary, Union Planning Commission, D.O.No.P-12053/2/2002-MLP, dated 14.8.2002.
2)  From the District Collector, Tiruvannamalai District, D.O.Letter No.PD.1/15477/2002, dated 2.9.2002.
3)  From the District Collector, Tiruvannamalai District, D.O.Letter No.A5/6873/2002, dated 24.9.2002.

*******

 The Union Planning Commission is considering a new initiative in the Tenth Plan termed as “Development and Reform Facility (Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana) (RSVY)”.  The main objectives of the scheme are to address the problems of low agricultural productivity, unemployment and to fill critical gaps in physical and social infrastructure.  As this is a new scheme, the Union Planning Commission has decided that initially 25 backward districts in the Country will be chosen on a pilot basis using indicators of poverty and agricultural productivity.  The district selected by Union Planning Commission for Tamil Nadu is Tiruvannamalai.    The aim is to use the funds available under the Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana (RSVY) to serve as a catalyst so that visible improvement is possible in the field in the shortest possible time.  For this, an additionality of about Rs.15 crores would be made available annually for the next 3 years.  The additionality is to be used to serve the local needs which would make a dent on the poverty of the district in a time bound manner.  The most important aspect is to ensure people’s participation and the involvement of Panchayat Raj Institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations and Self-Help Groups at every stage including plan formulation, implementation and monitoring. Innovative programmes and alternate ways of implementing schemes to ensure transparency, efficient delivery and accountability would be  of paramount importance.  

2.  The District Programme will include schemes for drought proofing (soil conservation, afforestation, social forestry, wasteland development, minor irrigation) agriculture, horticulture, etc. infrastructure (roads and power) social sector (health and education) and livelihood support (income generating activities such as handlooms, information technology, agricultural processing, etc.)  upto 15% of the funds can be used to maintain the assets of health education and veterinary sectors. Land Acquisition, Security related schemes, Administrative Buildings and such other projects are not to be included.

3. The State Government is expected to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with the Union Planning Commission linking the development process with reforms.  The States which get benefits under the Backward Districts Initiative will have to agree to undertake the following Mandatory Administrative Measures: 

(1)   Stability of tenure of atleast two years for the District Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts and the Heads of the line departments.  For Tamil Nadu, it would be the District Collector of  Tiruvannamalai and other heads of the line departments in that district.

(2)   Complete transparency in the selection, formulation and implementation of the projects.

(3)   Proactive involvement of Panchayat Raj Institutions and Non-Governmental Organisations.

4.  A State level Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary with five other Members will have to be constituted.  The Secretaries of the Departments of Finance, Planning and Development, District Collector of Tiruvannamalai and a Non-Governmental Organisation will be the Members.  The Committee should get the detailed District Programmes prepared and recommend them to the Union Planning Commission for their  concurrence. 

5.  The Government after careful consideration, accord Administrative Sanction for implementation of the scheme of “Rastriya Sam Vikas  Yojana” (Development and Reform Facility) in Tiruvannamalai District at a cost of  Rs.15.00 crores (Rupees Fifteen crores only) during 2002-2003 based on the guidelines of the Union Planning Commission. The Financial Sanction of the sectoral schemes will be issued separately, after approval of the Draft Programme by the Union Planning Commission.

6. The Government also constitute a State Level Steering Committee with the following Members:

7.  The Steering Committee shall be responsible for preparation of Development Programmes of the District and recommend them to Union Planning Commission for concurrence.  It will also be responsible for coordinating and ensuring synergy between the Government Departments and Agencies as well as monitoring of the schemes.

8.  The Committee will be treated as First Class Committee.  The Non-Official Members will be entitled to Travelling Allowance and Daily Allowance in accordance with the rules in force.  The term of the membership of Non Governmental Organisation will be initially for the year 2002-2003.

9. The expenditure is on item of “New Service” and the approval of the Legislature will be obtained in due course.  Pending approval of the Legislature, the expenditure will be initially be met by an advance from the Contingency Fund.  The District Collector, Tiruvannamalai District is requested  to  send  necessary proposal in the prescribed proforma to the Finance (BG.I) Department for the sanction of an advance from the Contingency Fund based on the actual requirement.           

10.  This order issues with the concurrence of the Finance Department vide its U.O.No.4334/FS/P/02, dated 18.09.2002.

(BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR)

     P.R. BINDHUMADHAVAN,
SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT.