Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department

Policy Note 2006-2007

Demand No. 36

1.1       The main functions of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department are:

1. i.  Preparation of Five Year Plans and Annual Plans with inputs from State Planning Commission.

1. ii. Monitoring of Plan Schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, Schemes shared between State and Centre.

1. iii. Evaluation of Plan Schemes, Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Externally Aided Projects through Directorate of Evaluation and Applied Research.

1. iv.  Collection, compilation and release of statistical data through Directorate of Economics and Statistics. This includes State Income Estimates, conduct of Economic Census, Agricultural Census and Special Surveys as well as monthly monitoring of the State’s economy.

1. v.  Monitoring of poverty alleviation programmes under Twenty Point Programme.
2. vi. Overseeing of District Planning Committees for Decentralised District Planning, through the State Planning Commission.

1. vii. Overseeing the implementation of Hill Area Development Programme and Western Ghats Development Programme.

1. viii. Monitoring the impact of issues concerning the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the State Level.

1. ix. Review of progress of major infrastructure projects.

1. x.  Initiating and overseeing Special Initiatives undertaken from time to time.

1. xi. Preparation of Plan Budget Link for the Annual Plans.

1. xii. Coordination of activities relating to Remote Sensing.

1. xiii. Overseeing implementation of the Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana.

1. xiv. Follow up action on the reports of the District Monitoring Officers.

1.2       Brief notes on these activities are given below:

1. 1.2.1       The Performance of Five Year Plans

The State Government has been consistently achieving the Plan Outlays from Second Five Year Plan onwards.  The approved plan outlays and expenditure from First Five Year Plan till Ninth Five Year Plan are indicated below:

 (Rs. in crores)

The per capita Plan outlay during First Five Year Plan was Rs.29 and it was Rs.248 during Fifth Five Year Plan.  A higher per capita Plan outlay of Rs.6440 is anticipated during the Tenth Five Year Plan.

1. 1.2.2    Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007)

The approach paper for the National Tenth Plan as approved by the National Development Council on 1st September 2001 proposed that the Tenth Plan should aim at 8% GDP growth per annum for the period 2002-2007. Based on the above, the State Planning Commission has formulated the Tenth Five Year Plan.  An outlay of Rs.40,000 crores has been approved by the Union Planning Commission for Tenth Five Year Plan.  Besides envisaging the growth rate of 8%, monitorable targets for key indicators of Human Development have been set.

1. 1.2.3       Annual Plan 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006
2.  

The approved outlays and expenditure during the first four years of the Tenth Five Year Plan are given below:

          * Provisional

1. 1.2.4       Annual Plan 2006-2007

During the meeting held between the Deputy Chairman, Union Planning Commission and the Chief Minister on 06.06.2006 at New Delhi, an enhanced development   plan outlay of Rs.12,500 crores has been fixed for the Annual Plan for 2006-2007. The above outlay represents a major step up over the development plan outlay for 2005-2006.

1. 1.2.5       Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana
2.  

Rashtriya Sam Vikas Yojana (RSVY) is implemented in five districts viz., Tiruvannamalai, Dindigul, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Sivaganga with full support from the Union Planning Commission, Government of India.  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.  Special Central Assistance of Rs.15 crores is released annually to each district for three years by the Government of India. This programme covers Soil Conservation, Afforestation, Social Forestry, Watershed Development, Minor Irrigation, Agriculture, Horticulture, Infrastructure Development (Roads and Power), Social Sector (Health and Education) and Livelihood Support (income generating activities such as Handlooms, Information Technology, Agricultural Processing, etc.). Per Capita income and agricultural productivity is expected to improve after the completion of the schemes. 

1. 1.2.6       Centrally Sponsored Schemes/Schemes shared between State and Centre

The Centrally Sponsored Schemes (100% funded by Government of India) and Schemes shared between State and Centre implemented by various Departments/Agencies are monitored.  The procedure for sanction of Centrally Sponsored Schemes/Schemes shared between State and Centre has been simplified with a view to speedy implementation of schemes. The progress of implementation of the schemes is being monitored on monthly basis at various levels.

1. 1.2.7       Special Initiatives and Projects

As per G.O.Ms.No.31, Planning and Development Department, dated 29.04.2003 the Planning and Development Department has been renamed as Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department to pursue Special Initiatives and Projects, to process innovative schemes that emanate from different sources in consultation with the respective administrative departments of the Secretariat and other line departments.

In pursuance of the above, the following ideas have been taken up for Special Initiatives:-

1. i.    Bio-Mass Energy – Project and Bio-Mass Supply.
2. ii.   Ethanol production from Sugar Mills and Ethanol production from
   non-molasses sources like sugar beet, sweet sorghum, maize, tapioca and other starchy plants.
3. iii.   Bio-fuel from Jatropha and Paradise Tree.
4. iv.    Hi-Tech farming.

1. 1.2.8   Hill Area Development Programme

The Hill Area Development Programme is being implemented in the Nilgiris District since 1975 with the financial assistance from Union Planning Commission, with a view to supplement the efforts of the State Government in preservation, protection and enrichment of bio-diversity of hill areas.

The main objectives of the Programme have been eco-preservation and eco-restoration.  All development schemes are planned in this framework with emphasis on preservation of bio-diversity and rejuvenation of the hill ecology. The plans are prepared on integrated watershed basis. The entire Nilgiris district has been delineated into 75 major watersheds and schemes are implemented based on identification of priority watersheds. Under this programme, micro-watersheds are developed by measures such as conserving rain water through treatment of drainage lines in the micro-watersheds and promoting in-situ moisture conservation by eco-friendly agricultural production system on arable land.

An annual allocation of Special Central Assistance (SCA) of Rs.2210 lakhs has been made by the Union Planning Commission to Tamil Nadu. The SCA is released on grant and loan basis under the pattern of 90:10. From 2005-2006 onwards, the Government of India is releasing only the grant component of SCA. The State Government has been permitted to float Open Market Loan to the extent of loan component.

Performance during 2005-2006

The total allocation for the year 2005-2006 was Rs.2210 lakhs and the sanctions were issued for the entire allocation. The sectors which received major allocations are Soil Conservation, Forestry, Horticulture, Development of Local Bodies, Road Connectivity and Welfare of SC/ST.

Plan Proposal for 2006-2007

Based on the good performance, Union Planning Commission agreed to allocate an amount of Rs.3,550 lakhs for the Annual Plan 2006-2007. Accordingly, the draft Annual Plan proposal for an outlay of Rs.3,550 lakhs giving priority to Welfare of SC/ST, Development of Local Bodies, Soil and Water Conservation, Forestry, Horticulture, Roads, Tourism, etc., has been prepared and forwarded to Union Planning Commission for approval. The Annual Plan has been approved by the Union Planning Commission.

1.2.9  Western Ghats Development Programme

Western Ghats Development Programme was initiated in Tamil Nadu during 1975-76 with financial assistance (90% grant and 10% loan) from the Government of India.

2. The Western Ghats region in Tamil Nadu spreads over 26,000 Sq.Kms. i.e., around 20% of the total area of Tamil Nadu. This Programme is presently implemented in 8 Districts covering 57 Blocks in 33 Taluks of Tamil Nadu. Theni and Kanyakumari Districts are fully covered under WGDP.

3. The broad objectives of this programme are as follows: -

1. (i)      Maintenance of the ecological balance essential for life support systems. 
2. (ii)     Preservation of genetic diversity.
3. (iii)    Restoration of ecological damage caused by human interaction.
4. (iv)     Creation of awareness among the people and educating them on the far-reaching implications of ecological degradation and securing their active participation for the eco-development schemes.

4. Under this Programme, the main developmental activities undertaken are Soil Conservation, Horticulture, Forestry, Minor Irrigation, Rural roads, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Sericulture, Remote Sensing and Palm Products Development. Eighty percent of the total outlay is set apart for three major sectors namely Soil Conservation, Horticulture and Forestry.

  5. For the Ninth Five Year Plan period, a sum of Rs.51.50 crores was received from the Union Planning Commission, Government of India as Special Central Assistance for Western Ghats Development Programme. 

6. For the first four years of the Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007) i.e. 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 an outlay of Rs.10.99 crores was approved for each year by the Union Planning Commission.  Actual implementation of schemes is done by the concerned line departments and under the overall supervision of the District Collector concerned. Soil Conservation, Horticulture and Preservation of Bio-diversity are given the prime importance on watershed basis in the allocation. 

7. For the Annual Plan 2006-2007, an outlay of Rs.17.04 crores has been approved by the Union Planning Commission.    The proposals received from the eight district Collectors and concerned Heads of Departments have been included in the Annual Plan 2006-2007 and funds have been allotted by the Union Planning Commission for different sectors including gap filling infrastructure to improve the quality of life of local people. Provisions for funding the implementation of various schemes have been made in B.E 2006-2007 under the respective Demands for Grants.

1. 1.2.10   Twenty Point Programme

This is a poverty alleviation programme being implemented since 1986.  The main components are Distribution of Surplus Land, Rural Health, Rural Housing, Child Welfare, Rural Water Supply, Rural Electrification, Bio-gas Plants, Employment generation and Welfare of SC/ST.  Monthly reviews are being undertaken both at the State and All India Levels.Tamil Nadu secured first rank at the All India level for its performance in the year 2005-2006.

1. 1.2.11  Evaluation of Major Programmes

Evaluation of Schemes to ensure that the benefits actually reach the targeted population is an important function of the Department.  Both concurrent and terminal evaluations are done by Directorate of Evaluation and Applied Research and the outcomes are analysed and course corrections and policy changes, if any, are suggested to Government.  The Department proposes to give greater emphasis to concurrent monitoring of schemes, commencing in 2006-2007.

1. 1.2.12   World Trade Organisation Cell

World Trade Organisation related policy matters are primarily being addressed by the Government of India.  Periodic reviews and meetings are held at the WTO Headquarters in which the Government of India's concerns and views are articulated.  In order to assist policy formulation at the State Government levels by paying specific attention to WTO related developments on economic development in the State, a WTO Cell is functioning in the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department. In addition to facilitating sensitization and advocacy on WTO matters, periodic seminars and conferences on WTO related issues are held.  A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the Madras School of Economics to consider the feasibility of commissioning Tamil Nadu specific research studies on WTO. 

1.3  Heads of Department

The departments under the administrative control of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department are as follows:-

1. (i)    State Planning Commission
2. (ii)    Department of Economics and Statistics
3. (iii)   Department of Evaluation and Applied Research

The functions of the above departments are given briefly in the following pages.

STATE PLANNING COMMISSION

2.1 The State Planning Commission, Tamil Nadu was constituted on 25th May 1971. The State Planning Commission functions under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister.  It has been reconstituted on 19.05.2006 with Prof. M. Naganathan as Vice Chairman, six part time Members and one full time Member. The Secretary to Government (Finance) and the Secretary to Government (Planning, Development & Special Initiatives) are ex-officio Members. The Member Secretary, State Planning Commission is in charge of the administration of the Commission.

2.2 The main responsibilities of the Commission are:

1. i.   Preparation of  the Five Year Plans and Annual Plans based on the policies and priorities of the Government;
2. ii.   Reviewing the performance of key sectors of the economy in financial and physical terms;
3. iii.   Evaluation of various Government programmes through Government departments and research institutions/ experts; 
4. iv.    Monitoring of  the development indicators that influence the Human Development Index, Gender Development Index, etc., at a disaggregated level;

 v.   Supporting and coordination of activities for Decentralised Planning.

2.3 Monitoring of Tamil Nadu's Economy

The State Planning Commission provides a quarterly report on the State Economy, which facilitates the adoption of corrective measures by Government as necessary. 

2.4 Tamil Nadu Human Development Report and Strengthening of State Plans for Human Development

The State Planning Commission had prepared the first Tamil Nadu Human Development Report which was released in 2003. The Commission is now steering the preparation of the second Human Development Report for the State.  Further, District Human Development Reports are also being prepared for 5 districts viz., Tiruvannamalai, Sivaganga, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Dindigul.  These Districts are also being covered under the RSVY.  It is expected that the District Human Development Reports will provide valuable inputs for planning for local needs.

Advocacy and dissemination of human development concepts among the government departments at state and sub-state level, PRIs, media and civil society,   organizing district level training programmes on human development and studying options to strengthen State Plans for Human Development etc., are some of the activities proposed to be taken up during 2006-2007.

2.5 Decentralised District Planning

District Planning Committees (DPCs) have been constituted in all the districts in the State.  District Planning Cells have also been created in all the districts to assist the DPCs in the preparation of district plans.  The State Planning Commission has prepared detailed guidelines for the preparation of development plans by the District Planning Committees.

2.6 Tamil Nadu State Land Use Board

A nucleus cell under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chairman, State Planning Commission is looking after the functions of the State Land Use Board.

  With effect from 01.04.2000, the Government of India is providing financial assistance to States for development of agriculture under the ‘Macro Management Mode Approach’, for scientific conservation and management of land and water resources and also for conducting studies/programmes on these subjects.  The total outlay for the work plan proposals are shared in the ratio of 90 (Central): 10 (State). 

During 2005-2006, the assistance received from the Central Government was Rs.51.30 lakhs and the State's matching share received was Rs.5.70 lakhs.  The approved outlay for 2006-2007 is Rs.60.00 lakhs, of which, the expected assistance from the Centre is Rs.54.00 lakhs and the State's matching share is Rs.6.00 lakhs.

2.7 Preparation of Annual Plan and Eleventh Five Year Plan

The Draft Annual Plan for 2006-2007 has been prepared for an outlay of Rs.12,500 crores. The tentative outlay has been approved in the meeting between the Deputy Chairman, Union Planning Commission and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu held on 06.06.2006 at New Delhi.

The State Planning Commission is also taking up the preparation of the Eleventh Five Year Plan for the period 2007–2012.  The Commission will be holding wide ranging consultations with Government departments, academic institutions and various stake holders in the preparation of the Plan.

2.8 New Schemes for 2006-2007

It is proposed to strengthen infrastructural facilities in the State Planning Commission and conduct studies and workshops for the preparation of the Eleventh Five Year Plan at an estimated cost of Rs.31.00 lakhs.

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS

1. 3.1 The Department of   Economics and Statistics is the apex statistical agency in the State.  The main functions of the Department are coordinating statistical activities in the State, collection, compilation, analysis and release of reports in various sectors like Agriculture, Industries, Prices, etc.
2.  
3. 3.2  The following Schemes are implemented by the Department of Economics and Statistics

A) State Schemes:

1. National Sample Survey

National Sample Survey is a nation wide large scale continuing multi subject integrated survey covering mainly the unorganized sectors of the economy conducted in successive rounds. The survey period is one year or six months duration and field work is attended to by full time staff. It provides data on Socio-economic characteristics of the people with a provision for the preparation of estimates covering different subjects based on the survey.

2. Modernisation of Data Collection and Management System

This is undertaken by upgradation of computer systems and training of personnel.

B) Centrally Sponsored Schemes:

1. Agricultural Census

Agricultural Census seeks to retabulate the size, structure and tenure of farm units from relevant land records with operational holdings as a fundamental unit for Micro level Agricultural Planning.

2. Crop Estimation Survey on Fruits, Vegetables and Minor Crops

These Surveys are undertaken to make reliable estimates of Production and Yield per Hectare of Fruits, Vegetables and Minor crops through crop cutting experiments with reasonable degree of precision.

3. Setting up of Nodal Centre for National Technical Manpower Information System

To collect information on different categories of Engineering and Technical specialisation from all the Engineering Graduates/ Diploma Holders who have passed out every year in Tamil Nadu and to assess the demand and supply on a continuing basis.

4.  Economic Census

Economic Census is the count of all the Agricultural (except Crop Production and Plantation) and Non-Agricultural enterprises. The Fifth Economic Census was conducted in Tamil Nadu during 2005 with 100% grants-in-aid from Government of India.  Government of India have allotted a sum of Rs.588.76 lakhs for the conduct of the Fifth Economic Census in Tamil Nadu.  Out of the above amount so far Rs.538.23 lakhs expenditure was incurred upto 31.03.2006.  On completion of scanning work, the editing work has been undertaken from February 2006 and the work is in progress.

C)  Schemes Shared between State and Centre

1. Timely Reporting Scheme on Area of Crops

1. i.  To build up land use statistics based on priority enumeration in a sample of 20% of villages for each year. 
2. ii.  To workout estimates of area of high yielding and local varieties of certain important crops under irrigated and un-irrigated category for each season.

2.  Improvement of Crop Statistics

The scheme seeks to locate deficiencies in the system of collection of Agricultural Statistics in the State by exercising meaningful supervision by Central and State authorities over the primary field workers viz., Village Administrative Officers and suggest remedial measures for the improvement of the system. The scheme is further expected to provide the basis for determining the precise lines on which the improvement in the Crop Estimation System would require to be effected.

3.3     Besides Plan Schemes,  the Non-Plan Schemes such as, State Income Estimation, State Accounts, Capital Formation, Annual Survey of Industries, Monthly  Index Number of Industrial Production, Season and Crop Report,  Crop Forecast Reports, Crop Estimation Survey on Food and Non-Food Crops, National Agricultural Insurance Scheme, Coconut and Arecanut Survey,  Collection of Rainfall Statistics, Irrigation Statistics,  Index of Agricultural Wages, Housing Statistics,  Building Construction Cost Index, Municipal Year Book and District Statistical Hand Book, Publication of  State Statistical Hand Book and Annual Statistical Abstract, Manpower and Employment Scheme, Market Intelligence and Prices, Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, Wholesale Price Index, Crops Estimation survey  on Minor Crops, Environment Statistics and Marketable Surplus have been Implemented.

1.  
2. 3.4  State Statistical Committee

The methodologies and data generation and dissemination capabilities of the Department of Economics and Statistics are overseen by the State Statistical Committee. 

3.5   New Schemes for 2006-2007

Purchase of Computer Systems for Divisional Statistical Officers situated at 43 Revenue Divisions and Headquaters, Provision of EPABX System and DTP facilities in the Department of Economics and Statistics at a cost of   Rs.32.60 lakhs.

DEPARTMENT OF EVALUATION AND APPLIED RESEARCH

4.1       The Government has been implementing and funding a wide range of development schemes and programmes.  It becomes imperative to assess the impact and outcomes of such schemes.  Accordingly, the Department of Evaluation and Applied Research, since its inception in 1972, has been given the responsibility by undertaking Evaluation Studies to assist in policy formulation and better programme implementation.

4.2    The major functions of the Department are

1. Evaluating schemes, projects and programmes sponsored by both Central and State Governments and Externally-aided Agencies;

2. Carrying out ad-hoc studies relating to specific areas and socio-economic surveys;

3. Applying econometric models with regard to forecasting of tax revenues of State Government ; and

4. Bringing out two Annual Publications, viz., ‘Tamil Nadu -An Economic Appraisal' and `An Economic-cum-Functional Classification of Budgetary Transactions of Tamil Nadu'.

4.3  The evaluation studies undertaken by the Department include schemes implemented by State and Central Governments and Externally Aided Projects of World Bank, Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), European Economic Community (EEC) and International Development Agency (IDA) in Tamil Nadu.    In addition, the Department has been concurrently taking up regular evaluation studies on various components of the Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) and the Western Ghats Development Programme (WGDP).  Apart from these, the Department undertakes quick studies and ad-hoc research studies.

4.4  Since its inception, upto March, 2006 the Department has undertaken 558 evaluation studies spanning various sectors.

4.5 A State Evaluation Committee (SEC) has been constituted to identify the schemes / programmes that need to be evaluated and to discuss the findings of the evaluation reports for taking necessary follow-up action.  The reconstituted SEC is functioning under the Chairmanship of Development Commissioner and Finance Secretary and the Director, Evaluation and Applied Research Department as Member-Secretary.

1. 4.6       New Schemes for 2006 -2007

It is proposed to strengthen the Infrastructure facilities in the Evaluation and Applied Research Department at an estimated cost of Rs.8.86 lakhs.

K. ANBAZHAGAN,

Minister for Finance.