NRHM Steering Group to be empowered to approve funds

New Delhi, July 27 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today decided to fully empower the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Steering Group to approve financial norms in respect of all schemes and components of the mission.

The Empowered Programme Committee of the mission would be given flexibility to change financial norms approved by the MSG within a range of plus 25 per cent, with larger variations being approved by the MSG.

All new schemes which are presently not part of NRHM, may be subjected to the normal appraisal and approval process -- appraisal by EFC and approval by CCEA.

The exercise of delegated powers by the EPC/MSG would be subject to the condition that a progress report regarding NRHM, alongwith deviation in financial norms, modifications in ongoing schemes and details of new schemes are placed before the Cabinet for information on an annual basis.

The broad framework for implementation of NRHM including illustrative financial norms for listed activities with space for flexibility and innovation to States.

UNI SN RP PM2239