Identify problems in delivery mechanism, Meira to agencies

New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar today asked the authorities to identify problems in delivery mechanism so that the beneficiaries of government schemes may get loans without any hassle and also repay in time.

She also said awareness of schemes and proper dissemination of information regarding various schemes at grassroots level was a must in order to address the problem of the poorest in a scientific manner.

Ms Kumar was speaking after inaugurating the two-day National Conference of State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) of National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) here.

She said easy reach of finance to the target group through Micro Finance and linkages for marketing of products made by the artisans were major areas to be addressed for successful implementation of the schemes.

Highlighting the important role of skill development, Ms Kumar emphasised the artisans should be exposed to latest techniques in the areas of manufacturing and production, and better designs should be introduced keeping in view the market trend.

She further said that NBCFDC had established institutional linkages with best training institutes in India such as NID, ATDC, NIFT.

The Minister told the state Channelising Agencies that they had greater responsibilities to improve the socio-economic condition of weaker sections.

She also urged the State Corporation to come up with good viable projects, formulated keeping in view the need of the people.

''The need-based projects are required to be taken up for proper utilisation of funds and recovery of loan from the beneficiaries.

The funds from the Ministry are no constraint for better performing states, ''she added.

The Minister of State Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan in her address emphasised that women empowerment should be on top of the agenda while implementing schemes of the Corporation at all levels. New Swarnima and Mahila Smridhi Yojana have been there to extend loans to women of the target group.

She said the SCAs were still to work hard for enhancing the coverage of women beneficiaries under these schemes.''It would not be an exaggeration if we suggest that at least 50 per cent of the budget should be utilised towards providing assistance to the women beneficiaries, that too through SHGs under Micro Finance,'' Ms Jagadeesan said.

On the occasion, Ms Kumar released a film and two publications of NBCFDC. She also gave away awards to State Channelising Agencies of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu for better performance in their respective states. Mr K M Acharaya, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Shri A A Naqvi, MD (NBCFDC) were also present in the function.

UNI NAZ HS RN1800