States told to implement schemes for backward areas more effectively

New Delhi, Feb.3 (ANI): The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has asked state governments to implement schemes under Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) through there High Powered Committee's (HPCs) more effectively and efficiently.

In a communiqué sent to state chief secretaries, the ministry pointed out that since BRGF intends to catalyze convergence of the plethora of central and state government schemes and pool resources for better outcomes, the implementation and monitoring should reflect local felt needs and counter possible efficiency and equity losses.

In addition, the need for a close monitoring through the state High Powered Committee's (HPCs) has also been advised.

It has also been stressed that since every state gets its entire annual entitlement under both the components of BRGF at the earliest there is enough time is available for completing the works.

During the current financial year (2010-11), the first installment of a development grant of Rs. 3257.45 crore out of the entitlement of Rs. 4420.00 crore has been released to 238 of the 250 districts.

Only seven districts in Assam, three in Uttarakhand and one each in Kerala and Orissa have not received these prescribed grants.

Similarly, the first installment of Capacity Building Grant of Rs 55.94 crore has been released to Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura and West Bengal out of the entitlement of Rs.250.00 crore. (ANI)