'Need to reduce overlapping of schemes for backward classes'

With plethora of schemes for SCs, STs and various other strata of the society, the Economic Survey today asked the government to reduce overlapping of different central and state programmes.

According to the survey tabled in the Parliament today, for 2009-10, there should be greater convergence of schemes between the central and state governments.

"There is also need to reduce the overlap between schemes being implemented by different departments at the centre and in the states as well as between those implemented by the centre and states," the pre-budget survey said.

The survey also said that despite increase in government outlays, the benefits do not always reach the intended target groups due to leakages and discrepancies.

"...Lack of identity proof results in harassment and denial of services to the poor and marginalised," it added.

The survey pointed out that the government has taken various initiatives and launched numerous schemes for upliftment of women and children, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), minorities, Other Backward Classes (OBC), among other sections of the society.

Continuing with the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which empowered the women with reservation in local bodies, the government has initiated special programmes like Support to Training and Employment Programme (STEP) for Women and Ujjawala (for prevention of trafficking of women).