Par Panel asks Social Ministry to seek more funds for schemes

Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry, which tabled its report in the Parliament today, asked the ministry to revamp its efforts in disability and social defence sector to give maximum benefits to the targeted population.

"The Ministry had sought an allocation of Rs 12,500 crore from the Planning Commission for 2012-13, however an allocation of only Rs 5,915 crore was made...The Committee desires the Ministry to vigorously pursue with the Planning Commission to increase allocation of funds," the report said.

The panel noted that the main areas where the funds have been slashed belong to schemes related to development of Other Backward Castes (OBC). The fund in this area has been cut down from Rs 3,525 crore to Rs 900 crore.

Asking the Ministry to improve its performance in disability sector, the report said, "The committee desires that the Ministry make efforts to revamp schemes in disability sector in the first year of 12th Plan itself so as to give maximum benefit to the sections of population for which they have been envisaged."

It also asked the Ministry to pursue the proposed scheme for National Overseas Scholarship for the OBC with the Planning Commission for clearance of funds worth Rs 1,048 crore.

A concept note has been moved by the Ministry for this and the Planning Commission too has given 'in principal' approval for the scheme. (More) PTI AD

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