21. Miscellaneous

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21.1. Secretariat Economic Services

Planning and applied evaluation is the key to

economic development.

- State Planning Commission

21.1.1. Introduction

The Secretariat Economic Services sector covers the planning, monitoring

and evaluation services provided by the State Planning Commission (SPC)

and the Department of Evaluation and Applied Research (DEAR) towards better

governance of the State. The Planning and Development Department effectively

anchors this pivotal role in the State.

21.1.2. Planning Services

The Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission is the nodal agency for

planning in the State. It was constituted on 25th May 1971 and functions

under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. It functions as an

advisory body and recommends strategies and programs to the Government

on various matters pertaining to the development aspects of the State. After

the Assembly Elections held in 2006, the State Planning Commission was

reconstituted on 19.5.2006 under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister

with Prof. M. Naganathan as Vice Chairman, Dr. R. Srinivasan as Full Time

Member, Thiru Lakshmikanthan Bharathi, Prof. G. Chidambaram,

Dr.P.Jagadesan, Thiru Thamizharuvi Manian, Dr. (Tmt.) Sunithi Soloman,

Thiru Karumuttu T. Kannan as Part Time Members. The Secretary to

Government, Finance Department and the Secretary to Government, Planning,

Development & Special Initiatives Department are ex-officio Members. During

2006, Tmt. Smita Nagaraj, I.A.S. was the Member Secretary, State Planning

Commission. From 2007, Tmt. Girija Vaidyanathan, I.A.S. has assumed

charges as the Member Secretary, State Planning Commission. The State

Planning Commission presented the Approach Paper to the Eleventh Five

Year Plan in November 2006. For the first time, Regional Consultations were

held in districts and views are elicited from the Members of Parliament,

Members of Legislative Assembly, representatives of Local Bodies, NGOs,

experts and academicians. The Draft Eleventh Five Year Plan document was

presented to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Chairman of the State Planning

830

Commission on 8th December 2007. The outlay recommended for the Eleventh

Five Year Plan period (2007-2012) was Rs.85,344 crore. The main functions

and responsibilities of the commission are:

(i) to advise the Government on the priorities of the Eleventh Five Year

Plan (EFYP) and Annual Plan.

(ii) to prepare and send the draft Eleventh Five Year Plan and Annual

Plan to the Government for approval and send the same to the

Union Planning Commission (UPC).

(iii) to review the progress of implementation of projects and programmes

included in the Eleventh Five Year Plan on a periodical basis, with

reference to achievement of targets/goals envisaged in the Five Year

Plan.

(iv) to undertake Mid-Term review of the Eleventh Five Year Plan and

advise the Government on appropriate modification/restructuring

of the schemes.

(v) to undertake evaluation of major plan schemes through the

Evaluation and Applied Research Department and recommend to

the Government the measures necessary to restructure or improve

the schemes based on such evaluation.

(vi) to advise the Government on the effective implementation of

Decentralised District Planning (DDP) with reference to existing

guidelines and Government orders.

Performance during the Tenth Plan

During the Tenth Plan, an outlay of Rs.12.56 crore was provided for

planning purposes. However, a sum of Rs. 7.22 crore was allocated to the

State Planning Commission. The Commission, during the Tenth Plan period,

had prepared four Annual Plans for the years from 2003-04 to 2006-07. It

regularly appraised the Government about the economy of the State. An

amount of Rs. 6.83 crore was spent on strengthening the planning machinery

and enhancing the skill levels of the planning personnel.

831

In addition to the task of preparing the plans for the State, the Commission

has also assumed the responsibility of preparing the Human Development

Reports for the State and districts under the UNDP – Union Planning

Commission, sponsored Project for “Strengthening State Plans for Human

Development”. Under this project, the Human Development Research &

Coordination (HDR & C) Unit, has been established in the State Planning

Commission for carrying out the activities relating to Human Development.

During the Tenth Plan period, the State Planning Commission prepared the

first Tamil Nadu Human Development Report, which was released in 2003. As

a part of the Project, the HDR&C unit has also undertaken several activities

encompassing advocacy of human development concepts, training, engendering

State Plans for human development and strengthening state statistical

systems. The unit has also undertaken the preparation of the District Human

Development Reports for the five districts of Dindigul, Thiruvannamalai,

Sivagangai, Cuddalore and Nagappattinam. These reports are in the final stage

of completion.

Considering the relevance of the activities of the Tamil Nadu State Land

Use Board (TNSLUB) for land use planning, the Board has been transferred to

the State Planning Commission. The Board is now functioning under the

chairmanship of the Vice-Chairman, State Planning Commission. Secretaries

to Government and Heads of Departments concerned with land and water use

are its members and the Member Secretary, State Planning Commission is

the co-chairman of the Board. During the Tenth plan period, 22 studies have

been taken up under the aegis of TNSLUB. The Board is in the process of

setting up National Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) using GIS

technology in Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Theni Districts at a cost of Rs. 23

lakh. The Board has also been receiving financial assistance from the

Government of India for conducting studies/programmes on various aspects

of land use such as watershed management, scientific conservation and

agricultural development under the ‘Macro Management Mode Approach’.

Eleventh Five Year Plan

The Process

Initiating the preparation of Eleventh Plan, an Approach Paper was

prepared and widely circulated for eliciting the views and suggestions from

the public. The paper indicated the broad focus areas and strategies for the

832

Eleventh Plan. Further, Regional Workshops were conducted in Trichy,

Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Thiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Chennai

for receiving the suggestions from stakeholders in formulating the Eleventh

Five Year Plan. Apart from this, 14 Steering Committees and 38 Working

Groups for various sectors of the economy have been constituted by the State

Planning Commission to provide inputs for the preparation of the Plan

document in the form of sectoral reports.

Objectives and Strategies

The objective of the planning process is to achieve overall economic

development with social justice. The objective can be achieved if the skills of

the planning machinery are updated continuously and the system is

modernised with the latest infrastructure.

Eleventh Plan Proposals

In addition to the ongoing schemes of Rs. 0.58 crore, the following new

schemes with a total outlay of Rs. 4.36 crore are proposed in the Eleventh

Plan.

1. Preparation of Perspective Plans

Planning plays a crucial role in the development of the State. The State

has prepared and implemented ten Five Year Plans. The Eleventh Five Year

Plan is in the offing. In addition to the Annual Plans for the five years from

2007-08 to 2011-12, it is proposed to prepare a Perspective Plan for important

development sectors during the Plan period. This will serve as a mid term

review of the plan schemes and help to identify the gaps in implementation as

well as resources for achieving the plan objectives. The sectoral perspective

plans will be prepared using the expertise available in the Planning Commission

and the Government along with reputed institutions working in the areas.

For this purpose, the possibility of instituting 'Chairs' in academic institutions

to pursue research in the areas of topical economic interest such as social

security, poverty and financial management will also be explored.

2. Capacity Building of Planning Personnel

In order to enhance the capability of the planning personnel and also to

enrich their knowledge regarding economics, budget, statistics, financial

management and other related subjects, it is proposed to conduct training

833

and capacity building courses during the Eleventh Plan period. Specific focus

will be given to enhance statistical and analytical skills along with writing and

computer skills. The training programmes will be conducted in collaboration

with expert institutions.

3. Infrastructure Development

It is proposed to strengthen the State Planning Commission with adequate

infrastructure facilities so as to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the

planning personnel.

4. Data Centre

There is a need for a centralized data bank especially for data relating to

the social sector departments such as health and education. Even though

such data are routinely collected by the line departments, they are not available

at one location for analysis by planners and academicians. It is proposed to

set up such a data centre, which will be managed by the Planning Commission

in coordination with the District Planning Cells and district level units of the

Statistics department.

Totally, a sum of Rs. 4.94 crore is proposed in the Eleventh Plan for

Planning Services.

21.1.3. Evaluation Services

The Department of Evaluation and Applied Research (DEAR), since its

inception in 1974, has been undertaking evaluation of the different

programmes and projects for better policy formulation and implementation.

The major functions of the Department are:

(i) Evaluating schemes, projects and programmes sponsored by the

Central/State Governments as and when required by Government.

(ii) Carrying out ad hoc studies and surveys relating to specific areas

and topics as assigned by the Government including Externally Aided

Projects (EAP).

(iii) Bringing out two annual publications, viz., (Tamil Nadu – Economic

Appraisal and An Economic-cum-Functional Classification of Tamil

Nadu Government budgetary Transactions) and

(iv) Carrying out research on various topics.

834

Several evaluation studies have been undertaken by the Department

from time to time depending on the need of the different departments of the

Government. The Department has also undertaken applied research such as

revenue forecasting exercises for various taxes as and when requested by the

Finance and Planning Departments. It also provides valuable inputs to the

State Planning Commission for efficient formulation of plans. Besides the two

annual publications referred to above, the department performs project

appraisal, research papers and analytical work.

Performance during the Tenth Plan Period

The Department has completed 97 studies during the Tenth Plan period.

The Tenth Plan provided an outlay of Rs. 32 lakh for evaluation services, which

was placed under the control of DEAR. During the Tenth Plan period, an

amount of Rs.113.16 lakh was spent on the evaluation services.

Eleventh Five Year Plan

Objectives

The objectives of the department during the Eleventh Plan are:

(i) to strictly adhere to the allotted time frame for completion of

evaluation studies;

(ii) to strengthen the evaluation skills of the State Evaluation

Organisation;

(iii) to improve infrastructure facilities with regard to Information

Technology and

(iv) to ensure timely release of the departmental publications.

Eleventh Five Year Plan

i. Monitoring of Important Programmes

As monitoring is an essential tool for successful implementation of the

project, the area development programmes such as Drought Prone Area

Programme (DPAP), Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP),

Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) and Western Ghat Development

Programme (WGDP) etc., which are priortised by both the Central and State

835

Governments may be monitored by this Department. Based on the quantum

of workload, a dedicated team of staff may be sanctioned for this purpose. It is

also proposed that some specific areas covered under the HADP and WGDP

programmes may be taken up for concurrent and ex-post evaluation on a

sectoral basis, which will help to optimize the benefits during the Eleventh

Plan period.

ii. Social Audit of Some Basic Services

Some of the major public services, funded by the Central Government,

have been brought under Social Audit by an independent agency. This has

provided useful feed back to the Government by providing valuable insights

as to what needs to be done to improve the quality of these services. Similarly,

social audit of some basic services provided by the Government in Tamil Nadu

such as Public Distribution System, Public Transport System, supply of drinking

water, health and education services, etc. may be taken up by this Department

to give proper feed back to the Government.

iii. Research Studies

Besides conducting evaluation studies, this Department will also focus

attention on research studies on current subjects such as E-governance, Urban

Development and Migration.

Eleventh Plan Proposals

1. Hastening the Process of Data Collection and Monitoring through

Palmtop and Laptop Computers

The officers in the cadre of Joint Director and Deputy Directors have to

be provided with laptops to review the progress of the field study and to enable

them to complete a substantial portion of the work related to the field study at

the field itself. Further, in order to quicken the data processing, the Research

Assistants and Research Investigators may be provided with a Palm Top

Computer. Hence, it is proposed to acquire laptop and palmtop computers

during the Eleventh Plan period in a phased manner. This would not only

enhance the accuracy of data processing but would also facilitate faster data

analysis and report writing.

836

2. Modernisation of Office

The office space taken on rent from Khadi and Village Industries Board

(KVIB) is essentially in the form of a hall, with limited provision for ventilation

and light. In order to enhance productivity, the ambiance of the office would

be improved by going in for a modern planned office layout. This would entail

replacing the old and dilapidated worn-out furniture with ergonomically

designed modern furniture, providing cubicles and networking facility. Old

worn out equipment and vehicles will be taken up for replacement to improve

overall office efficiency.

3. Strengthening of Electronic Data Processing (EDP) System

In view of the rapid obsolescence of computing systems and the need for

higher analytical capability, it is essential to upgrade the existing EDP system

by providing adequate computers and a server. This will be taken up in a

phased manner over the Eleventh Plan period.

4. Capacity Building

With a view to enhancing the knowledge and capability of the staff members

of this Department, training on various aspects related to evaluation and project

formulation is proposed. Reputed institutions in various parts of India will be

used to provide training on the latest techniques in the above areas.

6. Publication of Manuals

A Departmental Manual was published in 2003, covering the functions

of this Department, studies taken up, techniques adopted for evaluation, project

formulation and forecasting. This Manual will be revised to update and include

latest techniques on the above subjects which would be of great use not only

to the research staff of this Department but also to other government officers.

Further, periodical publication on technical matters will also be taken up

to enlighten the staff members of this Department regarding the modern

techniques involved in research and evaluation.

7. Outsourcing

In view of the acute shortage of trained staff and vacancies due to attrition,

there is a constraint in taking up major studies such as Base Line surveys,

cohort studies and studies involving large samples. In order to provide

837

Government with reliable quick feed back, it may be useful to selectively go in

for outsourcing of studies which will be commissioned under the supervision

and guidance of DEAR. This would be specially required for completion of

complex and time bound studies which are required by the Government for

policy making purposes.

The Eleventh Plan outlay for Evaluation Services is Rs. 2.65 crore

comprising Rs.1.60 crore for ongoing schemes and Rs.1.05 crore for new

schemes.

21.1.4. Monitoring and Secretariat Services

A monitoring and coordination cell is functioning in the Planning and

Development department for monitoring important plan schemes, besides

technical cells for HADP and WGDP. The department also entrusts studies of

different topics of interest to DEAR. Further the department provides grants

to technical and management institutes.

Technical Assistance for Economic Reforms Project

The World Bank based on an agreement with the Government of India

carries out a Country Procurement Assessment with a view to improve

transparency, efficiency, and accountability of the systems of procurements.

Tamil Nadu was one of three States that were taken up for the detailed study.

Activities of the Project are creation of Procurement Cell, drafts, circulate,

finalise, publish a set of standard bid and contract documents, revise finance,

public works and account codes in consonance with the Transparency Act,

Training institutions and Training courses, etc. The Project commenced on

1.10.2003 and expected to be completed on 31.12.2007. The project cost is

Rs. 5.60 crore and so far, upto 2006-07, Rs.3.38 crore have been spent. The

consultants submitted reports on "Measurement of Works executed and

Payment of Value of Works". This system has been introduced in Public Works

Department, Water Supply and Drainage Board, etc. as an experimental basis.

The consultants for Standardization of Specification (Data Books) of Public

Works Department, Preparation of Standard Bidding Documents, Review and

Updating of Standard Data and Specification for Water Supply and Sewerage

Works and Roads and Bridge Works have submitted their reports and they

are under scrutiny. So far, 38 batches of 1253 officials have attended 2 Days/

3 Days workshop on Procurement Procedures conducted by the Anna Institute

of Management.

838

For the above activities, it is proposed to allocate an amount of Rs. 11.71

crore for the Eleventh Plan period.

Eleventh Plan Outlay

The Eleventh Plan outlay for the sector ‘Secretariat Economic Services’ is

Rs. 19.30 crore as shown below:

Table 21.1.1

839

21.2. Economic Advice and Statistics

Economics and Statistics are the indicators of

the growth path

- State Planning Commission

21.2.1. Introduction

Regular monitoring and prompt course corrections are essential to

accelerate the pace of economic development. This can be achieved only through

rendering appropriate economic advice to the government using timely,

adequate and accurate statistics. The need for such statistics increases

considerably when the State is heading towards a decentralized planning set

up. The existing statistical system in the State captures a wide variety of data

concerning different sectors of the economy as well as the social sectors. The

Department of Economics and Statistics (DES) is engaged in a systematic

data gathering and dissemination effort in the State solely to address the

official statistics requirements. Vast amount of data are being collected on

Agriculture, Industry, Prices, Manpower, Employment, Housing and other socio

economic aspects of the society through various surveys and studies. However,

statistics relating to health, education, nutrition etc. are handled by concerned

departments. The DES releases the processed information in the form of reports

and publications on key indicators. The department is also responsible for

conducting various census such as economic census, agricultural census etc.

In addition, studies on various topics of current interest taken up under

National Sample Survey help in bridging the data gap in various sectoral

assessments of the State.

The system of data collection in the State is reviewed by the State

Statistical Committee reconstituted under the chairmanship of the Vice

Chairman, State Planning Commission. The Committee oversees the collection

of administrative statistics and suggests improvement so that such statistics

can be effectively used for monitoring, planning and policy making.

21.2.2. Performance during the Tenth Plan

An outlay of Rs.10 crore was earmarked for providing economic advice

during the Tenth Plan period and the funds were placed under the disposal of

the Department of Economics and Statistics. The major objectives envisaged

840

during the plan period were to improve the existing data collection under

important sectors of economy, to enhance the use of data by timely release of

valuable publications and reports and to upgrade the technical skills of the

official statisticians on the applications of statistical tools through suitable

training and interaction with academia. Against this, an amount of Rs. 3.45

crore could be utilized for meeting the objectives. During this period, significant

efforts have been made to strengthen the state statistical system by upgrading

the infrastructure facilities so that data collection and processing can be timely

and effective.

The economic advice provided will be of little use if the statistics used to

provide such advice cannot reflect the current reality. This is especially true

when the statistics are compared temporally. The system therefore requires a

constant revision and updating of the reference year or the base year for any

series of statistics. During the Tenth Plan period, this has successfully been

carried out in the case of Index of Industrial Production and estimates of State

Income. The base year has been shifted from 1993-94 to 1999-2000. Further,

a new series of estimates of the State Income have now been brought out from

1999-2000 onwards.

The Fifth Economic Census was conducted in Tamil Nadu during 2005

with 100% Central assistance in order to fill the data gaps in the unorganized

sectors. This has helped the State to assess the developments in

entrepreneurial activity in the rural and urban areas on a complete

enumeration basis. The Government of India had allotted a sum of Rs. 588.76

lakh for the conduct of this census. It is noteworthy to mention that Tamil

Nadu was the first State to complete this activity.

21.2.3. Eleventh Five Year Plan

Objectives

The major objective of the sector is to facilitate the Department of

Economics and Statistics to provide advice for governance using timely,

adequate, and accurate statistics. This would be accomplished by

841

� Effecting improvements in the existing system of data collection

� Enlarging the scope of the existing surveys to encompass the social

sector

� Modernising the system of compiling estimates of State and District

Income

� Enhancing the utility of the different indices of Agricultural and

Industrial Production and of Prices

� Releasing more up-to-date publications.

� Improving the electronic data processing system and quickening the

transmission of data/statistics.

� Motivating and building up the skills of the statistical personnel to

meet contemporary needs.

Thrust Areas

Micro level, decentralised planning has been recognised as a tool to reduce

regional imbalances and to ensure effective public participation in the process

of development. Hence, more authenticated and elaborate data at the district,

block and village levels is required. It therefore becomes necessary that the

scope and coverage of the state statistical system has to be broadened so as to

facilitate the collection and compilation of timely, adequate and accurate

statistics at the grass root level. Such a system should also enable not only

timely release of statistics but also initiate a mechanism to update and maintain

the data base.

The Crop Estimation Survey is the only scientific technique to estimate

the crop yields scientifically and objectively. Enlarging its scope and coverage

to more crops would definitely bridge the data gaps existing at the disaggregated

level. Further, there is scope for refinement of the estimates of the State and

District Income which is still prepared following a “top-down” approach. Field

Studies can help to fine tune the estimation procedure taking the ground

realities into account.

842

Capacity building is yet another thrust area, and it is a continuous

process. The resources invested in the form of hardware and infrastructure

will not yield the desired result, unless the field personnel and data managers

are competent in data collection and analysis. It is therefore necessary to

impart adequate training to the personnel involved in data collection and

management. A major defect creeping into the data system is the non-sampling

error; the sampling error can be controlled through sophisticated sample

design. Non-sampling error however, can be controlled only through well-

trained, motivated and dedicated statistical personnel. Further, it is essential

to strengthen the infrastructural facilities in terms of improving the facilities

for both the data collection and analysis using state-of-the-art electronic

equipment.

Eleventh Plan Outlays and Schemes

The Eleventh Plan proposes to realize the objective of facilitating providing

advice for governance through the Department of Economics and Statistics at

a proposed outlay of Rs. 26.24 crore. This will be accomplished through several

schemes. While schemes to the tune of Rs. 0.50 crore are ongoing from the

Tenth Plan, new proposals for a cost of Rs. 2.50 crore are proposed under the

Plan. The State share of Centrally Sponsored Schemes for generating State

level statistics is proposed at Rs. 3.77 crore. The sectoral outlay for providing

advice through statistics is thus proposed at Rs. 5.55 crore. Apart from this, a

sum of Rs. 19.47 crore is also posed under the World Bank funded India

Statistical Strengthening Project, which include a major scheme for providing

IT-friendly accommodation for the DES offices as well as a proposal for

establishing the Institute of Applied and Official Statistics at Chennai.

The details of ongoing and new schemes are as follows:

Ongoing Scheme

Modernization of Computer Systems

Upgrading the equipment available for data storage, process and

dissemination is a continuous process for the statistical system. It is therefore

proposed that the scheme of Modernization of Computer Systems for the

Department of Economics and Statistics would be continued during the

Eleventh Plan period at a cost of Rs. 0.50 crore.

843

New Schemes

Improving Infrastructure facilities in the DES Offices

It is proposed to improve the infrastructure facilities in the different offices

of the Department of Economics and Statistics at the State and District level

so as to enhance the efficiencies of data transmission and dissemination. The

scheme which includes provision of computers, generators, fax machines and

other necessary facilities will be implemented at a cost of Rs. 2.50 crore.

IT-friendly accommodation for the DES Offices

The quality of statistics largely depends on the atmosphere prevalent in

the workplace. Clean and modern accommodation with access to latest

equipments for data processing and transmission is the first step to be taken

for improving the quality of statistics. At present, the headquarters of the

Department of Economics and Statistics is situated in one of the wings of a

building owned by the Public Works Department. The building is inadequate

and cramped and not suitable for expanding the IT resources and the activities

that will be undertaken by the Department using the latest equipment. It is

therefore proposed that a new IT friendly building with facilities such as state-

of-the-art Electronic Data Processing room, computer facilities at the individual’s

desk etc., is to be provided to the departmental headquarters at a cost of

Rs.7.70 crore.

There are three Regional Offices at Chennai, Madurai and Salem and all

of them suffer from inadequate space and are housed in private buildings.

Hence, it is proposed that three of the Regional Offices and 19 District Level

Offices will be provided office buildings with space of 286.50 square meters

per office as per the Government of Tamil Nadu norms. The cost per building

will be Rs.30 lakh totalling Rs. 6.60 crore. Hence, a sum of Rs.14.30 crore is

proposed for the construction of buildings for the Eleventh Plan. This may be

met under the World Bank funded India Statistical Strengthening project.

Institute of Applied and Official Statistics at Chennai

There are many Universities offering degree/diploma courses in theoretical

statistics. But an institutional set up in the field of Applied Statistics including

Official Statistics is missing. To overcome this important short coming and to

provide periodical training for 115 officers and 1579 staff working both at

844

State and District levels in the Department of Economics and Statistics, and

also act as a learning hub for official statistics in South India, it is proposed

that an Institute of Applied and Official Statistics (IAOS) be established at

Chennai during the Eleventh Plan period in Tamil Nadu, with state-of-the-art

infrastructure and full time faculty at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 crore.

Further, it is proposed to provide IT infrastructure including hardware and

software to the different DES offices at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.92 crore. The

funding of this proposal will be met under the World Bank funded India

Statistical Strengthening project.

Centrally Sponsored Schemes

1. Timely Reporting of Area of Principal Crops

The objective of the scheme is to frame timely estimates of area of 9

principal crops viz., Paddy, Bajra, Jowar, Ragi, Cotton, Groundnut, Sugarcane,

Potato and Onion at the end of each season of the agricultural year. It also

aims at building up of land-use statistics based on priority enumeration of a

sample of 20% villages. The scheme, being implemented since 1972-73 will

be continued with the proposed outlay of Rs. 2.50 crore, which is the 50%

State share in the Eleventh Five Year Plan. The remaining 50% share is

sponsored by the Government of India.

2. Improvement of Crop Statistics

The objective of the scheme is to identify, through the joint efforts of the

Central and State authorities, the deficiencies in the system of collection of

crop statistics in the State and to suggest remedial measures. The scheme is

intended to provide the basis for determining the precise lines on which

improvement in the crop estimation would require to be effected. This scheme,

being implemented since 1974-75, will be continued in the Eleventh Plan

with an outlay of Rs. 1.27 crore being the 50% State share and the outlay is

shown under the Crop Husbandry sector. The other 50% is sponsored by the

Government of India.

3. Agricultural Census

The Agricultural Census, which is quinquennial in nature, intends to

collect details of number and area of operational holdings, land utilization

845

statistics, study of cropping pattern, crop-wise/ source-wise area irrigated,

tenancy holdings etc. The Census is proposed to be completed at an outlay of

Rs. 3.58 crore during the Eleventh Plan. The scheme is fully sponsored by the

Government of India.

4. Economic Census

The Sixth Economic Census is expected to be conducted in Tamil Nadu

during the Eleventh Plan period with 100% grant from the Government of

India. An outlay of Rs. 2.50 crore is proposed for this purpose.

5. Crop Estimation Survey on Fruits, Vegetables and Minor Crops

The objective of the Crop Estimation Survey on Fruits, Vegetables and

Minor Crops is to frame reliable estimates of average yield per hectare and

production of important crops such as mango, banana, citrus fruits, guava,

grapes, brinjal, lady's finger, tomato and pineapple both at the District and

State levels. The scheme is being implemented since 1982-83. It is proposed

to continue the scheme during the Eleventh Plan also at a proposed outlay of

Rs. 2.02 crore. The scheme is fully sponsored by the Government of India.

6. Nodal Centre for Manpower and Employment

The scheme aims to collect information on different categories of

specialisation from all the Engineering Graduates/Diploma Holders in Tamil

Nadu. It also attempts to assess the demand and supply position for the present

and in the future years, and to analyse the job requirements, matching facilities

for engineering education in the context of planning for economic growth and

development of the country. An outlay of Rs. 0.79 crore, which will be fully

sponsored by the Government of India has been proposed for the Eleventh

Plan period.

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Table 21.2. 1

Table 21.2. 2

847

21.3. Information and Publicity

Information and publicity are the sign board

of the nation.

- State Planning Commission

21.3.1. Overview

The State plays a vital role in disseminating information regarding various

programmes, schemes and activities of the government which have an impact

on the life of the public. Public Relations is an allied two way persuasive

process used as an instrument of generating goodwill, cooperation and

understanding between the government on one hand and the public on the

other.

Both these areas have undergone a sea change due to the growth of

satellite communication and internet technology, which has helped to shrink

distances and make information readily available. The use of modern media,

both print and visual, has helped the government to publicize its messages in

every nook and corner of the state with clarity and effectiveness. No doubt,

these efforts will play a major role in creating awareness among the public,

encouraging public participation and bringing them closer to the government.

The wide spectrum of activity of the Information and Public Relations

department includes issue of press releases to the daily newspapers, radio

and television channels, spreading information about development schemes

widely among the public through Tamil Arasu magazine, as well as news

bulletins of the Tamil Nadu Film Division, and conducting exhibitions to

enable people to understand various programmes of the State. It also includes

constructing memorials and statues for great leaders and scholars and

organizing functions to propagate their ideas. The Film and Television Institute

of Tamil Nadu set up in 1960 and subsequently named as the MGR Film and

Television Institute, functions under the department and offers three year

diploma courses imparting training in Film and Television Technology with an

intake capacity of 70 seats.

21.3.2. Review of Tenth Plan

The vision of the State was to provide responsive, value added and timely

service to the people and media by providing information and related services

848

for better acceptance and understanding of public policies and programmes

by the people.

The objectives of the State during the Tenth Plan were (1) propagating

the policies of the state (2) creating awareness, particularly among the rural

masses about the programmes and welfare measures using mass media (3)

disseminating information on policies and programmes of the State through

periodical exhibitions (4) upgradation of equipments and infrastructure in

the Film Division on par with the private media and press institutions (5)

linking up of all the District Public Relation Offices and Directorate by net-

working (6) improving the content and display of Government publications

particularly Tamil Arasu and (7) organising information database including

photographs with facility for archiving and selective retrieval to improve the

quality of information dissemination. The state also gave priority to construction

and maintenance of memorials to the memory of great leaders of national and

local importance as well as renovating the old monuments and government

buildings and putting them to use to conduct cultural programmes and social

activities.

Financial Review and Performance

The Tenth Plan outlay proposed for the Information and Publicity Sector

was Rs. 21.55 crore. The expenditure incurred was Rs 6.31 crore, the details

of which are given in the Table below.

Table 21.3. 1

Most of the activities carried out by the State during the Tenth Plan

related to the release of announcements, news, programmes and press

statements to the media, organising press meets and photo coverage of

important programmes/ events and meetings. Setting up of memorials,

producing news magazines, film and video documentaries, organizing

Information and Publicity

849

exhibitions and multimedia campaigns and awards and subsidies for films

were some of the other schemes implemented by the State in this period.

In Tamil Arasu Press, the monthly magazine Tamil Arasu, special

publications, pamphlets, government invitations, posters and brochures are

printed. The total number of subscriptions for Tamil Arasu magazine till April

2007 was 66,000. As a technology upgradation initiative, the press was

modernized at the cost of Rs.0.36 crore during the Tenth Plan period.

The Tamil Nadu Film Division covers and records the important events,

releases news magazines, produces documentaries and video short films on

subjects of public importance. Initiative has been taken to quicken the film

and video production by using modern technology. A sum of Rs.0.57 crore

had been spent for Tamil Nadu Film Division during the Tenth Plan period.

In MGR Film and Television Institute, each team of final year students

produces a short film as a part of their project work. The State provides a sum

of 50 lakh a year for production of these films as well as for sending these

films to the National and International Film festivals. This institute has been

modernized during the Tenth Plan period. The expenditure incurred by the

institute was Rs. 1.70 crore.

During the Tenth Plan period, the field publicity units were strengthened

by purchasing 11 video publicity vans. The district offices were strengthened

by provision of computers, television sets and communication facilities. As

part of administrative improvement of the department, an expenditure of

Rs 1.99 crore was incurred for the construction of buildings and provision of

infrastructure facilities.

The State is maintaining 41 memorials, 4 Arangams, 5 commemoration

pillars and one memorial park. Valluvar Kottam, Rajaji Hall, Perarignar Anna

Memorial, Dr. MGR Memorial, Kamarajar Memorial house, all in Chennai,

and memorials in various districts have been strengthened during the plan

period

Welfare schemes for journalists such as Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund,

Journalists' Pension, Jounalists' Family Pension and Housing Scheme for

Journalists have also been implemented. The Journalists’ Family Benefit

Fund scheme was introduced at the end of Tenth Plan. The financial assistance

850

ranging from Rs.0.50 lakh to Rs.2.00 lakh is given to various categories of

journalists who die in harness. The expenditure is met from the Chief Minister’s

Public Relief Fund. Under the Journalists’ Pension scheme, Rs.4,000 per

month as pension is given to retired senior journalists in impoverished

condition. A family pension scheme is also implemented for such journalists

with a sum of Rs.2,000 per month being paid as pension to the family of the

deceased journalists who had received the Journalists’ Pension.

21.3.3. Eleventh Five Year Plan

Vision

The State is committed to the promotion of better acceptance and

understanding of its policies and programmes by the people. To achieve this

end, the government will provide value added and timely services to the media

and the public. Cordial public relations will be used as the mode to disseminate

information on government programmes to the public effectively and efficiently.

Objectives

The objectives of the Information and Publicity sector for the Eleventh

Five Year Plan are (1) to propagate the policies and programmes of the

Government, (2) to create awareness among the people particularly the rural

masses about the welfare measures of the Government, (3) to effectively use

mass media and electronic media, as well as periodical exhibitions and

multimedia programmes for dissemination of such information, (4) to construct

and maintain memorials and conduct functions periodically to pay homage

and respect to the memory of great leaders and personages of National and

State importance.

Strategies

To achieve these objectives, the following strategies will be followed: (1) It

is proposed to modernise the existing facilities available in the department

and allied institutions to improve their performance and ensure quick and

effective interaction with media and public, (2) The administration of the offices

will be streamlined through computerisation and modern communication

techniques (3) It is also proposed to fix measurable goals and objectives for

the department. A suitable mechanism to evaluate performance of staff will

be devised, based on which awards for motivation will be given.

851

Plan Proposals

To achieve the objectives laid down, the following schemes are proposed

for the Eleventh Plan.

Ongoing Schemes

1. Buildings

Construction and maintenance of memorials and mani mandapams in

memory of Great Leaders are being implemented through the Public Works

Department. It is proposed to earmark a sum of Rs.1.00 crore for the

Eleventh Five Year Plan for construction activities. Rajaji Hall, Valluvar Kottam

and Kalaivanar Arangam will be renovated for improving not only their

appearance but also their facilities for conducting programmes for the public.

New Schemes

1. Tamil Arasu Press

The Tamil Arasu Press provides information to the people on important

schemes and activities of the Government and thereby serves as an important

media tool to reach the different strata of the society. With the objective of

modernisation and upgradation of equipment so as to improve the display

and content of the publication during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period, a

Computerised two colour sheet fed offset machine with accessories and other

modern machinery are proposed to be purchased for the Tamil Arasu Press.

A sum of Rs.3.00 crore is proposed for purchase of these equipments during

the Eleventh Five Year Plan period.

2. Tamil Nadu Films Division

The Tamil Nadu Films Division is engaged in the production of

newsreels, bulletins, documentary films, video documentaries and video

coverages regarding government schemes and topics of current interest. Apart

from this, Video News Magazines are recorded and disseminated to all District

Information and Public Relations Offices for Field Publicity. With the objective

of modernisation of equipments, it is proposed to strengthen this division by

provision of E.Library and Media Asset Management System with accessories

along with supporting technical staff during the Eleventh Five Year Plan. A

sum of Rs.1.00 crore is proposed for this purpose.

852

3. MGR Film & TV Institute

The MGR Film & TV Institute, run by the Government is one of the three

institutions in the country imparting training in Film and Television

Technology. This institute conducts three year diploma courses such as

Direction and Screen Play writing, Cinematography, Sound Recording and

Sound engineering, Film Processing and Film editing as well as techniques of

Television Film Production. In order to modernise this institute to function on

par with the best in the country, upgradation and purchase of Digital Video

Camera and other cinematographic equipment and accessories are proposed

at a cost of Rs.3.50 crore during the plan period.

4. Strengthening Press Release section, Reference section, Photo sections,

Exhibition section, Directorate and District Offices

The Press Release Section, the Reference section and the Photo section

are integral supporting wings of this department. It is proposed to strengthen

these wings through computerisation and office modernisation so as to

improve their functioning efficiency. The State and district offices will also be

provided with computers and other equipment to improve their networking

abilities and make them more timely and effective. A sum of Rs. 2.10 crore is

proposed in the Eleventh Five Year Plan for this strengthening.

Eleventh Five Year Plan Outlay

It is proposed to allocate Rs. 10.60 crore for the Information and Publicity

sector during the Eleventh Plan. The schemewise details are given in the

following table.

853

Table 21.3. 2

Stationery and Printing

Improvement and Modernisation of Government Presses

The Government presses play a major role in Government functioning byprinting and publishing important documents such as Government gazettes,budget documents, reports of various committees, works related to LegislativeAssembly and secret and special reports to the Government. The Governmentpresses are being modernized in line with the latest development in the fieldof printing technology in a phased manner. A sum of Rs.0.50 crore is proposedfor improvement and modernization of Government presses during the EleventhPlan period.

Eleventh Five Year Plan Outlay

A total outlay of Rs.0.50 crore is proposed for Stationery and Printing

sector during the Eleventh Five Year Plan as in the following table.

Table 21.3. 3Eleventh Five Year Plan Outlay

854

21.4. Special Area Programmes

ÏUòdY« thŒªj kiyÍ« tUòdY«

tšyuQ« eh£o‰F cW¥ò- FwŸ 737

Waters up and down, hills and streams

With strong forts as limbs country beams.

- Thirukkural 737

21.4.1. Introduction

Land is the most critical input for agriculture. The demand for land

increases due to economic development but availability of land remains

constant. Further, the quality of land is also getting degraded due to many

factors. There are some areas in the State that require special attention to

control soil erosion and land degradation to restore ecology and environment

and to maintain the ecological balance and preserve the bio-diversity. The

special areas are:

� Hill Area - entire The Nilgiris district

� Western Ghats– 8 districts of Tamilnadu

� Eastern Ghats

� Coastal area

The Eastern Ghats covering 16 districts of Tamilnadu and the coastal

area along the coastline of 1000 k.m represent two other special areas of the

State. It is necessary to adopt a strategy for development of these special

areas, keeping in view the unique features and problems. There is a need to

formulate area programmes for the socio- economic development, and for

conservation, protection and preservation of these areas. The need to conserve

the natural resources and their environment to prevent further damage to the

eco-system has been recognized by the Government.

21.4.2. Hill Area Development Programme

The Hill Area Development Programme is in operation in Tamil Nadu

from the inception of the Fifth Five YearPlan (1975-780) with 100% financial

855

assistance (90% Grant and 10% Loan) from

the Government of India with a view to

supplement the efforts of the State

Government in preservation, protection and

enrichment of bio-diversity of the Nilgiris

district. The main objectives of the

programme are eco-preservation, eco-

restoration and eco-development besides

taking care of the socio-economic

developmental needs of the people of the

district. The implementation strategy is now

geared to the integrated watershed

approach, whereby all the sectors focus in selected priority watershed to

enable optimization of resources and recharge of the water tables.

The Nilgiris District, which forms an integral part of the Western Ghats

with an area of 2549 Sq. Kms. is located at the junction of the Eastern and

Western Ghats and has an average elevation of 2000 Mts. above the Mean Sea

Level. The highest peak is Doddabetta (2640 Mts. above MSL). The total

geographical area is 2.54 lakh hectares and the area coming under forest is

1.42 lakh Ha. (56.03%), while the area coming under cultivation is 78800 Ha.

The non-food crops are cultivated in nearly 65% of the area, while the remaining

area are used for food crop cultivation. Tea and coffee are major non-food

Crops grown and tea is grown in over 50% of the total area.

The Hill Area Development Programme is being implemented in the

Nilgiris District, which consists of four blocks, 11 Town Panchayats, 4

Municipalities and one cantonment. Under this programme, till the year

1995-96 only Forest, Soil Conservation and Horticulture were identified as

the core sectors. But from 1996-97 onwards, emphasis has also been laid on

some other important sectors namely Welfare of vulnerable social groups,

Human Resources Development, Development of Local Bodies, Medical &

Public Health, Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development, Roads, Tourism,

Remote Sensing etc., and funds have been provided for development of these

sectors also.

Saplings raised in the Nursery

856

The specific objectives of the HADP programme are given below:

� To develop the ecology and environment, through eco-restoration,

eco-preservation and eco-development.

� To stimulate socio-economic growth and development of infrastructure

in the district.

� To involve the people in meeting their basic needs through improved

management of their land and water resources.

� To give adequate and safe drinking water by development of

gravitational sources of water.

� To improve the health facilities including infrastructure facilities in

primary health institutions.

� To evolve a proper land use pattern keeping the socio-economic and

ecological parameters in view.

� To develop the horticulture and plantation crops.

� To improve livestock and cattle in order to increase the income of

rural households.

� To find appropriate technology and scientific inputs, which would

suit local conditions and harness local resources.

Performance during Tenth Five Year Plan

The Union Planning Commission, Government of India has released a

sum of Rs.123.90 crore for the schemes implemented under HADP in the

Nilgiris district during the Tenth Five Year Plan.

The major portion of the allotment under HADP has been earmarked for

the three core sectors, namely soil conservation, horticulture, forestry roads

etc. The emphasis has shifted gradually to watershed-based development with

the aim of attaining a sustainable development of the area from the year

2002-03 and 60% of the total fund being earmarked for the priority watersheds.

857

Table 21.4. 1

The Nilgiris district has been delineated into 75 macro watersheds and

10 macro watersheds have been saturated so far. During the Tenth Plan

period, various soil conservation measures have been taken up to the extent

of 1780 ha. Stream training works for a length of 5174 mts. and 337 lakh

worth of retaining walls were taken up in the district. Under Forest sector,

4681 ha., forest area have been maintained and 1511 ha., new forest area

have also been generated. Other developmental activities such as provision of

drinking water, construction of group houses, schools, primary health centres,

and veterinary centres have also been taken up. Further NGOs, local farmers

associations and local people have been involved in the implementation of

schemes under HADP.

858

Assets created under HADP

� New HADP boat house at Ooty

� Genepool Garden at Nadugani, Gudalur

� Low cost houses to SC/ST (1616 Nos.)

� Additional class rooms in the Government High/Higher Secondary

schools (11 Nos.).

� Primary Health Centre buildings (2 Nos.).

� Health Sub-Centre buildings (13 Nos.).

� New ward to Taluk Head Quarters Hospital (1 No.).

� Milch animals to farmers (100 Nos.).

� Building for casualty, ICU to Govt. Head Quarters Hospital at Udhagai

( 1No).

� HADP Training Centre at Udhagai.

� Fruit preservation/demonstration unit for giving training to SHGs/

farmers/Public.

� Automated Post-harvest handling Unit for washing/sorting of fresh

vegetables.

Approach and Strategy for the Eleventh Five Year Plan

The Nilgiris district has major rivers like Bhavani and Moyar, which are

the tributaries of Cauveri and Pandiar. Of the 75 macro watersheds into

which the district has been delineated, 14 macro watersheds (comprising of

101 micro watersheds) will be taken as priority watersheds during the Eleventh

Five Year Plan period. The Watershed Association (registered under the

Societies Act) for each macro watershed will be the General Body comprising

all members of the watershed community who agree to participate in the

watershed development project. Local level people institutions such as

Watershed Association, Watershed Committee and user groups have been

formed and the societies registered for day-to-day management and distribution

of benefits. The working capital will be created through revenue generation

859

and people's contribution for repair and maintenance of the works. This will

create self-sustaining local institutions to take over the activities after

withdrawal of the project.

The major activities proposed under soil conservation are bench terracing

works with vegetative barriers/ fodder species etc., renovation of existing

terraces, water harvesting structures, construction of check dams, channel

alignment works, landslide treatment works. Under forestry - shola afforestation

/ maintenance works around the sholas, raising and supply of seedlings,

construction of water harvesting structures, creating awareness have been

proposed. Under Horticulture, the activities proposed are coverage of area

under tea Planting with multi-tier cropping and distribution of high yielding

vegetable seeds/ fruit seedlings/ agriculture implements. Under Animal

Husbandry, it has been proposed to provide certain infrastructure facilities to

increase the quality and quantity of the milk yield so as to improve the socio-

economic standards of the people. Under human development, it has been

proposed to form/ improve the play grounds in schools, construction of

additional class rooms, toilets to the schools and to provide water supply and

other essential amenities.

The activities of the core sectors have been integrated with those of the

other line departments to stabilize the ecology besides involving the local

people along with the NGOs, by adopting Integrated Watershed Approach. In

order to involve the farmers and local people in Planning for their own needs,

Participatory Rural Appraisal meetings are being conducted in which the

watershed committees take part to express their views and suggest corrective

measures. The proposals thus finalized are included in the perspective Plan

being prepared for the period of five years. The Plan has been prepared in

such a way that the needs and wants of the people will be fulfilled. Regular

meetings are conducted with the sectoral officers, NGOs, Community

Organizations and Watershed Development Team to review the progress of

works. Watershed coordinators are also involved in the monitoring of various

works taken up in the watershed area.

Proposed Outlay for the Eleventh Five Year Plan

The outlay proposed for HADP in the Eleventh Five Year Plan will be

Rs.177.5 crore, at the rate of Rs. 35.50 crore per year.

860

Around 60% of the annual outlay under HADP is proposed to be

earmarked for works on Integrated Watershed basis and the remaining 40%

for other than Watershed works which include 15% for maintenance cost for

HADP assets already created and 10% for establishment cost.

21.4.3. Western Ghat Development Programme - (WGDP)

The Western Ghats region in Tamil Nadu starts from Gudalur Taluk in

the Nilgirs and ends up at Agastheeswaran Taluk in Kanniyakumari district.

Since the Nilgiris district is covered under HADP, it is excluded from the

implementation of WGDP. Western Ghats region therefore falls in eight

districts, namely Coimbatore, Erode, Dindigul, Theni, Madurai, Virudhunagar,

Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari covering 33 taluks. The total area covered

under WGDP is 2.6 m.ha., or 20% of the total area of Tamil Nadu.

The salient features of WGDP are

� Development with watershed as basic treatment unit.

� Focus on soil and moisture conservation measures and conservation

of bio-diversity.

� Participatory approach through involvement of PRIs and NGOs

The Western Ghats Development Programme is being implemented from

1975-76 onwards with 100 percent Central Assistance (90% Grant and 10%

Loan). Though started as a beneficiary-oriented economic development

programme, the emphasis gradually shifted towards socio-economic growth,

development of infrastructure and promotion of ecology. Under WGDP, 70%

of the resources have been earmarked for the sectors relating to these priorities

such as soil and water conservation, forestry, housing and other infrastructure.

Performance during Tenth Plan

Under the WGDP, during the Tenth Plan period, Agriculture and Allied

activities including soil and water conservation measures were taken up in

135 watersheds at a cost of Rs.61 crore. Horticultural activities such as

production and distribution of Planting materials and development of

861

horticultural crops were undertaken. Under forestry, raising Plantations,

maintenance of Plantations, soil and water conservation measures, gap filling

infrastructure, housing and welfare of SC/ST were taken up. The other activities

taken up under WGDP were animal husbandry, sericulture, fisheries, rural

roads, tourism, minor irrigation etc.

Table 21.4. 2

Approach and Strategy for the Eleventh Five Year Plan

The WGDP operates on the following principles:

� Maintenance of ecological balance essential for the life support

system;

� Preservation of genetic diversity;

� Restoration of ecological damage caused by human interaction; and

� Creation of awareness among the people and educating them on the

far- reaching implications of ecological degradation and securing their

active participation for the eco-development schemes.

862

The Western Ghats region is facing soil erosion and eco-degradation

problems. The WGDP therefore aims at development in a holistic manner with

Special Area Programme watershed as the basic treatment unit for

augmentation and stabilization of production and productivity, minimizing

ecological degradation, reduction in regional disparity and opening up of

greater opportunities for employment of rural poor. The broad objectives under

WGDP are maintenance of environmental stability through forest preservation,

conserving natural heritage by preserving the remaining natural forests,

checking soil erosion and denudation of the catchment areas of rivers, lakes,

reservoir in the interest of soil and water conservation, increasing the

sustainability of the forest/ tree cover through afforestation and social forestry

programmes, meeting the requirement of fuel, fodder, minor forest produce

and small timbers of the rural and tribal population and creating a massive

people's movement with the involvement of women for achieving these

objectives. Activities proposed to be taken up under the programme include

providing veterinary assistance and health coverage to livestock and poultry,

taking up road improvement works, preparing environmental atlas with the

assistance of GIS and remote sensing techniques to identify hot spots and

addressing pollution problems in the river systems like Bhavani, Vaigai and

Tamiraparani etc.

Outlay for the Eleventh Five Year Plan

With a view to achieve the above objectives and to undertake the above

activities, the outlays for implementation of WGDP during the Eleventh Five-

Year Plan period will be Rs. 85.20 crore at the rate of Rs. 17.04 crore per year.

21.4.4. Eastern Ghat Development Programme

The Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu are spread over in an area of about

3.25 million ha in 16 districts - 3 districts in coastal eastern ghats, 9 districts

in central eastern ghats and 4 districts in southern eastern ghats. The major

hills in Eastern Ghats are: a) Javadhu hills (Vellore district), b)Pachaimalai

(Trichy & Salem districts), c) Kollimalai, Servarayan and Bodamalai (Salem

district), d) Kalrayan hills (Salem and Villupuram district), Chitteris and

Melagiris (Dharmapuri). The Eastern Ghats have rich sources of manganese,

bauxite, graphite, lime stones, Gemstones, Magnetite etc., They are easily

accessible for encroachment for human habitation and cultivation. Due to

863

heavy pressure, the list of threatened species in this area is increasing day by

day which requires immediate attention to restore the original ecosystem.

The general problems and constraints encountered in Eastern Ghat areas

are (a) soil erosion, poor fertility status of soil, and stream bank erosion in

some rivers; (b) large scale deforestation; (c) degraded and gullied common

lands and grassing lands due to large scale exploitation, (d) lack of information

on farming and cropping systems; (e) lack of good water management system

and practices in the irrigated areas: (f) incidents of fire due to phases of burning

during process of shifting cultivation; (g) low economic status and fragmentation

of land holdings; (h) periodic droughts and floods due to heavy run-off and

siltation of river beds; (i) uncontrolled mining activities; (j) declining ground

water table due to excessive use and withdrawal of ground water and lack of

water harvesting / water conservation measures; and (k) inappropriate land

use system.

The main objectives of the Eastern Ghats Development Programme are

biodiversity conservation, providing vegetal cover to the degraded and highly

eroded forest areas, improvement of water yield and ground water. Prevention

of soil loss, skill development and generation of employment opportunities for

the local people/ tribals to improve their socio-economic status; and creation

of eco-awareness are also priorities of the programme. Research of specific

problem related to area will also be taken up.

The departments/ agencies involved are Agricultural Engineering,

Horticulture, Highways and Rural works, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture,

Sericulture, Public Health, Education, Tribal Welfare Departments, DRDA,

TEDA, Khadi and Village Industries etc.

The important strategies for the implementation of the programme are

� Watershed based development and

� People's participation to meet their basic needs in consonance with

their ecological and livelihood security.

Performance during the Tenth Five Year Plan

The Eastern Ghats Development Programme was not included in the

earlier Plan schemes. During the Tenth Plan period, an amount of Rs. 1 crore

864

was sanctioned during 2005-06 for the implementation of Eastern Ghats

Development Programme. Against which an amount of Rs. 0.96 crore was

spent on various activities by different departments.

Table 21.4. 3

Outlay for the Eleventh Five Year Plan

During the Eleventh Five Year Plan, an amount of Rs. 5.00 crore is

proposed for the Eastern Ghats Development Programme. This amount is

proposed to be invested in a pilot project area, so that this pilot project area

can be developed as a model. This will lead to further developmental activities

in other parts of the Eastern Ghats area. A part of this fund will also be used

for preparing a detailed project report on this programme.

21.4.5. Coastal Area Development Programme

Coastal area may be regarded as the land immediately behind the shore.

The coastline of Tamil Nadu extends over 1000 kms. in length commencing

from Pulicat lake to Kanniyakumari with about 80-96 km width with an average

elevation of 77m above the sea level. The geographical area of the 11 coastal

districts accounts for nearly one-third of the total geographical area of the

state. The coastal area is characterised by the rich natural resources and

intense human activities.

The coastal area in Tamil Nadu is susceptible to cyclones periodically

which cause damage to life and property. The coastal area supports several

865

important economic activities such as fisheries, ports, industries and tourism.

The total population in the coastal towns of Tamil Nadu is about 27% of the

total urban population in the state. Most ecologically critical and threatened

areas in the coastal areas are coastal wet lands especially lagoons and estuaries

and their mangrove swamps. The coastal areas provide food and shelter for

waterfowls, fishes, crustaceans, molluscs including some of the world's lucrative

fisheries. Mangroves and coral reef system are important for protecting

shorelines and coastal lines against erosion. Thus coastal areas play a

prominent role in the human life.

The coastal areas face many problems but have high potential for economic

development. The problems are sea water intrusion which affects drinking

water in coastal areas, swamps, which occupies large area and is unproductive

creating environmental problems, sea erosion due to monsoon wind, waves

etc. The potentials are sandy tracts that could be used for agricultural

production by growing vegetables and fruit crops by using drip irrigation. The

excess rain water and flood water could be used by the farmers to grow fish,

which will bring more income to them. Further, there is a great scope for

promotion of tourism in the entire costal belt.

The programme of the ICADP will be implemented by the State

Government Departments of Agricultural Engineering, Environment, Fisheries,

Forest, PWD and Tourism along with the participation of Industries, Ports,

NGO's and research institutions operating in the coastal areas.

The Objectives of Integrated Coastal Area Development Programme are

� To protect heritage and cultural sites and fragile ecosystem.

� Promote natural resources by conservation-based development in

order to achieve continuous improvements in the quality of human

life.

� Foster sustainable human development through a job-led economic

growth strategy.

� Develop integrated area development projects covering capture

fisheries, brackish water, aquaculture and coastal forestry and agro-

forestry.

866

� Establish cyclone and disaster mitigation measures and

infrastructure.

� Develop monitoring mechanisms for ensuring the health of coastal

ecosystem and conservation of coastal biological diversity.

Performance during the Tenth Plan

During the Tenth Plan period, an amount of Rs.1.00 crore was sanctioned

under part II scheme of 2005-06 for the implementation of Integrated Coastal

Area Development. The department wise financial achievement is listed below

in Table 21.4. 4.

Table 21.4. 4

Outlay for the Eleventh Plan

During the Eleventh Five Year Plan, an amount of Rs.5.00 crore is proposed

for the Integrated Coastal Area Development Programme. During the Eleventh

Five Year Plan, the works under Integrated Coastal Area Development

Programme shall continue mainly in Forest department, Agriculture

department and other Allied departments.

c