AGRICULTURE

1. AGRICULTURE EXTENSION

Agriculture extension is application of scientific research and new knowledge to agriculture practices through farmer education.

AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED SECTORS

Agriculture Horticulture Animal Husbandry Poultry Fishery Sericulture ( Industry Dept)

Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)

ATMA is a society of key stakeholders involved in agricultural activities for sustainable agriculture development in the district. It is a focal point for integrating Research and Extension activities and decentralizing day-to- day management of the public Agricultural Technology System (ATS). It is a registered society responsible for technology dissemination at the district level. As a whole the ATMA would be a facilitating agency rather than implementing Agency.

The ATMA at district level would be increasingly responsible for all technology dissemination activities at the district level. It would have linkage with all the line departments, research organization, non-governmental organizations and agencies associated with agricultural development in the district. Research and Extension units within the project district such as ZRS or substations, KVK and the key line departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture and Fisheries, Forestry etc. would become constituent members of ATMA. Each Research-Extension (R-E) unit would retain its institutional identity and affiliation but program and procedures concerning district-wise R-E activities would be determined by ATMA Governing Board (GB) to be implemented by its Management Committee (AMC).

The Governing Board of ATMA is headed by the DM. The scheme is supported by CG with (0% funding from Centre and 10 % by the States. The key objectives are:

Objectives :

The objectives of ATMA are

1. To strengthen research – extension – farmer linkages2. To provide an effective mechanism for co-ordination and management of activities of

different agencies involved in technology adaption / validation and dissemination at the district level and below.

3. To increase the quality and type of technologies being disseminated.4. To move towards shared ownership of the agricultural technology system by key

shareholders.5. To develop new partnerships with the private institutions including NGOs.

Salient Features of ATMA :

1. Creating Farmer Advisory Committee to improve feed back.2. Using NGOs to organize farmers.

3. Encouraging private sector involvement in technology transfer.4. Validation and refining technologies through research units in the district.5. Bottom up planning procedure.6. Increased use of Information Technology (ARIS, WWW)7. In-service training to increase staff competence.8. Developing new Public-Private partnerships.9. Formation and strengthening of farmer's interest group

KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRAS (KVKs)

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are the frontline agricultural extension center funded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The KVKs focus on training and education of farmers, rural youth, on field demonstration of new and improved farming techniques etc. The first KVK, on a pilot basis, was established in 1974 at Puducherry (Pondicherry) under the administrative control of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. At present there are 668 KVKs, out of which 458 are under State Agricultural Universities (SAU) and Central Agricultural University (CAU), 55 under ICAR Institutes, 100 under NGOs, 35 under State Governments, and the remaining 17 under other educational institutions.

It was felt that the Indian Farmers do not have knowledge about scientific farming methods, the soil-crop linkages, fertilizer requirements etc. Hence, KVKs were set up to ensure a last mile linkage, which would provide farmers with information and training about scientific farming, mitigation measures in case of adverse climatic events, consultancy services regarding the type of crops to be sown, the type and amount of fertilizer to be used etc.

However the KVKs have not had the impact that was envisioned.

1. KVKs have different organisational structures. While some come directly under ICAR, others are monitored by State Agricultural Universities or even Civil Society Organisations. This has led to problems of monitoring and co-ordination problems.

2. While the KVKs have had some impact by proving training and some advisory services, their mandate was very expansive which they have not been able to fulfill due to lack of budgetary support.

3. One KVK has been established in every district in the country. However, a district could be very large (Upto 38000 sq kms). Hence, one KVK has not been enough to cover the entire district. Thus, the impact on KVKs has been only in the immediate surrounding areas.

4. The KVKs do not have integration with the weather monitoring and forecasting services. This impacts their ability to advise farmers about the mitigating steps in case of adverse climate.

While KVKs have had some impact, there is potential to do a lot more. The government must look at reviewing the locations of KVKs, meet the manpower requirements and also consider setting up more than one KVK in a district. KVKs are essential in order to reach the goal of at least 4% growth in agriculture. They must be empowered to help proactively in achieving that target.

SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS - Challenges

There is less rainfall in your district, the crop may not survive. Poor seed variety / use of fertilizers / less informed choice of pesticides/ soil health. The farmer doesn’t have working capital and insurance. There is paradigm shift in cultivation, irrigation, harvesting and storage technology. Remunerative prices for produce is not available to farmers.

2. NAM & APMCs

National Agriculture Market (NAM) : National Agriculture Market (NAM) is a pan-India electronic trading portal which networks the existing APMC mandis to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.

Backdrop of the APMC reforms, 2013 and APMC Model Act 2003:A) Shortcomings in Current APMC system

1) Monopoly of APMC – Monopoly of any trade (barring few exceptions) is bad, whether it is by some MNC corporation by government or by any APMC. 2) Cartelization – It is quite often seen that agents in an APMC get together to form a cartel and deliberately restraint from higher bidding. 3) Entry Barriers – License fee in these markets are highly prohibitive. 4) Conflict of Interest – APMC play dual role of regulator and Market. 5) High commission, taxes and levies: Farmers have to pay commission, marketing fee,

APMC cess which pushes up costs. 6) Other Manipulations – Agents have tendency to block a part of payment for unexplained or fictitious reasons.

B) APMC model act 2003: Model APMC act. Salient features are –1. Farmer doesn’t need to bring his produce to APMC Mandi. 2. It allows alternate markets such as direct purchase centers, private market yards/mandis.3. It increased responsibility of APMCs on following lines –1. Full payment should be made on day of sale itself.2. Quantity brought and prices should be displayed near arrival gate. 3. Ensuring transparency in Pricing and Transactions in the market4. It not only allows, but strongly advocates for contract farming. It also provides for dispute resolution mechanism.

Components of NAM:1. A national e-market platform for transparent sale transactions and price discovery initially in regulated markets. 2. Liberal licensing of traders / buyers and commission agents by State authorities without any pre-condition of physical presence or possession of shop /premises in the market yard.3. One license for a trader valid across all markets in the State.4. Harmonisation of quality standards of agricultural produce and provision for assaying (quality testing) infrastructure.5. Provision of Soil Testing Laboratories in/ or near the selected mandi to facilitate visiting farmers to access this facility in the mandi itself. Benefits of NAM: NAM provides a number of benefits to various stakeholders of the system. 6. For farmers: NAM promises more options for selling their produce and competitive returns.7. For local traders, NAM will provide access to larger national market for secondary trading.8. For bulk buyers, processers, exporters, NAM will enable direct participation in the local mandi trade, reducing intermediation cost.9. For consumer : Stable prices and availability to consumer.10. For mandis, NAM benefits in terms of reduction in book keeping and reporting system, which are generated automatically; better monitoring and regulation of traders and commission agents;

APMCs

Issues associated with the APMCs –

(i) Cartelization – Agents in APMC band together and restrain from higher bidding, thus lowering the income for farmers(ii) Low Economic freedom of farmers – Under the various State APMC Acts farmers are required to sell their produce in only government designated mandis, further promoting cartelization(iii) High licencing fees – Crowds out competition and ensures that only village/urban elites operate in APMCs and varying among the fees(iv) Conflict of interest – APMCs play the role of both regulator and markets

Positive aspects of Karnataka Model – (i) Integration of main-market yards and sub-yards into a single licencing system(ii) Automated auction and post-auction facilities for improving efficiency and transparency(iii) Measures of determining quality of produce made available in the markets(iv) Linking all APMCs electronically for a single State price for every commodity

Benefits of National Agricultural Markets to farmers – (i) Freedom of pricing and freedom of access(ii) Would encourage farmers to invest in storage facilities(iii) Diversification of crops(iv) Lower dependence on village money-lender and opportunity to raise finances from national and international markets

How current issues will be resolved?(i) Weakening of cartels(ii) No widespread differences in agri-prices throughout the country(iii) Increasing economic conditions of farmers(iv) APMCs can solely focus on regulating produce

3. CHALLENGES IN AGRICULTURE

The average size of operational holding is 1.3 hectares with small and marginal holdings being 82 per cent. The population dependent on Agriculture is around 56% with cultivated area dependent on rainfall around 60%.

Indian foodgrains production short of target –decline in per capita net availability of foodgrains by 12% (1996-2007). Need around 350 m MT by 2020.

Still largely monsoon dependent; crisis of 2007-08 – international foodgrains prices doubled in 6 months.

Plateauing of yields in “food bowl” – productivity ½ of world averages - need for 2nd Green Revolution – regional disparities

Runaway foodgrains prices since failure of monsoon in 2009 – supply-side constraints fuelling inflation upto 2/3rd – major political challenge before Union & States

Issues of nutrition and impoverishment of poor.

NADP or Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is GOI’s flagship programme in agriculture sector. It was introduced by GOI in August 2007 to achieve 4% growth in agriculture and allied sectors. Its main objective is to incentivize States to increase public investment in agriculture & allied sectors. 100% grants flow to states and it seeks convergence with other major programmes through State Agriculture Plans (SAPs) & District Agriculture Plans (DAPs) – MGNREGS, BRGF, SGSY, Bharat Nirman, etc. State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) headed by Chief Secretary – approves DAPs while SAPs are approved by Dept. of Agriculture (GOI) & Planning Commission. The main focus areas include:

Integrated development of major food crops, coarse cereals, millets, oilseeds, Agriculture mechanization Enhancement of soil health Development of rainfed farming Support to State seed farms Integrated Pest Management schemes Assistance for non-farm activities Support for marketing infrastructure Strengthening of infrastructure for development of extension services

Holistically: Challenges and some solutions:

Since late 80s when Agricultural output reached its peak, we have been waiting for another golden period where our largest employee base delves.Some of the problems faced are:1) Depletion of Ground water especially in areas of low rainfall caused by excessive use in past.2) Worsened quality of soil due to intense use of nitrogenous fertilizers.3) Widespread illiteracy making people believe in practises like Slash & Burn, they think it enhances productivity.

4) Lack of MSP in other important food crops.5) FCI suffering from financial problems due to huge arrears. 6) Difficulty in claiming of insurance amounts due to lack of communication & requisite services.7) APMC & traders outlook of exploiting poor farmers.

To address these issues Government has taken several steps:1) Kisan Vikas Patra has been a major success to help Government in financing agricultural technologies.2) Providing Soil Health Cards has started to gain momentum & will show progress in years to come.3) Increased MSP due to successive drought years has given respite.4) DBT scheme has started & has potential to remove financial leakages.5) Shanta Kumar committee has given recommendations to reform FCI, Government is yet to take action.6) Ban by Punjab Government on slash & burn practice.

PM has repeatedly focused on bringing a Second Green Revolution especially for Eastern India whose vast potential is still untapped, a new initiative must be brought in the same way other sectors have gained importance in the signature style of Government.

4. INPUTS IN AGRICULTURE

SEED

Seeds are responsible for 20-25% of the yield. Whether a farmer grows certified seeds or farm saved seeds – is at his discretion. Different types of seeds include breeder seeds, foundation seed, certified seed, truthfully labeled seed, hybrid or variety seeds. Seed replacement Rate (SSR) or Seed Replacement Ratio is a measure of how much of the total cropped area was sown with certified seeds in comparison to farm saved seeds. However, since every farmer is aware of the benefits of certified seeds; he would want to sow certified seeds, provided he is supplied with required quantity of certified seeds. Since certified seeds are better in productivity, the Seed Replacement Rate is directly proportional to productivity. Thus, higher the Seed Replacement Ratio, higher is production as well as productivity and higher are chances of achieving nutritional security, food security and containing food price inflation.

Hybrid SeedsHybrid seeds are obtained by cross pollination of different varieties of related plants. These seeds were instrumental in green revolution. These seeds combine desirable properties of two

related plants. Using a method of controlled crossing devised by Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel in the mid-19th century, plant breeders can now produce seed that combines the desired traits of two pure parent lines in the first generation itself.

One drawback was that these seeds don’t regenerate seeds of same quality. So every time farmers have to buy new seeds. In case of conventional seeds, farmers could use reproduced seeds by current crop. In that sense hybrid seeds pushed up Input costs for the farmers and multinational companies like Cargill Inc. established their monopoly over the market.

If there is a complaint regarding the seeds, what would DM do?

1. According to Seeds Act, 2006, every seller of seeds (including farmers) is required to meet certain minimum standards. Seeds Act regulates the production, distribution and sale of seeds. If a registered variety of seed fails to perform to expected standards, the farmer can claim compensation from the producer or dealer. The Bill provides for setting up a compensation committee that shall hear and decide these cases. It also provides for an appellate mechanism to be set up by notification.

2. May direct the seed Inspectors to collect the sample of seeds and send them to seed analyst for examination.

3. Call for experts from the agriculture department as well agriculture universities to adjudge the cause of problem faced y farmer and to establish whether it’s a problem due to faulty seeds only.

SOIL

Soil fertility is paramount for productivity. Mono-cropping , heavy fertilizer use and excessive tilling leads to degeneration of soil.

As DM promote – Mixed and multiple cropping Crop rotation with green manure/pulse Vermi composting Integrated Nutrient Management Minikits of Vermicompost etc Promote Soil sampling and testin Issue of Soil Health Card

Awareness generation

Intervention for prevention of soil erosion:

Some commonly used methods of soil conservation are:-1.Crop Management:-It involves proper selection of crops suitable to the local condition so as to cover the maximum area and restore soil particles and sowing crops such the surface does not remain bare for long duration.Some common crop management techniques area)intercropping and mixed farming: growing more than one crops together e.g- maize and arhar, wheat and mustard or wheat and gram. b) trash farming : chopped crop residue are spread and ploughed to produce a beter soil surface.c)organic farming: reducing use of chemical fertilizer and replacing it with organic farming like raising leguminous crops to maintain organic matter in the soil.d) stubble mulching: rots, stems and leaves are left over in the fields after harvesting to conserve soil and retain it's organic content.

2.Mechanical soil protection techniques:-a) Contour farming: refers to cultivation practices transverse to the slope gradient ,reducing surface flow,formation of channels,rills and hold water.b)Terracing: extensively used in sloppy areas , it refers to construction of level-floored benches on slopes bordered by earthen embankments that obstruct flow of water downward.c) Check dams : construction of check dams to check the flow of water and reduce it's velocity.

3. Extensive reforestation and afforestation : It is the most effective technique of checking soil erosion .4. Plantation of grasses, bushes and vines on soil surfaces eroded by water and wind frequently.

Other measures to prevent soil erosion:

1. Regulation of land use, which accords different types of land according to their land use capability, thus minimising the risk of soil erosion without hampering developmental efforts.e.g. restriction of grazing in eroded forests, closed grazing fields, settlement of shifting agriculturist to permanent cultivation, retrieving highly eroded areas and bringing them under forest cover.2. Afforestation and preservation of forests.3. Improved land use practice in farming, like ploughing along the contours, adequate use of manures and fertilizers, crop rotation etc.4. Engineering measures- construction of bunds and terraces, check damn, proper drainage channels etc.

FERTILIZER & PESTICIDES

Plants or crops needs about 17 essential elements to survive and grow. If any of these elements is deficient, then growth will be stalled or plant will die. Among these elements, N, P, Calcium, Magnesium and Sulfur are required in comparative large quantities and termed as macro nutrients. Other elements such as Boron, Chlorine, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc and Nickel are needed in smaller quantities hence termed as micronutrients.

Fertilizers were another most important part of green revolution. Some points to be noted are

1) In India per hectare Consumption around (around 146 Kg) is far lower than developed countries.2) Indian Soils are deficient in Nitrogen and Phosphorus3) Fertilizer can most effectively be used with ample water. So rainfed areas (deprived of irrigation) constitute 70 % of agricultural land and still they use only 20% of national Fertilizers consumption. On other hand Rabi crops are dominantly produced in Irrigated areas, so they consume about 66% of fertilizers while their share of total agri output is 33%4) Due to rising prices of fertilizers government is promoting organic farming and organic manure.5) India meets its 80 % requirement of Urea (N), while it is heavily dependent on Imports for its potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer requirements.

Nutrient Based Subsidy

This was introduced in 2010 with objective to promote balanced use of fertilizers and to limit fertilizer subsidy of the government. Idea was to fix subsidy as per nutrients (in per Kg ) in the fertilizer and leave the determination of price to suppliers. Presently Urea is not covered under

the scheme due to political compulsions. Consequently subsidized price of Urea remained stagnant even when real costs of production have risen significantly. On the other hand Potassium and Phosphorous are covered under the scheme and a fixed subsidy as per content of nutrients is given to suppliers and they change Maximum Retail Price as per market signals. Secondary and Micronutrients are also covered under the scheme. As a result, actual use of NPK is in ratio of around 8:3:1 while recommended use is 4:2:1

Use of Bio Pesticides, Neem Oil, Neem Cake needs to be promoted. Usually due to large scale demand of fertilizers, there is a lot black marketing and hoarding. Therefore, as SDM, one can check and enforce distribution of fertilizers through EC Act, as fertilizer is one the essential commodities defined U/S 2A.

Farm Mechanization:

As 80% of landholding in India are small, it affects the efficiency. Contract farming has led to enhancing of size and mechanization reduces redundancy. Focus on women farmers has to be given on farm mechanization.Appropriate Technology

Laser leveler, planter, zero tillage machines, shellers, combine harvesters, subsidy, quality etc.

Credit

Kisan Credit Card Scheme (KCC)

Currently short term loan is disbursed to farmers through KCC. This method is used by all banks viz. Commercial or cooperative or regional rural banks. All types of farmers – Marginal farmers, Sharecroppers, Tenant farmers are eligible. Limit of credit disbursal depends upon land availability for cultivation and credit history of farmer. Through this card farmers also get Accidental death/permanent disability Insurance. Some banks have enlarged scope of KCC s by including Long term loans under it. Gov. advised banks to turn these cards in Smart cum Debit Card.

Interest subvention as per scheme of the government is available on the loans disbursed through card. There are other benefits in place such as no processing fees up to loan of 3 lakhs, Farmers can overdraw and maintain debit/negative balance upto certain extent.

Agricultural Insurance

1) National Agriculture Insurance Scheme – Launched for providing financial support to the farmers in the event of failure of crops as a result of natural calamities, pests and diseases.

2) Modified National Agriculture Insurance Scheme – It provides for subsidized premiums and 25% upfront/immediate payment of claim. It is compulsory for farmer who has taken loan. Private sector is allowed to operate under the scheme and NIAS stands withdrawn where MNIAS is implemented.

PDS

A few solutions to curb corruption can be:

For reducing genuine losses:1. Use of plastic bags rather than the current jute bags, from which grains do flow out.2. Having more godowns at the local level, so that grains do not need to be transported all the way from a centralised location3. Inviting private and foreign participation in cold storage technology4. Using more sealed trucks and using other transportation vehicles.For reducing losses due to corruption:1. The price of goods at fair price shops needs to be increased to the market level. Instead, the targeted beneficiaries should be provided with direct cash transfers in their Adhaar linked bank account. This will reduce duplication and leakage to take benefit of price advantage.2. SMS can be sent to the cusomer about the live availability in the ration shops3. Trucks need to be connected with GPS systems, so that they do not venture away to unsolicited locations.4. A toll free feedback no should be advertised to facilitate users to complain and bring malpratise into light.5. Trimming the size of FCI, can provide better management and check against corruption.

The recommendations of the Shanta Kumar panel were as follows:

1. Reforms in FCI, like handling over of procurement to states which had a developed procurement system and instead focusing on building infrastructure in eastern states.2. Food Security Act: Reduction in coverage from the current 67% to 40%, and raising of prices of grains in TDPS to 50% of MSP.3. Gradual introduction of cash transfer and end to end computerization of the entire food management system.

The reason for these changes are as follows:

1. Corruption in the FCI, which caused diversion of food grains2. The recent NSSO survey pointed to the fact that only 6% of the farmers benefit from the MSP scheme. Mostly because of lack of awareness and non availability of procurement infrastructure.3. Reduction of coverage of food security act, to reduce its fiscal strain, comply with WTO norms which was a cause of contention in the Doha round of talks, and reduce wastage of food grains due to the inefficient storage system of FCI.

MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION

EDUCATION SECTOR

Education is not just about skill and attributes to earn one’s livelihood, it is also a means to learn and inculcate values and character that lead to changes in personal as well as social lives for betterment of life in general and for making the world a beautiful place to live. Education helps us to understand our interest and enables us to adopt suitable strategies to achieve them. Pursuit of self interest is one of the greatest symbols of individual freedom and liberty. Education is not about merely passing on knowledge but also about making the individual ready to face all the challenges life is going to throw at him. Education shapes nascent minds. It gives us a vehicle through which the journey to obtaining great power and influence can be enjoyed.

Education in India is a subject in concurrent list, i.e. both Central government and the State government can make laws governing it and share the responsibility for increasing literacy. The two main programmes for the same have been discussed below:

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan

This is the flagship programme of Government of India, to compulsorily provide elementary education to children between the age group of 6 to 14 years. It includes primary schooling (from 1st standard to 5th standard) and middle schooling (from 6th standard to 8th standard). Essentially, SSAaims at removal of social, religious and gender gap between children and provide them with basic education facilities to pursue their livelihoods. The implementation report of various provisions under SSA in the district Ujjain is as follows:

1. Provision of Uniform: every year Rs 400 are credited in the account of children from 1 st

to 8th standard. Zero balance accounts are opened in the name of students, with school issuing bona-fide certificates for migrant children.

2. Where the government school is at a distance of more than 2 kilometres, there is a provision of issue of bicycle. Until now, a cash amount of Rs 2,300 was provided for the purchase of cycle but from FY 2016-17, cycles are procured at Bhopal and then distributed.

3. Free textbooks4. Hostels:

a. KGBV: Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, 4 number of schools, 2 with capacity of 200 students and 2 with a capacity of 150.

b. Exclusive hostel for girls: 8 in number (however in these hostels, admission granted on first come, first serve basis)

5. CWSN (Children with special needs): there are 2 hostels for CWSN, each with a capacity of 50 students. The real problem lies in identification of CWSN children. It is ensured that such children are identified and get relevant certificate from the health department, so that they get the benefits and facilities needed. Many children are not aware of their disabilities and it takes time for their parents too to identify their problem. There are around 3500 CWSN children in Ujjain district. Specially trained teachers teach MRC children and children with other disabilities are usually taught in regular classes. A health check up is conducted during the time of admission and records are maintained, which include height, weight, any sort of deformity or malnutrition.

6. Separate toilet for Girl child: a separate toilet for girl child is made available, and the construction of this is done by Gram Panchayat. The dimensions, construction rates, designs of rooms & toilets are fixed by Rajya Shiksha Kendra, located in Bhopal. After construction, verification of the same is done by the engineer of DPC.

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan

The HRD Ministry runs RMSA as a centrally sponsored scheme for the development of secondary education in public schools, which aims to provide education to children between 15-18 years of age. Therefore, RMSA essentially deals with 9th till 12th standards. The implementation of RMSA provisions in 185 secondary schools in Ujjain district is as follows:

1. Grant received: there is a provision of an annual grant of Rs 50,000 which is used for repair work of school building, for library and laboratory facilities. This grant is received from Central Government and it is approved by Directorate of Public Instruction(DPI), Bhopal. The amount is received in RMSA Account, disbursed by Additional DPC.

2. New Construction: RES(Rural Engg. Services) along with school management development committees (SMDCs) do the new construction. From 2009-10, 60 building have been constructed. There are 185 secondary schools in Ujjain, in which work through RMSA has been done in 140 schools. Additional room is generated on the basis of formula: Number of students/40. If an additional classroom is required, the Principal fills the “Data Capture Format” online, on software called DAIS and this data is then collated at district level to state level and further conveyed to Centre.

3. Information and communication technology capacity building is emphasized with provision of computers in every school.

4. SC/ST students are given a scholarship of Rs 4500 per annum. Books are provided to them free of cost and the SC/ST students who score more than 75% are provided with laptops. For the OBC and general category, laptops are provided if student scores more than 85%.

5. There is the provision of integrated education for disabled children. Mostly, the students are physically deformed (orthopedically) who can read and write with regular

children. In the academic session of 2015-16, there were 145 such students and in this session, the number increased to 184, of which 11 are visually impaired and 5 MR.

Vocational Training

Vocational training first started in 1989 in 11th and 12th standard and currently there are 10 vocational schools. There are 39 trades of which 10 are run in Ujjain which include electrical appliances, accountancy, computer application, automobile, steno typing, para medical, cooperative management, banking assistant, bakery & confectionery and garment packing. New Vocational training programme has been envisaged which is being run in District Excellence Schools since 2014, starting from 9th and 10th standards, in two trades – IT and Security. There is also a new proposal to run a programme for “Beautician”.

Role of DM/SDM

1. ABL activity based learning to be promoted.2. Teachers unions are strong bodies- take them in to confidence/ no pointing fingers only

improvement from peer learning. 3. The onus of improvement during the next level fixing lies with the teacher. Ensure that

she understand the responsibility and ask her whether she can do it. If she says she cant ask the head of the school and BRT to assist her in achieving the goal

4. Head of the school is a vital cog. Make him/her understand that you are part of her team and you are there to help her to get better results by holding a mirror.

5. In hilly areas & tribal areas where language is an issue needs more dedicated hard work. 6. Identify slow learners 7. Start Non residential bridge schools(NRSTC) 8. For migrant communities start RSTC. 9. Make sure you mainstream them. 10. Identify dyslexia, refractory errors and correct them 11. Try summer camps for slow learners. We have even used the local graduates( in the

same habitation) as education volunteers and asked them to help slow learners in an informal setting with mixed results.

12. Special effort to main stream OOSC, IED children 13. Try to start day care centers for IED and home based care children. Dovetail SSA funds

to provide vehicles

Health

Mid Day Meal

Mid Day provides not just food but is a tool to dovetail nutrition, health along with education. As an SDM, one can:

1. Do regular inspections to check the quality of the food.2. Take a review of records of the materials procured, check the storage facilities and

transportation facilities.3. Review the menu – there is a fixed menu which is provided, it can be checked whether it

is adhered to or not.4. Take feedback from the children, do sudden inspections.

Health is a multidimensional concept,where health is a state of complete well-being

– physical, mental, social, spiritual, economic etc

– and not just the absence of disease or infirmity.

Issues:-

Very low sending ( percent of GDP) High out of the pocket expenditure Focus on curative aspect Quality and Human resource issues in government health care sector Rural- Urban gap in healthcare delivery

Key Challenges

■ Complexity - Many players, private sector –major player with poor regulation on

cost and quality, multiple sectors that impact on health outcomes.

Public health being a state subject, so the wide variations in states in governance,

regulation and development are reflected in health scenario across states.

■ Equity -Wide disparities in health outcomes across geographies/states, wide

variation in rural and urban scenario and also among different social and

economic categories, wide intra-state variations also

■ Affordability – Nearly 60% of all health care expenditure is Out of Pocket

Expenditure, nearly 3% of population every year goes below poverty line on

account of health care costs.

■ Availability - Shortfall in facilities, inadequate infrastructure, Poor logistics and

supply arrangements to ensure essential drugs and supplies,

■ Evidence based policy and programme generally lacking, in many states- poor

knowledge partnerships

■ Accessibility - geographical, financial, cultural and social barriers.

■ Need for sustained and sharper focus on improving Primary Health Care- Disease Prevention

including screening, Health Promotion and comprehensive primary care

■ Severe human resource constraints

■ Double burden of Diseases- Persisting maternal & child health and communicable diseases

challenges and growing burden of lifestyle diseases (60% mortality)

■ Social and other determinants- Nutrition, sanitation, girls education, indoor air pollution,

tobacco etc

■ Poor & Inefficient health service delivery -in both public and private sector. Poor

accountability coupled with lack of robust regulatory mechanism is adversely affecting

quality and cost of care.

■ Lack of development and implementation of IT standards for healthcare which adversely

impacts interoperability. Inadequate use of technology to address health care challenges.

■ Lack of continuum of care.

■ Corruption in health care

Two pronged approach for health financing-system strngthning

Empower the beneficiary through demand side financing (learning from international experience) e.g. central (RSBY) and

State health protection / insurance schemes Strengthen the supply of healthcare through supply side financing initiatives e.g. National Rural

Health Mission, National Urban Health Mission, etc

Health Financing- Insurance based approach

Rationale for Insurance Mechanism Supply side mechanism alone is not able to solve issues related to health care delivery in India Countries across the world are moving towards a mix of supply side and demand side financing

for health Both Public and Private sector have opportunities to work more effectively through this system Quality of services can be improved in absence of legal systems as the purchaser can push for

quality Beneficiary gets power to choose the hospital to get the treatment and money follows the

beneficiary

Water Conservation

India is the highest user of groundwater in the world – 240 bcm/year. Food production consumes around 70-75 percent of global water withdrawals. While agriculture consumes 85% of water, industry accounts for 10% and drinking water & social needs for 5%.

How to preserve water?

Irrigation sector uses about 80-84% of water but has very low water use efficiency. To improve this, various measures such as modifying cropping pattern, improving irrigation practices through sprinkler, drip, sub-surface irrigation can be adopted. Water budgeting and auditing techniques can be adopted – water pricing is an important tool. Differential pricing for pre-emptive use and economic pricing for all other uses.

PMKSY

Approved on 1st July, 2015. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) is a centrally sponsored scheme, launched by the Union Agricultural Ministry with a budget of Rs. 1000 crores, to improve the Agricultural Yield in the country. Under the programme:

1. Each farmer is to be provided with irrigational facilities to minimize his dependence on the monsoons

2. Rivers will be inter-linked to avoid situations of drought and floods3. Farmers will be issued a Soli Health Card which will help them know the productivity of

their land the crops it can grow best4. Krishi Vigyan Kendras or agriculture science centres would also be strengthened in all

the districts of the country so that they could come to the aid of farmers.

The Prime Minister has proposed to link this scheme with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme, under which people are assured 100 days of employment in a year at minimum wages towards creation of community assets.

Convergence Programme

Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)-99 Projects Major & Medium. Har Khet ko Pani-

o Command area development, strengthening and creation of distribution network from source to the farm;

o Repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies; strengthening carrying capacity of traditional water sources, construction rain water harvesting structures (Jal Sanchay);

Per Drop More Crop o State/District Irrigation Plan, o Promoting efficient water conveyance and precision water application devices

like drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain-guns in the farm (Jal Sinchan); Watershed Development

To reduce conveyance and distribution losses, canals can be lined and use of solar panels to cover them should be promoted.

What can DM promote?

Integrated River Basin Planning and Management (Modelling for Water Allocation, Demand Scenario Generation etc.)

Application of RS/GIS Decision Support Systems, e.g. Integrated Reservoir Operation Model Promote use and development of water resistant crop varieties which have shorter crop

duration, low transpiration and larger root spread. Take regular inspections of industrial units in his area and see if water is recycled

properly. Extensive education in water budgeting based management to manage sustainable

extraction of ground water. Regulation for financing of new tube wells. Early Warning System- Partnering with ISRO and Meteorological department to develop

and use effective EWS. E.g. Resourcesat and Bhuvan. CGWA (central ground water authority) has notified 162 critical/ overexploited areas in

parts of NCT Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, MP, Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, UT of Puducherry and UT of Diu for control and regulation of development of ground water resources. For enforcement of the regulatory measures in these areas, concerned Deputy Commissioners/ District

Magistrates have been directed under Section 5 of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate ground water development in these notified areas.

Integrated Water Resource Management

IWRM is a conceptual framework which promotes coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximize economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Role of an Administrator

1. Good understanding of the subjecta. Identification of resource personsb. Audit reportsc. Field visitsd. Policy Making

2. Team Work – delegation of work, putting right person at right place, stability of tenure3. Suitable monitoring mechanism – constructive impatience – no substitute for field

inspection4. Bidding

a. Standard bidding documentb. Transparent process, adherence to time schedulec. Informal meetings of prospective biddersd. Videography of the process

5. Issuance of LOI6. Mobilization and encumbrance free land7. Commitment to quality – brand creation – decision making – lead from front 8. Change behavior and work culture – motivational lectures, celebration of festivals9. Treating contractors as partners in development – simplify registration system for

contractors – resource tracking management system, use of mobile inspector/android system

10. Interface with stakeholders – toll free complaint numbers – customer care centres

Vijay Kelkar Committee on "revisiting and revitalising the PPP model of infrastructure development"

Revisiting PPPs: Achievements and Challenges a. Contracts need to focus more on service delivery instead of fiscal benefitsb. Better identification and allocation of risks between stakeholdersc. Prudent utilization of viability gap funds where user charges cannot guarantee a robust revenue stream .d. Improved fiscal reporting practices and careful monitoring of performance a. Given the urgency of India’s demographic transition, and the experience India has already gathered in managing PPPs, the government must move the PPP model to the next level of maturity and sophistication

Key Recommendations:

1. Setting up of independent sector regulators with a unified mandate to ensure level playing fields for public-private partnerships.2. Setting up a National Facilitation Committee to solve issues between government authorities and private concessionaire after the awarding of project.3. Doing away with "one size fits all" approach for model concession agreement and recommendation for a fresh approach to risk allocation.4. PPP contracts must have a clearly articulated dispute resolution structure and that unforeseen events should be factored in. Recommended setting up of Infrastructure PPP Project Review Committee and Infrastructure PPP Adjudication Tribunal.5. 3P Institute as mentioned in the 2015 Budget should be set up quickly - it calls for a unified approach to PPPs, whether central, state or departmental.6. Amending Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, so that genuine commercial errors of judgment by officials are not penalised - this is intended to make files move and incentivise bureaucrats to take risks.

Grey Areas that still need to be addressed:

Plug and Play: Much of the stress in PPPs is because of hurried bid-outs without sovereign clearances. It is not just land acquisition, but a welter of other permissions encompassing forests, environment, utilities, defence and local authorities. It is

important that no concessional authority is allowed to bid projects without sovereign clearances first being in place.Irrational Bidding: evolve a format that prevents irrational bids from being accepted.Role of States: With fiscal devolution and cooperative federalism, the role of state governments in creating and nurturing PPPs will be far greater. A framework is required for linking state PPPs to the mainstream of best practices.

MGNREGS

It aims at providing upto 100 days of unskilled manual work in a financial year to every household in rural areas as per demand. It is running in 682 districts with 12.51 cr job cards issued and 2217 cr person days generated. It revolves around 10 entitlements which include: right to jobcard, demand and receive work within 15 days, unemployment allowances, obtain work within 5 kms, worksite facilities, notified wage rate, wages within 15 days, compensation in case of delay of wages, right to time bound redress of grievances and conduct of social audit of all mgnrega works.

Payment by e-FMS:One account at State level through the treasury. Now through NeFMS: Fund released directly to wage earners account. Notionally passing through SEGF.Every rural HH is entitled to a Job Card which contains name and photograph of all adult members and which forms a “legal” document, making HH eligible for work. Workers can apply to GP, block and district level and demand of work is to be followed by issuance of dated receipt. Workers may apply either individually or in groups through different mode like oral/written/telephonic/online application, indicating time and duration of employment.

Social Audit:Details of NREGS resources (financial & non-financial) shared with the community which scrutinizes/verifies the authenticity of all records/procedures of works & expenditures. Social audit to be held one every 6 months and to be guided by Audit of Scheme Rules, 2011 and recommendations of CAG.

Accountability:

All accounts & records relating to the scheme to be made available for public scrutiny. The muster roll for each work, citizen information to be made available at worksite. All States have to frame Grievance Redressal Rules. 153 number of works are permitted of which 100 pertain to Natural Resource Mgmt and of these 100, 71 are water related.

Monitoring in 3 ways:

Key Challenges

Capacity building of field functionaries, quality, durability of assets, delay in wage employment, shortage of dedicated field staff, improper planning, lack of outcome based monitoring, lack of

ICT at GPs level, poor maintenance of records, leakages, non compliance of Socail Audit, alck of awareness.

Thrust Areas

GeoMGNREGA: tagging of all completed assetsDBT:Aadhaar number seeding of active workersConstruction of Farm Ponds, vermi/NADEP compost pitsVerification of job cards, adoption of 7 registers in each GPMission water conversation, training of barefoot technicians, job card to all willing 5,37 cr landless HHs, completion of incomplete works, Inter state exchange programme.

B.R. Ambedkar pointed out nearly a hundred years ago, the real solution to rural distress is to be found in rapid industrialization as well as urbanization. Undoubtedly, MGNREGA has been instrumental in increasing livelihood security in the villages as :1- Employment Guarantee : It is the only right based, demand driven scheme which is providing 40-45 days of employment to almost 25% of rural households.2- Month-wise official data suggests that It has sustained & prevented migration of rural households upto a large extent when non-MGNREGA opportunities were few.3- Rural Wages : MGNREGA has reversed the 6 years long trend of stagnant rural wages.4- Bargaing Tool : Increased wages of MGNREGA workers has enabled them to bargain for better wages, tighten the casual worker supply to market and indirectly pressurized state governments to increase minimum wages.

However, there are some unintended problems which has questioned on its existence itself :1- In fiscal year 2014-15, only 28% payments could be made on time.2- Issues of duplicate and bogus cards have also been noted.3- This has resulted in decrease in demand defeating the very pupose of the Act.

To curb above inefficiencies, Government has been plaaning for income security through direct cash transfer :1- Though Electronic Fund mangement system, direct payment can be made to the workers A/C.2- Digitisation of workers list would eliminate duplicate or bogus cards issue.

But, keeping in mind the Supreme Court directions, government should first :1- Fix Aadhaar problems ranging from Universalize Aadhar coverage to spelling mistakes in names to absence of census village numbers in the location coordinates compiled.2- Enact a law to ensure Right to Privacy with rules to protect personal information of workers.3- Finally, degree of coordination among banks and state machinery should be improved.

MGNREGA is the biggest single public works programme in the world. It provides employment to around one in every six Indian families, according to the World Bank. The vocal defenders of the scheme point to its range of achievements—from empowerment of the rural poor and a push to financial inclusion to the rise in rural wages and prevention of urban migration. The law says it seeks to “provide for the enhancement of livelihood security of the households in rural areas of the country by providing for at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage employment in every financial year to every household…” The main challenge that the scheme sets out for itself is clearly to provide livelihood security to rural households. There is right now a strong case for higher government spending to ease the pain in Indian villages. . One part of the sorry tryst with high inflation is that MGNREGA pushed up rural wages without having much of an impact on rural productivity. Basic economic reasoning tells us that inflation accelerates whenever nominal wages rise faster than productivity. It is also well known that inflation hits the poor the hardest.