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Chapter – Ten : Social Services

X. SOCIAL SERVICES

10.1 GENERAL EDUCATION

10.1.1 Programme of School Education Department

VisionThe education system is in crisis with acute shortage of institutions, teachers and other infrastructure. The new Government will take up the issues in right earnest and it will be ensured that developments in the education sector are all inclusive.. SARVA SHIKSHA ABHIYANDuring 2011-12 the proposed activities for SSA, NPEGEL & KGBV in West Bengal will be reoriented in tune with the enactment of RTE Act, 2009 at all levels intensively and extensively, for which the State Rules is under preparation by involving all concerned.

The existing norms for implementation of SSA, NPEGEL & KGBV in West Bengal have been reoriented in the context of RTE Act, 2009, for which , capacity building is necessary for all stake holders across the state.

As a result, the civil construction will be continued in the tail end of the XIth five year plan period. The Major school related constructions like New School Building (NSB) and Additional Class Room (ACR) for all categories of schools (Including SSks and MSKs) as per provision of RTE Act, 2009 would be carried out all through the year out of SSA fund after necessary assessment for the same .

Similarly, the requirement of teachers, the key for ensuring equity in terms of quality education will be assessed thoroughly as per the provision of RTE Act, 2009 and the engagement of required teachers would be carried out accordingly for creating favorable Pupil Teacher Ratio and Child centric Class Room Transaction both at primary and upper primary level.

The teachers’ training is another major area of focus, which will be addressed with due importance as per provision of RTE Act, 2009. The School Managing Committee Members and other community leaders will be oriented on different clauses and provisions as stated in RTE Act, 2009 and its rules,so that they can be actively involved in School Development Plan (SDP), mobilizing the resources for promoting the Elementary Education at local level, Supervision and Monitoring of SSA activities and above all intensive and extensive campaign on RTE-SSA programme.

Keeping the objective of equity in terms of social categories, NPEGEL and KGBV will be the other options to address those wretched girl children under the coverage of elementary education. The minority children and the children living in the distress condition due to insurgency of Left Wing Extremism will be given much focus to bring them up to the desired level of Elementary Education of the state.

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Similarly, a long trail will be ahead for addressing the challenged children who are usually out of the ambit of formal education system.

Above all, need based activities will be taken up all through the year of 2011-12 based on local assessment. Universal Access: Universal access is not merely an issue of providing physical access, but also ensuring social access to school. While significant progress has been made under SSA in providing physical access, it would be necessary to ensure that interventions for bridging social distances are included in the plan. AWP&B, SSA, West Bengal shall necessarily cover the following:

i) School and social mapping exercises with community involvement to ensure that all children who cannot access school for social, cultural and economic reasons are enabled to do so. The RTE Act provides for age appropriate admission, and therefore school and social mapping should facilitate the identification of older children, who have never accessed or have dropped out of school for placing them in an age appropriate class. Strategies for their inclusion in the age appropriate class would include special training through residential and non-residential bridge courses and remedial teaching so that they are supported to cope with mainstream schools.

ii) Steps are taken to review State norms for opening new schools at primary level. Only norms that include with distance & population criterion for opening new schools may deprive children in small and sparsely populated habitations from access to school and make them advantageous for children in such habitations are being reviewed, and an estimation of new primary schools incorporated in the AWP&B. All eligible habitations must have primary schools within 1 km radius.

iii) Saturation of upper primary access to all eligible habitations within 2 kms, with priority to (a) special focus districts, Category A, with adverse primary: upper primary school ratio, and (b) villages with 40% SC, ST or minority populations. It follows, therefore, that the building for the new upper primary schools should be located in the premises of an existing primary school where primary schools have adequate space.

Bridging Gender and Social Category Gaps: There is a significant progress in girls’ enrolment and retention. Now GPI in West Bengal is more than 1. There is a significant progress in narrowing social gaps in enrolment and retention. State is planning to bridging this gap in a focus manner.

(i) Girls Education: For NPEGEL, State is giving emphasis for greater focus on effective community mobilization, support to disadvantaged girls, particularly out of school older girls (who should be mainstreamed into age appropriate class), and special vocational training with clear targets and outcomes. As per revised NPEGEL guidelines, planning shall be for the whole block, and targets and outcomes shall be clearly quantified.

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(ii) Children from disadvantaged groups and weaker sections: Discrimination against marginalized groups (girls, SC, ST, Muslim minorities, children with special needs) shall be dealt with systemically and in all aspects, for example classroom practices, teacher behaviour, peer relations, rather than only through schemes such as KGBV and NPEGEL. The AWP&B, 2011-12 shall ensure that systems are in place for providing education for equality and removal of disparity in the curriculum, syllabi, teaching learning material, training modules, etc. There shall be focus on eliminating discriminatory practices in classrooms and schools against children belonging to disadvantaged and marginalized groups and weaker sections. In the AWP&B 2011-12, a more cohesive and comprehensive approach to bridging gender and social category gaps through a more inclusive utilization of outlays provided under community mobilization, innovation fund, remedial teaching etc.

(iii) Urban deprived children: Emphasis shall be laid on identification of urban deprived children of various categories such as street children, rag pickers children without adult protection, etc. Separate plans shall be prepared for cities with million plus population for Kolkata and Asansol.

(iv) Inclusive Education: In the case of Children with Special Needs (CWSN), the key priority areas are (a) strengthening identification system of CWSN, (b) ensuring full coverage of CWSN, (c) strengthening the resource support team for regular and effective academic support to the CWSN and (d) ensuring barrier free access, particularly the availability of ramps and barrier free toilets. To ensure genuine inclusiveness in formal schools it is necessary that the teachers have a good grounding on issues relating to care and educational needs of CWSN. Adequate provisions shall be made in the AWP&B to train an optimum number of regular teachers in collaboration with RCI, so that a pool of resource persons is available within the system for effectively addressing the education and in-class inclusion of CWSN.

Universal Retention: The following critical aspects will also help in developing and understanding strategies to promote and increase retention:

i) Teacher availability is a critical factor in ensuring universal retention. State shall ensure elimination of single teacher schools, provide for PTR of 40:1, and ensure availability of subject teachers at upper primary level by recruiting teachers against vacant positions.

ii) Teacher availability shall be targeted through the dual strategy of teacher redeployment to remove inter-block and urban rural imbalances in teacher postings, as also recruitment of teachers against existing State vacancies, as well as additional teachers sanctioned under SSA. The AWP&B must elaborate mechanisms for transparent, objective systems of teacher deployment.

iii) The AWP&B shall make reference to the findings of studies on student attendance, and indicate strategies for improving their attendance, for example, through decentralized academic calendars etc., which factor in agricultural and migration patterns, as also

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geographical and climatic conditions prevalent in the area to enable children to attend school more regularly.

iv) The low transition rate from primary to upper primary is a cause of serious concern. The AWP&B must show evidence of the State will take efforts to smoothen the transition of children from primary and upper primary level. AWP&B considers instituting a system of community supported enrollment drives for the upper primary stage on the lines developed for enrolment at primary level.

v) This is also a major concern about the high drop out rates, particularly among SC, ST & Minority Children. AWP&B of the State give importance to specific pockets of low retention/ high drop out, low transition and low attendance, and makes specific proposals for improvement in attendance, retention and transition, ensuring full community participation.

Quality Interventions: Interventions for quality improvement shall be in consonance with NCF-2005. Quality improvement is largely contingent on curriculum, syllabus, textbooks, teaching learning material, teacher training and assessment systems being in conformity with each other.

i) The AWP&B shall indicate the progress achieved in the SCERT/West Bengal Board of Primary Education / West Bengal Board of Secondary Education / West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education initiated curriculum renewal process, and the steps proposed to be taken to ensure that (a) syllabus, (b) textbooks and workbooks, (c) other TL material, (d) teacher training modules, (e) assessment procedures are based on a shared system of beliefs and assumptions about children, teachers and teaching learning material, and conform with the NCF -2005 principles.

ii) SSA provisions for LEP and remedial teaching are generally used as add-on material, and also tend to increase the learning load on children. Children requiring remedial teaching come from vulnerable backgrounds, and are expected to transact learning from additional LEP/remedial learning material along with the regular textbooks. State shall make a provision under LEP and remedial teaching will seamlessly integrate with normal classroom processes during school hours without adding to the additional learning load on children.

iii) The teacher is most critical for improved quality of transaction in the classrooms. State shall give importance to pay attention to teacher training and development.

a) Untrained teachers: State is giving to develop strategies to train all untrained teachers b) In-service teacher training: Learning is greatly influenced by the social environment/ context from which children and teachers come. Given this, there is need to provide for a major shift in in-service training programmes to the social, cultural and economic context of the learners, while focusing on subject/content enrichment of teachers. Concepts like activity based teaching, joyful learning, cooperative and collaborative learning which require experiential and participatory training cannot be taught through lecture method.

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AWP&B shall make a shift in the training designs to more participatory and inclusive methods.

c) CLRC/CRC: Another important aspect will be to plan for shift in academic supervision by CLRC/CRC. The AWP&B shall articulate approaches for rejuvenating CLRC/CRCs, and developing an effective linkage with DIETs and SCERT. The AWP&B shall reflect (a) their training, (b) the teacher training they will conduct, (c) the school visits they will make, and (d) systems for monitoring that the manner in which CLRC/CRCs functions is indeed in consonance with NCF – 2005.

d) Education Administrators: The RTE Act provides for children’s right to free and compulsory admission, attendance and completion of elementary education. It will be critical, to consider aspects which prevent children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, as also girls, from completing elementary education. Secondly, the Act provides for the child’s right to education that is free from fear, stress and anxiety. There are several provisions in the Act, including for example, provisions prohibiting corporal punishment, detention and expulsion which need to be fore-fronted in SSA interventions to ensure to move towards a system that provides a warm, welcoming and encouraging approach for children to learn. SSA will provide for training of educational administrators at all levels and it will be necessary to undertake re-orientation and training of educational administrators to the “child rights.” In this context, AWP&B, a separate and clear proposal in the training design for educational administrators shall be provided.

Readiness for RTE: Overall in AWP&B, a clear reflection of the changes arising out of RTE will be observed. The Act provides for children’s right to free and compulsory admission, attendance and completion of elementary education. It would be critical, therefore, to consider aspects that prevent children from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups, as also girls, from completing elementary education. Secondly, the Act provides for the child’s right to education that is free from fear, stress and anxiety. There are several provisions in the Act, including for example, provisions prohibiting corporal punishment, detention and expulsion which need to be fore-fronted in SSA interventions to ensure a system that provides a warm, welcoming and encouraging approach for children to learn. The most important aspect, however, is to ensure that the teaching learning process is free from stress and anxiety (Sec. 29), and SSA shall ensure curricular reform in consonance with NCF- 2005. With reference to teachers, the Act lays down the academic responsibilities of teachers, and teacher accountability systems under SSA shall ensure that children are learning and that their right to learning in an environment that is free from stress and anxiety is not violated. Also the Act provides that pupil teacher ratios (PTR) be maintained in each school, and teacher recruitment, transfer and deployment systems in the State shall be re-looked and educational administrators shall be trained/ re-oriented. As regards community involvement, the Act provides for establishment of School Management Committees (SMC). It is important to consider the process of formation of the SMCs, and their interface with gram panchayats under the existing State legislations for Panchayat Raj. All such provisioning will however, be as per existing SSA norms.

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Civil Works: Child friendly elements shall be incorporated into the building designs and in the design of indoor and outdoor spaces of the school.

(i) All new primary and upper primary schools proposed shall be composite buildings with facilities for safe and adequate drinking water and sanitation (separate toilets for boys and girls), MDM kitchen, electrification, barrier free access, boundary wall (where essential required for safety of the children) or green fencing. The design shall provide for incorporation of hazard resistance feature, such as earthquake, cyclone, fire, high flood level, snow load, etc wherever required/applicable.

(ii) In 2011-12, priority will be given to completion of primary school buildings already sanctioned under SSA. State with a backlog of civil works for new school buildings shall first complete backlog. In addition, focus will continue to be placed on primary and upper primary school buildings.

(iii) Only after the need for primary and upper primary schools is saturated would districts be eligible for additional classrooms, which should be provided on priority to schools with the worst student-classroom ratios. Prioritization will be given based on requirements for additional classrooms and teachers, in the AWP&B, accordingly.

(iv) The civil works plan shall indicate the modalities of convergence with the Drinking Water Mission and Total Sanitation Campaign for drinking water, adequate girls’ toilets and common toilets in all existing school. Provisions for drinking water, girls toilets and common toilets in urban schools, as well as boundary walls, electrification and furniture for upper primary schools under SSA shall be considered after saturation of school buildings and additional classrooms is achieved.

(v) The unit cost for all the components are being worked out, based on State/district/regional schedule of rates, duly notified by the State Government.

Special Focus Districts: There should be focused attention on districts with disadvantaged social groups and deficit infrastructure. Special Focus Districts (SFDs) identified for the purpose of AWP&B for 2011-12 are categorized in following manner

i) SFD-A Category – Districts with PS:UPS ratio > 3:1. The plan of these districts shall address the requirement of upper primary schools. The outlay for civil construction on these districts could go up to a maximum 50% of the total outlay of the district in order to saturate requirement of upper primary schools only. Those districts are Bankura, Bardhaman, Birbhum, Dakshin Dinajpur, Howrah, Coochbehar, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Pargana, Paschim Medinipur, Purbo Medinipur, Purulia, Siliguri, South 24 Pargana, Uttar Dinajpur.

ii) SFD-B Category – Districts with a gap in additional classrooms > 3000. The plan of these districts shall address the requirement of additional classrooms. The outlay for civil

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construction in these districts could go up to a maximum 50% of the total outlay of the district in order to saturate requirements of classrooms only. In West Bengal there is no such district.

iii) SFD-C Category – These are districts which have more than 20,000 out of school children, districts with low Retention Rate (less than 60%), and districts with a gender gap of more than 10% at primary and more than 20% at upper primary level. The district plan shall provide for interventions to address these shortcomings. NPEGEL funds shall be utilized in gender gap districts in EBBs to the maximum. AIE and innovative fund inputs shall be targeted to cover all districts with more than 20,000 out of school children. The districts with more than 20,000 out of school children are Jalpaiguri, Murshidabad, Purulia and Uttar Dinajpur. The districts with low retention rate (less than 60%) are Dakshin Dinajpur, DGHC, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, Purulia, South 24 Pargana, Uttar Dinajpur.

iv) SFD-D Category – These are districts with a large population of disadvantaged social groups, such as ST/ST/Minority and border districts. The district plans shall provide for interventions to focus on the social aspects. The districts with scheduled caste population ( 25% and above) are Bankura, Bardhaman, Birbhum, Dakshin Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Nadia, South 24 Pargana, Uttar Dinajpur. The districts with Minority Population (as indicated from PMs Office) are Bardhaman, Birbhum, Dakshin Dinajpur, Howrah, Kolkata, Coochbehar, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Pargana, South 24 Pargana, Uttar Dinajpur. The districts with Muslim population ( 20% and above) are Birbhum, Dakhin Dinajpur, Howrah, Kolkata, Coochbehar, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Pargana, South 24 Pargana, Uttar Dinajpur. The districts with border areas are Dakshin Dinajpur, DGHC, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Pargana, South 24 Pargana, Uttar Dinajpur.

NEW SET-UP UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOLS:The opening of New Set up Primary and Upper Primary Schools (including Madrasahs) will be the major strategy for creating physical access to all eligible children and the existing Alternative and Innovative Education Centers will be integrated to the existing formal school set up with in the shortest possible time.

10.1.2 Programme of the Mass Education Department

The Mass Education Extension Department has under its control the following major sections:-

(1) Literacy Programmes;(2) Maintenance and Development of Social Welfare Homes;(3) Education and Training for Physically Handicapped students;(4) Audio-Visual Education;(5) Adult High Schools;(6) Shramik Vidyapeeth, Kolkata;(7) Peoples’ (Janata) Govt. College, Banipur, North 24 Paraganas;

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Literacy Programme : The ongoing Literacy Programmes was terminated in 'September,2009. The Government of India has announced a new Literacy Programme named "SAKSHAR BHARAT-2012" in January 2010 in nine districts of the State where female literacy rates lie below 50%, where Central and State funding will be in the ratio of 75:25.

THRUST AREASo The present literacy situation which was stated to be about 74% approximately is to be

improved. o The importance of convergence, extension of audio visual facilities from urban to

rural areas, expansion of rural libraries and application of electronic kiosks, facilities and special programmes for backward rural readers, training of librarians for making proper use of the electronic kiosks and provision of special books for neo-literates and facilities for mentally challenged children.

o Training of librarians was being taken up in three phases and Neo-Literate Cells were being opened in the libraries for neo-literates.

Continuing Education Programme The districts in West Bengal are implementing Continuing Education Programme - the last phase of literacy programmes formulated by the National Literacy Mission Authority. Moreover, the project for eradication of residual illiteracy (PRI) has also been started in many districts of the state with the funds from the Central and the State Govt.s in the ratio of 2 : 1. One more district will be covered under the CE Programme.

Audio-Visual Education : Steps have been taken to provide modern Audio-Visual Aids and equipments to Audio-Visual Units during the current financial year.

Adult High Schools : Some new schools are proposed to be opened during 2011-12 apart from releasing grants for development of infrastructure, purchase of teaching - learning materials in favour of existing schools.

Library ServicesThe Directorate of Library Services has been providing full maintenance grants to 2462 Government Sponsored Libraries, apart from running 12 Government Libraries including the State Central Library.

The Directorate runs career guidance centres in Government Libraries and Town Libraries. The Directorate also runs certificate courses in Library Science.

Rural Libraries have been upgraded into Town Libraries. The new building for Kolkata Metropolitan Library in South Kolkata was opened in August, 2009. A Wide Area Network (WAN) is being established at the State Central Library to link it with the District Libraries with the help of National Informatics Centre (NIC) and BSNL.

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Plots of land for setting up of new Government Libraries at Matigara and at Salt Lake have been procured from Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority and Urban Development Department respectively.

LIBRARY PROGRAMME FOR 2011-12 In Economically downtrodden Areas :-

1. Special grant will be sanctioned for infrastructural development of Govt. and Govt. Sponsored Public libraries and other Govt. establishments.

2. Special grant will be sanctioned for public Libraries situated in the predominantly Scheduled Caste areas.

3. Special grant will be sanctioned for public Libraries situated in the predominantly Scheduled Tribes areas.

4. For construction, renovation and extension of Govt. Libraries and for computerization programme

5. At least two Government libraries will be established in economically backward areas.

10.1.3 Programme of the School Education Department

RASHTRIYA MADHYAMIK SHIKSHA ABHIYAN (RMSA) A Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Universalisation of Access to and Improvement of Quality of Education at Secondary Stage (SUCCESS) [also known as Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)] is proposed to be implemented during 11th five year Plan period.

The goal of RMSA/SUCCESS is to make secondary education of good quality available, accessible and affordable to all young students in the age group 15-16 years (classes IX and X).

The major target of the scheme is

1) Universal access of Secondary level education to all students in the age group 15-16 years by 2015 by providing a secondary school within 5 kilometers of any habitation and a higher-secondary school within 7 kilometer of any habitation,

2) Universal retention by 2020.

MODEL SCHOOL This is a new project initiated by the GOI. At present 87 schools have been identified at an approved cost of Rs. 305.00 lakh per school of which 75% will be shared by GOI and 25% by GoWB

GIRLS’ HOSTEL This is also a new project of the GOI for beyond Class VIII students in which the funding pattern between Central & State is 90: 10. Hostel buildings will be erected in existing GBV Campus in WB.

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Programme of the Higher Education DepartmentDepartment of Higher Education deals with General Education at Under Graduate and Post Graduate Level, Doctoral and Post Doctoral Programmes and Research Activities in different areas of Studies. The Department also deals with Professional Education like Engineering and Technology, Management, Teachers Education including Physical Education and Law. The Department encourages and financially supports the activities of a number of institutions and organizations associated with Higher Education in the field of Education, Research and Social Welfare activities.

In continuation of our policy to pursue the multiple objectives of increasing access, ensuring quality as well as social inclusion and to provide relevant and value based education, which are in consonance with the thrusts and priorities identified by UGC during 11th 5-Year Plan, several initiatives have been taken.

The priority areas are as follows – I) Establishment of new General Degree Colleges in socio-economically and

backward areas, where no such college exists within a radius of 15 km.

II) To strengthen the newly established colleges, especially those setup during 11 plan period, accomplishing them with adequate human and other infrastructural facilities.

III) To promote skills development programmes for socially disadvantaged sections in the colleges.

IV) To augment hostel facilities (specially for Girl students) by way of betterment of the existing ones alongwith the provisions for new ones.

V) To motivate the Undergraduate Colleges to take interest for assessment/reassessment by the NAAC peer teams.

VI) To afford Training programmes in different State Universities preparing students for NET/SET and other competitive examinations.

VII) To encourage collaborative activities amongst different colleges / Departments of Universities towards optimum utilization of available human and physical resources. Some apex centres could be formed based on ‘Cluster Colleges’ concept.

University Education:

Plan proposal for 2011-12 Rs.20 (Twenty) crore have been earmarked for construction of buildings of Gour Banga

University, Malda in the Plan Budget of 2010–2011. Rs.3.30 crore has been released for construction of university building. The structural work of the university building (Administrative and Science Building) has been completed and rest flooring and other finished works are in progress. More fund will be required for construction of building and other development works during 2011-2012.

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Rs.15 (Fifteen) crore have been earmarked for construction of buildings of West Bengal State University, Barasat in the Plan Budget of 2010–2011. All construction works regarding Guest House Building and Girls’ Hotel Building have been completed. Foundation works for main building, Boys’ Hostel Building and Electrical Sub-Station Building have been completed. Rs.5 crore has been released towards the construction of the buildings. Fund will be required for constructions of building and other development works during 2011-2012.

Rs.16 (Sixteen) crores have been earmarked in the Plan Budget of 2010 –2011 for acquisition of land and construction of buildings of “Sidho Kanho Birsa University” in the Districts of Bankura and Purulia. First Vice Chancellor has been appointed. The process of identification of land is in progress. More fund will be required during 2011-2012 for infrastructural development.

A land measuring 36.138 acres has been taken over by the NBU from Jalpaiguri Govt. Engg. College for setting up 2nd campus of NBU. Rs.28, 11,843/- has been released for construction of boundary wall around the campus.

Foundation stone laying ceremony has been held. Rs.8, 62,144/- has been released for purchase of land measuring 259.7 acres for setting up centre of AMU at Murshidabad.

Proposal for purchase of books, journals and equipments for New University at Midnapore during 2011-2012.

Proposal for establishment of urban campus of Netaji Subhas Open University at Salt Lake during 2011-2012.

Proposal for establishment of 2nd Campus of Jadavpur University at Salt Lake during 2011-2012.

Proposal for various development works in respect of Bengal Engineering and Science University during 2011-2012.

Proposal for establishment of Haringhata Campus of West Bengal University of Technology during 2011-2012.

Proposal for research, development and renovation of universities during 2011-2012.

The Government has identified 50 acres of land in Mauza Nambutari of the district of Darjeeling for establishment of a 2nd Campus of Rabindra Bharati University. A team consisting of university officer, Officer of Land and Land Reforms Department and Higher Education Department is being constituted for physical inspection of the land. Rs.9 (Nine) crores have been earmarked in the Plan Budget of 2010 – 2011 for acquisition of land and construction of buildings.

Rs.1.5 crore has been earmarked for infrastructural development of Presidency University in the Plan Budget of 2010–2011. First Vice Chancellor has been appointed. Infrastructural of the erstwhile Presidency College is being used for the University. Fund will be required during 2011-2012 for the same purpose.

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Proposal for establishment of Model College, establishment of 2nd Campus of North Bengal University, 4th Campus of Rabindra Bharati University at Siliguri and establishment of AMU Centre at Murshidabad during 2011-12 financial year.

College Education During 2008-2009, 2009-2010 & 2010-2011, 10, 9 & 14 i.e. a total of 33 General Deg. Govt. Aided Colleges have been established in different parts of the state under Pay Pkt. Scheme. 33 posts of Principals, 215 posts of Lecturers in different subjects and nearly 260 posts of non teaching staff have been created in the aforesaid colleges.

One General Deg. Govt. College viz. A.P.C. Ray Government College has also been established at Siliguri, District Darjeeling in 2010-2011 academic session with 1 post of Principal, 20 posts of Lecturers and 5 non-teaching staff.

During 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 session 1365 vacant posts of Lecturers in different Govt. aided colleges have been filled up on recommendation of WBCSC.

250 COLLEGE (15 B. Ed. Colleges/Trg. Sections; 1-Art College, 2 Tech. Colleges and 232 Gen. Deg. Colleges have so far been accredited by NAAC. Beside this, 7 universities are accredited and 6 universities & 6 colleges are re-accredited by NAAC.

Nearly 300 colleges have so far submitted their performance statement towards assessment of their progress under State Government Incentive Scheme and till June, 2010, 185 Gen. Deg. Govt. Aided Colleges have been accorded generous financial assistance (total of Rs.16.25 crore for development purpose.

Fund will be required for construction of new building for Bidhan Nagar Government College, and establishment of two new Govt. Colleges at Jyotibasu Nagar (Rajarhat) and at Beldanga, Murshidabad.

West Bengal College Service Commission has no official buildings of it’s own. Therefore, Rs.2 (Two) crore have been earmarked during 2010–2011 for acquisition of land and construction of office buildings. HIDCO has allotted 1 (one) acre of land for construction of buildings of both WBSCHE and WBCSC. One forth payment i.e. more than Rs.67 lakh have been made. Rs.2 (two) crores have been proposed during 2011-2012 for construction of buildings. Incentives to Non-Govt colleges under State level Assessment Scheme (SLAS) The State Government launched a scheme providing special development grant to the colleges based on their performance, judged against the support it has received from the state and the socio-economic background in which it has to operate.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)To ensure assessment and accreditation as one of the priorities identified by the U.G.C. during the 11th five year plan N.A.A.C. have been set up. In the State the task has already

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been entrusted to the State Council of Higher Education through establishment of the ‘Quality Assurance Cell’ in 2003. The council has organized 69 workshops for proper sensitization of colleges.

Social EducationSocial Education Branch extends financial assistance to Academies and Research Institutes and autonomous voluntary organizations.

Some of the Institutions/Organizations are getting regular financial assistance from the Government namely,

Jagadish Bose National Science Talent Search: During the last five decades, JBNSTS has grown to become a premier institute of non-formal science education with the objectives towards pursuit of excellence through motivation, identification and nurture of young talented science students. Indian Centre for Space Physics: It is a premier research institute in astronomy, astrophysics and space science, developing various X-ray detectors and plans to start a post M. Sc. programme in astrophysics and astronomy. During the 2010-11 financial year (upto 21.10.2010) Rs.8.50 lacks have been sanctioned so far as maintenance grant.

Netaji Institute for Asian Studies: The Institute is presently engaged with several major research projects.

Institute of Development Studies Kolkata is devoted to advance academic research in different areas of Social Sciences. The UGC has sponsored the setting up of Rabindranath Tagore Centre for Human Development Studies under the Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata. Construction of its new campus building at Salt Lake is in progress. Rs.1.5 crore has been sanctioned this year for this purpose. Another Rs.1.5 crore will be required as additional amount for completion of construction. Besides, there is a proposal for setting up of an International Guest House for which allotment of land by Urban Development Department is under process.

Bankim Bhavan Gaveshana Kendra is a research centre maintained by the Government of West Bengal and affiliated by West Bengal State University. Rs.29,167/- had been sanctioned for their archives during 2010-2011. A proposal of Rs.31 lakh for renovation of building has been considered

West Bengal State Council of Higher Education, the Advisory Body set up by the State Government, has been given more responsibilities as well as autonomy by amending the West Bengal Act of – XXV of 2007. Worth mentioning activities of the Council during 2010 – 2011 include:

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1. Framing up of Draft Union Regulations relating to Students’ Union Election in General Degree Colleges (other than Autonomous and Government) under different Universities in the State.

2. Serving as Apex Body to find out solutions of the problems related to Teacher Education and Law Education in the State, keeping pace with the changing nature of NCTE and BCI stipulations.

3. Advisory action to sort out problems related to new recruitment/Career Advancement Programmes of the teachers in Colleges and Universities according to new UGC Regulations.

4. Under active initiative of the State Quality Assurance Cell (functioning under the Council), the State accreditation scenario of first time accreditation/reaccreditation stands at 250 :

Art College : 1Tech/Engg. College : 2B. Ed. College/Section : 15General Degree College : 232No. of Re-accredited College/Section : 5No. of Accredited Universities : 7No. of Re-accredited Universities : 6

5. Altogether 252 recommendations were made covering 33 subjects in Arts & Commerce and 24 Subjects in Science disciplines towards new affiliation of subject(s)/course(s) in UG Colleges during (2010-2011) academic session. 40 on site inspections had been made to recommend 16 General Degree Colleges (including 2 Self-financial Private Colleges) and 24 Self-financed B. Ed. Colleges.

The Council has no office building of their own. Rs.2 (Two) crores have been earmarked for acquisition of land and construction of building during 2010 – 2011. HIDCO has allotted 1(one) acre of land for construction of buildings of both WBSCHE and WBCSC. Fund will be required during 2011-2012 for construction of the buildings.

West Bengal District GazetteersA sum of Rs.6 (Six) lakh has been allotted during 2010-2011 for publishing the updated version of Gazetteers on Murshidabad and North Dinajpur in both Bangla & English, topical monographs on a District’s aspect, opening of Website and library books through internet, providing Computers Broadband Connection etc. About Rs.4,50,000/- has been expended so far. During 2011-2012 Rs.15,00,000/- will be necessary for publication of North Dinajpur District Gazetteers, Rennll’s Journals, Bally Gazetteers, research on materials from the ‘Bengal Archives’ and scanning of rare and old documents.

The plan outlay for ‘General Education’ during 2011-12 is Rs.246160.10 lakh.

10.2 TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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10.2.1 Programme of the Higher Education Department

In 2010-2011 academic year, 7 new Engineering and Technology Colleges have been established and in 33 Engineering/Technology Colleges, new Engineering Disciplines have been introduced or intake capacity have been enhanced in existing courses. Thus the total number of Engineering/ Technology Institute including University/Engineering/Technology Department of Universities and Government and self-financing Engineering & Technology Colleges is now 89 with an approved intake of 28711.

Upto 2010-2011, 9 courses of 6 Govt. Engineering & Technology Colleges and 33 courses of 11 Self-financing Engineering & Technology Colleges have been accredited by the National Board of Accreditation, AICTE, New Delhi.

Upto 2009-2010, 18 Self-Financing Engineering Colleges are conducting 42 P.G. (M. Tech.) courses and 4 Pharmacy Colleges are conducting 7 M. Pharm Courses and 10 P.G. (M. Tech.) courses are being conducted in Govt. Engineering & Technology Colleges of the State with due approval from AICTE and affiliation by WBUT. In 2010-2011, State Govt. has issued NOC for introduction of 15 more P.G. courses but AICTE approval and WBUT affiliation is still under process.

In 2010-2011, one new Institute with MBA Department has been established and 3 existing Engineering & Technology Colleges have introduced MBA course. Now, the total no. of approved intake under MBA is 3900.

In 2010-2011, 1 new college with MCA Department has been established and 3 existing Engineering & Technology Colleges have enhanced MCA intake. Now, total no. of approved intake under MCA is 2240.

For both continuing and new schemes under the category of infrastructural development, construction of hostel buildings, auditorium, construction of boiler room, construction of new hostel, girls hostel, vertical extension over the main building, tannery development at Bantala under Indo-Italian Project for Tannery Training and Service Centre for 6 numbers of Govt. Engg. & Technology Colleges as per recommendation of NBA Expert Committee under the State Plan, more fund will be required in the Plan Budget of 2011-2012.

For purchase of machinery, equipment, books & journals, furniture, infrastructural development of the UG courses in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, setting up new laboratories etc. under the State Plan, fund will be required in the Plan Budget of 2011-2012.

Fund will be required as grant-in-aid to meet up the expenditure towards building infrastructural facilities for 7 number of non-Govt. Engineering Colleges.

TEQIPInitially TEQIP Phase-II was scheduled to start from April, 2010 but due to delay in completion of preparatory activities, the project has been declared effectively from 6 th

August, 2010 and actual implementation is expected to commence soon, as per revised schedule.

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The selection of this State for participation of TEQIP-II has already been declared by the Govt. of India. The selection process for participating Institutions is in progress.

In the meantime, the Govt. of India authorized expenditure upto Rs.20.00 lakh for preparatory activities of TEQIP-II under retroactive financing mode. The Finance Department accordingly, already released to SPFU Rs.30.00 lakh out of the State Share provided in the current financial year’s budget i.e. Rs.20.00 lakh for preparatory activities and Rs.10.00 lakh as running cost of SPUF. Since the implementation of the project has been pushed back to November, 2010, release of fund to the Institutions will start from that time.

Over all National coverage under TEQIP Phase-II will be 200 Institutions. Keeping this in view, 15 to 20 Institutions are expected to be selected from this State. Of these 15 institutions, 5 to 6 will be existing TEQIP-I Institutions with life time Project Allocation of Rs.12.5 crore each. Besides, they will be getting additional fund for establishing Centre of Excellence @ Rs.5.00 crore for each COE. Of the rest 10 new institutions, Government and Government Aided Institutions will be entitled to Rs.10 crore each while Private Un-aided Institutions will be getting Rs.4.00 crore. SPFU will be having Rs.3.00 crore for facilitating implementation, monitoring, strengthening institutions to improve learning and introduction of course.

On the above basis, total project allocation for Phase-II for our State may be estimated to Rs.190.00 crore over a 4-years period.

The year 2011-2012 will be one of the peak implementation years of the project. If 15 to 20 institutions are selected from this State, more fund will be required during 2011-2012.

10.2.2 Programme of the Technical Education & Training Department

Technical Education & Training Department is the nodal Department for imparting Technical and Vocational Education and Training at lower and middle level of knowledge and skills spectrum. Accordingly, it organizes Technical Education at Diploma level through Polytechnics, Craftsman Training through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Industrial Training Centres (ITCs) and Vocational Education through Vocational Training Centres. The aim is to provide suitable technical and vocational education to those students of class VIII to X, who, due to economic or other reasons, do not want to continue with formal education and would like to obtain technical and/or vocational skills so that they can be either self-employed or get employed in the market. Further the aim is to bridge the skills' gap among the youth of the state so that they can take advantage of the economic developments and contribute to the improvement in productivity in all the three sectors of economy. West Bengal State Council of Vocational Education and Training (WBSCVET) has been set up in 2005 to give impetus to the vocational education. Till 31-12-2008, 1874 vocational centres have been affiliated with this council and financial assistance is being extended to the institutions who have furnished commencement reports.

Three directorates, viz. Directorate of Technical Education and Training (dealing with Polytechnics), Directorate of Industrial Training (dealing with Industrial Training Institutes) and Directorate of Vocational Education &Training (newly constituted for dealing with

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Vocational Education) are under the Department and three councils, viz. West Bengal State Council of Technical Education (dealing with Technical and Professional education at Diploma and post-diploma level), West Bengal State Council of Vocational Education and Training (dealing with Vocational education & training) and State Council of Vocational Training (state level part of NCVT for ITI Trg.) are attached with the department.

Specific Priority areas for this Department during 2011 -12 in each sector of Technical Education:

Following generic priority areas across all sectors of the department will be addressed:

1) Technical and vocational education will be reached to all corners of state and vocational centres will be specially taken to the remotest corner of rural areas.;2) Interactive planning will be undertaken at state, district and block (Panchayat Samiti) level to ascertain the requirement of educated and trained manpower and then redesign the hardware and software of the technical and vocational education to improve quality;3) Women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Minorities will be given special attention;4) Introduction of modern courses commensurating with the need of the present day market will be done and required upgradation of equipments and syllabus will be done;5) Upgrading infrastructure of all Government Polytechnics by availing proposed Central Assistance of Rs. 2.00 crores in each institution.6) Construction of Girls' Hostel in each such Polytechnic where they do not exist by central Assistance proposed.7) Making policy decision regarding Public Private Partnership.8) Strengthening Tracer study, Manpower planning and placement cells in Ills and Polytechnics.

Specific areas in each sector are listed below: Polytechnic EducationExpansion of Polytechnic Education by opening new institutions in the government and in the Private Sector;

In Government sector, setting up of 3(three) new Polytechnics was under consideration for the students belonging to SC/ST and other Backward Classes. During 2009-10 two Polytechnics out of those three, have come into existence one at Bundwan in Purulia District and another at Keshiary, Paschim Medinipur district. 2nd

campuses in two polytechnics viz., Haldia and Siliguri Govt. Polytechnic are also being set up. Another Polytechnics at Toofanganj, CoochBehar is likely to start operating from 2010-2011.

For procurement of machineries and equipments for the new Polytechnics as well as for existing Polytechnics for implementing the expansion programme, fund will be required for introduction of 2nd shift.

Introduction of new diploma courses in the existing institutions is being given priority. Consequent upon beginning teaching learning process in two newly set up Polytechnic at Bundwan and Keshiary in take capacity has been increased by 240.

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To make this increased capacity sustainable, infrastructure development in the existing Polytechnics is urgently required during 2011-12.

As some Polytechnics lack hostel facilities, a total provision of Rs. 2.5 crore has been earmarked for establishment of hostels of the said Polytechnics during 11th plan period. In every Polytechnic and ITI/ITC of the State, Tracer Study of the pass out students & setting up of.manpower planning and Development Cell are proposed for career guidance &entrepreneurship development. This apart, West Bengal State Council of Technical Education are associated with the work of curriculum development work in diploma level education through Polytechnics as per need of the present day market, for which some allocation of fund is required.

Vocational Education A Vocational Education & Training Directorate with district level set up in six

districts in West Bengal is being set up for effective implementation of VE & T programme in the State.

An Enterprise Development-cum-Model Vocational training centre alongwith accommodation for WBSCVE &T is being set up at Rajarhat in collaboration with HIDCO.

Allocation of fund is required for running the existing/new Vocational Training during 2011-12.

Setting up of a Model Vocational Training Centre at Kolaghat during 2010-11.

Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Industrial Training Cenrtre (ITC) and Centres of Excellence: Setting up of 8(eight) new Industrial Training Institutes, mainly for students

belonging to SC/ST and OBC and minority categories. Replacement of old and obsolete machinery and special repair of

Dilapidated/damaged workshops, buildings during 2010-11. New Trade Units to be upgraded by diversifying obsolete/unpopular/ less popular

trades under Diversification scheme and taking advantage of the proposed Interactive Planning process.

Reconstitution of State Council for Vocational Training (SCVT) as an autonomous body by amending its constitution is already under process.

Infrastructural facilities and functions of Industrial Training Centres to be improved so that they can function at par with the Industrial Training Institutes.

Proposed fund would enable the State to achieve the following targets; Polytechnic and Vocational Sector

3 entirely new polytechnics will come up fast with build-up of necessary infrastructure. Each will be in a position to run 2 courses, to start with, with 120 intake capacity.

Infrastructure of the existing 36 Government Polytechnics will be significantly augmented. 9 of these polytechnics have already started offering additional courses from the academic session 2009-10 resulting an increased intake capacity of 540(approx).

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Second campus of 2 Polytechnics at Haldia and Siliguri, on getting the fund, will soon be in a position to add 2 new disciplines with total intake capacity of 240 in the 2 institutes.

In a few of the polytechnics, some new disciplines will be possible to be introduced in tune with the requirement of the modern day. The institutes have already been identified which, on augmentation of infrastructure, will start such courses.

In general, obsolescence in laboratories of a number of polytechnics will be removed with the proposed injection of fund.

Vocational education will receive a boost through increased allotment suggested. Number of vocational centers in the state is likely to cross the figure of 2000. If the proposed fund can be garnered for centralized vocational training activity, an enterprise development institute and a few model vocational training centers will come up.

Students of SC, ST and other Backward Classes and Minority communities will be reaping the benefit as institutes with large percentage of students from this community have been identified for preferential treatment in allocation of fund.

Communication Skill Development programme and Entrepreneurship Development programme will be conducted for the students of all polytechnics.

ITI Sector

Increase in intake capacity (3200) by opening new Ills (08 Nos). Increase in intake capacity (3000) by augmenting the existing physical infrastructure. Increase of capacity (about 25000) under Skill Development Initiative Scheme through modular employable scheme. The arrangement of Trainer's Training by opening 2 Nos. Instructor Training Wing. Improvement of quality of ITI graduates. Development of demand driven course curricula by constituting the functional

West Bengal State Council of Vocational Training. Setting up of some new ITIs in the State, at least one in each district.

The plan outlay for ‘Technical Education’ during 2011-12 is Rs.39420.50 lakh.

10.3 SPORTS

10.3.1 Programme of the Higher Education Department

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

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Facilities of Physical Education are being extended to different Colleges and Universities of the State, considering the importance for the all-round development of the students.Two self-financing P.P.Ed. Colleges have been approved by the N.C.T.E.

One post of Professor in Physical Education and two posts of Lecturer in Physical Education, one post of Librarian for SZPEW, Hastings House, Alipore for P.H.Department have been created.

More fund will be required for creating teacher training facilities in Physical Education during 2011-12.

N.S.S. :The Volunteer strength for N.S.S has been enhanced to 47442 State Level Seminar-cum-Organisation programme have been conducted at C.U. and W.B.H.S. Council with the theme “Health Youth for Healthy India”.

10.3.2 Programme of the School Education DepartmentFor primary level physical education initiatives, the State Government provides funds for purchasing sports equipments and undertaking physical education activities in Primary/ Jr. Basic Schools of the State. The State level Annual Primary Sports meet is held through 6-tiers in the State to encourage the students of primary schools, Jr. Basic Schools and SSKs in games and sports.

10.3.3 Programme of the Sports DepartmentThe main objective is to improve and develop the standard of sports and games in the State Emphasis has been given on the creation of sports facilities in the districts, sub-divisions and block levels so as to ensure the maximum participation of young people including women in sports and games for their physical and mental development, right from the grass root level.

THRUST AREAS

o To create sports infrastructures as many as possible, so that more and more youth can participate in sports and games and creation of employment through the works.

o To provide with financial and other supports to different organizations, clubs etc., including women organizations, for organizing sports meets, competitions etc. so that enthusiasm among the people towards sports and games is increased.

o To provide with financial and other supports to eminent and promising sportspersons for participation in national and international sports competitions.

o To maintain and develop the existing infrastructures.o Other activities as required for development of sports and games. o To provide scholarship to budding sports talents.o The main areas covered are development of gymnasiums, swimming pools,

vocational training, computer training,.

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o It has been proposed that archery may be promoted in tribal schools and good archery coaches could be posted in Ekalabya Schools for optimizing opportunities.

o Stipend and Scholarship schemes will be considered for poor participants for field and track events as well as swimming

o Field and track events would be promoted.o Training of coaches would be organized.o Women participants would be encouraged.

Improvement of Sports & GamesThis scheme is meant for providing grants to organizations / sportspersons for organizing sports meets and participation in different sports competitions/ trainings. During 2010-11, a sum of Rs. 1,87,32,8317- has been provided as grant to about 37organizations/ sportspersons.

Campus works. Stadium, playground etc.Allocated fund under this scheme is utilized for creation and development of sports infrastructures in the state. As it was decided by the HoiVble Minister-in-Charge of this department in the last financial year that more and more sports infrastructures, specially Open Playground has been created/developed all over the state particularly in the rural areas. During the financial year (20010-11) Rs. 5,12,81.354/- has been given as grants to about 18 organisations for improvement and creation of infrastructures like gymnasium, playground, stadium, swimming pool etc. In the list of grantees Chandernagar Municipality, Tufanganj Municipality, Alipurduar Mini Indoor Stadium, Purulia Mini Indoor Stadium, Ghatal Municipality, Diamond Harbour Stadium exists. Some educational institutions have also been given grants for up-gradation of their sports infrastructure.

Stadium Complex at Bidhannagar Allocated fund under this scheme is utilized for maintenance and improvement. and payment of electric bills etc. of Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt lake stadium). During the financial year 2010-11 the budget provision was Rs. 8.05 crore. Out of the available funds, Rs 4,63,17,630/- has been spent. This may be stated in this connection that artificial turf grass has been laid in the main ground, the work of thorough repair of ring road has been completed and some other works like thorough renovation of the main play ground, up gradation of the conference room, colouring of the stadium has been taken up.

Development of Rural Sports:Purchase of Sports Goods and its distribution are being done from Block/Municipal level/State level as per present demands/requirements raised by the clubs/sports clubs/N.G.Os./education institutions etc.

For 2010-11, the total Budget Provision of Rs,4.80 crores (Rupees four crore thirty lakh) only has been allocated for the most popular scheme of this Department so that the sports culture and sports development amongst the students and the youth may be grown in a befitting manner in the society. Files are under process for purchasing of sports goods for this year also.

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Construction of Gymnasium and Distribution of Gymnastic Equipments:The scheme has been becoming most popular and the demands for construction of gymnasium hall and allotment of multigym also are increasing by leap and bounds.

Considering the physical fitness and bodybuilding of the students and the youth, the total budget provision under such scheme for this year, 2010-11 has also been kept at Rs.l.60 crore (Rupees one crore sixty lakh) only though it is inadequate than the actual demand of the situation. The Department is thinking seriously for smooth implementation of the scheme.

Campus works. Stadium, playground etc.SCPThis scheme is meant for creation and development of sports infrastructure in the State for Scheduled Castes. During the financial year 2010-11. Rs. 4.20 crore was provided Out of which Rs. 1,29.50,0007- has been released for providing grants to several organisations7institutions. As it was decided in the last financial year that more and more sports infrastructures, specially Open Playground has been created7developed all over the stale particularly in the rural areas.

TASPDuring the financial year 2010-11, Rs.2,20,00,0007- was provided under this scheme for creation and development of sports infrastructure in Scheduled Tribe areas. Out of which Rs. 9,00,0007- has been released as grants to 2 organizations mainly for and development of playgrounds etc.

GENDER PLANExpansion of Sports & Games for women Allocated fund under this scheme is utilized for providing financial assistance to different women organizations and clubs etc. for organizing sports meets, competitions, coaching camps etc. Also, eminent and promising women sports persons are financially assisted to participate in different national/international sports meets/competitions.

The plan outlay for ‘Sports’ during 2011-12 is Rs.6295.10 lakh.

10.4 YOUTH SERVICES

10.4.1 Programme of the Youth Services DepartmentThe Youth Services Department is working for the development of youth through implementation of various schemes for training and self employment, development of personality, promotion of games and sports, encouraging in adventure and mountaineering activities, rock climbing, participation in scientific seminars, public awareness programme on avoiding road accidents, and contemporary problems of the society like HIV/AIDS etc. Provisions are made for all categories of youth, men & women, including SC, ST and other backward & weaker sections of the community. Many popular schemes like Mountaineering & Adventure Activities, Science Club Activities, setting up of Youth

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Hostels inside & outside the State, Development of rural sports, Development of play ground, construction of gymnasium Hall & Distribution of gymnastic equipments etc. have been taken for implementation during 2010-11. The details of the schemes undertaken by the Department are as follows :

Youth Computer Training Centre (YCTC):Out of a total 1042 numbers of Computer Training Centres, 35 numbers of new Y.C.T.C. have been set up at different places in the State of West Bengal during the year, 2010-11 (upto November’10). Those centers are running and conducting Computer Courses for the Students and the Youth at concessional and reasonable fees. Moreover this Department is going to start evaluation of all these affiliated Y.C.T.C. through a nodal agency.

Vocational Training Centre (V.T.C.):A total numbers of 22 (twenty-two) Vocational Training Centres have been set up by the Department and they are conducting various Courses for the unemployed youth.

A total amount of Rs.27.60 lakh (Rupees twenty seven lakh sixty thousand) only was sanctioned to five districts for imparting motor driving training to the unemployed youth i.e. mainly male persons under General/SC/ST Categories in the State.

Youth Hostel:Out of 20Youth Hostels, 15 numbers. of Youth Hostels are running & rendering services for the students and the youth in the State. A total amount of Rs.23.5 lakh (Rupees twentythree lakh fifty thousand) only have so far been collected as booking fees during the year, 2010-11 (upto October’10). Mukutmonipur & Susunia Youth Hostels are now under repair. A new Youth Hostel at Madarihat in the district of Jalpairugi has been inaugurated for the welfare of the students & the youth whose booking has been started.

New construction works of Youth Hostel at Gosaba and Jadavpur in the district of South-24-Pargans have been started.

Setting up of new Youth Hostels at Bolepur and Salar is under process.

Aid to Coaching Centre:Proposals are under consideration for giving financial assistance to those centers which are going to impart training to the candidates aspiring for W.B.C.S. & I.A.S. The Department is thinking to open a Coaching Centre for coaching those students etc. by specialized persons of different faculties of the universities. Fund will be required for this purpose.

Provision of Science Club Activities:Rs. 100.00 lakh (Rupees one crore) has been kept for the year 2010-11 for implementation of such scheme from block level to State level in the State. A total grant of Rs.12.44180 lakh has been sanctioned for the purpose upto October’10. Grants are being sanctioned to BITM, Kolkata for organizing District Science Fair etc.

Career Information Centre:

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For the year 2010-11, a total fund of Rs.20 lakh (Rupees twenty lakh) only was kept for purchasing of newspapers, journals, magazines, employment news etc. to be delivered to the concerned centers located from block level to district level for helping the students and the unemployed youths.

Students & Youth Festival:There was budget provision of Rs.3.50 lakh (Rupees three crore fifty lakh) only kept for observance of Students & Youth Festival '09 from Block Level to State Level.

Promotion of Mountaineering & Adventure Activities:A total amount of Rs.140 lakh (Rupees one crore forty lakh) only has been kept in the budget provision for the year, 2010-11 for smooth functioning & implementation of various schemes undertaken by West Bengal Mountaineering & Adventure Sports Foundation.

Observance of various days of National & International Importance:

The following important activities/programmes are proposed to be continued /undertaken by the Department next the financial year, 2011-12 also:

a) Setting up more Y.C.T.C./V.T.C. for imparting quality training opportunity of unemployed youth.

b) Pension to outstanding Sports Persons.c) Mountaineering & Adventure Activities.d) Annual Youth Festival & National Youth Festival.e) Promotion of Science Club Activities.f) Promotion of Socio-Economic Activities of Youth Clubs.g) Grants to organizations for imparting Vocational Training Courses.h) Grants to Mountaineering Clubs (N.P).i) Aids to ailing youth (N.P).j) Grants to N.G.Os (N.P).k) Awards for recognition of youth bravery. l) Observance of various days of National & International Importance

The plan outlay for ‘Youth Services’ during 2011-12 is Rs.3080.00 lakh.

10.5 ART & CULTURE

10.5.1 Programme of the Higher Education Department.

West Bengal State Archives The Directorate has taken series of programme to celebrate of 150 th Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore by arraigning lectures and publication on Rabindranath Tagore, based on archives records. They also celebrated its archives Week programme to commemorate of 150 years of Indigo Revolt. One photo-copier machine will be procured soon. Three computers for official work are going to be installed soon. Proposals for renovation,

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addition & alteration of the main office building at 6 B.D. Lane has been sent to P.W. Department for vetting.

10.5.2 Programme of the Information & Cultural Affairs DepartmentThe Department organises cultural programmes/festivals like Inter-State Folk Festival, Natya Mela, Little Magazine Fair, Sishu Sahitya Utsab, Fine Art Exhibition, Jatra Utsab, observance of Birth Anniversaries of Rabindranath Tagore and Nazrul Islam for building a healthy cultural atmosphere in the State. Office of the DICO's & SDICO's are implementing these Cultural Schemes in Districts & Sub-divisions.

The following continuing schemes will be undertaken : Construction and renovation of Minerva Theatre Financial Assistance to the distressed persons in field of culture Financial assistance to different organisations working in the field of drama, song,

dance, art, folk culture throughout the state under the scheme "Financial Assistance to the Cultural Institutions for promotion of drama, music etc."

Maintenance of the auditorium of University Institute Hall and disbursement of salary to the staff under “University Institute Hall" scheme.

Maintenance of Rabindra Cultural Institutions. Construction of "Jatra Mancha" in the name of "Phanibhushan Vidyavinod" 'Banga Sanskriti Bhawan' in New Delhi. Construction of Folk Village at "Chhit Kalikapur". Construction of "Natya Academy Bhawan” in the premises of KIC. Financial Assistance to distinguished persons in the field of Art and Culture under

the scheme "Financial Assistance of distinguished persons of Art and Culture". Six eminent persons are awarded "Bankim Puraskar”, “Vidyasagar Puraskar” and

“Rabindra Award” for their outstanding contribution in the field of Bengali literature every year.

West Bengal has vast repositories of archaeological heritage in the form of Monuments, Caves, Rock-shelters, Prehistoric tools, Archaeological sites, Mounds, other Historical buildings, Sculptures, Inscriptions, Coins, Manuscripts, Paintings, Folk-arts.

Archaeological Survey of India, Directorate of Archaeology, West Bengal and the University of Calcutta conducted excavations in several districts of West Bengal to recover the hidden archaeological treasures for writing Bengal's past history. But those excavations could not throw much light on the history & culture of Bengal from the prehistoric to pre-modern period. Not a single site of the prehistoric period, particularly the Paleolithic and Neolithic age has been excavated. The Megalithic culture of West Bengal is still in dark as no such site has been excavated so far. Therefore an attempt will be made to establish the continuous cultural activities of Bengal through extensive survey for locating the actual sites of such prehistoric period, including the megalithic period in the up-lands of West Bengal. The proposed activities may include the following: - Field -Survey for Prehistoric Sites

i) Identification of Caves with documentationii) Identification of Rock-Shelters with documentation

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iii) Collection and Cataloguing of Stone-toolsiv) Documentation of identified Prehistoric sites

Field Survey of identification and documentation of proto historic/Chalcolithic Sites.

Exploration for identification and documentation of Megalithic sites. Village to village survey for identification of archaeological sites,

mounds and ancient architecture and heritage buildings. Survey for documentation of Stone Sculptures in different parts of Bengal. Survey for listing of the extant temples, mosques and other monuments.

The West Bengal Heritage Commission has come up as the apex body for conservation of heritage structure and buildings. With funding support under the scheme of "Grant-in Aid to West Bengal Heritage Commission" the following work programmes are to be continued:

1) Setting up of a State level Heritage Conservation Laboratory (2nd Phase).2) Structural and Chemical Conservation of State Protected Monuments (numbering

105).3) Upgradation of District Museums as Heritage Resource Centres by adding additional

space and equipment.4) Completion of the new building of the State Archaeological Museum (2nd & 3rd

floors as well as Conference Hall in the Ground floor).5) Manpower development by hands on training programmes for Engineers and

Architects attached with Government Departments and local bodies. 6) Conservation of Heritage Buildings & Sites through the West Bengal Heritage

Commission and local bodies throughout the State.7) Documentation, Upgradation of existing data-base, Heritage Awareness Campaign

which includes interactive workshop involving school and college students, heritage worker and domain experts as well as publications through Centre for Archaeological Studies & Training, Eastern India.

8) Acquisition of heritage materials for State Archaeological Museum and other district museums under the State Govt.

Future Programme of the new Government :

The new Government will strive for improvements in the sectors in which Bengal, traditionally excelled, namely, literature, theatre, poetry, music, painting and science and technology. A Tagore Centre for Universal Values, a Vivekananda Centre for International Understanding and a Nazrul Islam Academy will be set up.

The department will celebrate the 150 years of birth of the Kabiguru Rabindra Nath Tagore. Rabindra Utsavs will be organized for one month from 22n nË¡hZ in all the district towns and a Bengali Cultural Festival will be organized towards the end of December, 2011.

A committee will also be formed for celebration of 150 years of birth of Swami Vivekananda in an appropriate manner,

The plan outlay for ‘Art & Culture’ during 2011-12 is Rs.5744.30 lakh.

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10.6 MEDICAL & PUBLIC HEALTHVision

The healthcare system is in crisis with acute shortage of institutions, manpower, hospital beds, equipment and paramedics. The issues of health will be taken up in right earnest and it will be ensured that development in these spheres are all inclusive and specially available to the weak and disadvantaged.

Rural health will receive serious attention to offset the many maladies which have crept into the system. Health Insurance cover is proposed to be provided to a large part of the population specially in rural areas with a focus on women & children.

10.6.1 Programme of the Health & Family Welfare DepartmentThe Department of Health and Family Welfare has taken up various programmes to upgrade physical infrastructure in the primary, secondary and tertiary sector to achieve good health for the people, especially the poor and the under privileged. The Department is also closely working with other Departments including P&RD, DWCD, PHE and Education Departments.

The Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal, committed to the core strategic objectives of NRHM have been executing various initiatives as per the proposed plan, the current status of which is presented below:

ASHAUnder the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), the ASHA programme is currently being implemented in the 235 blocks of 17 districts in the State of West Bengal. The total number of ASHAs to be selected in all the 341 blocks of West Bengal is 59444. The number of ASHAs in position till March 2010 is 23525. Till October 2010 35379 ASHA have been selected, i.e., 11854 ASHA have been selected during April through October 2010. The ASHA programme comprises of various activities under the programme which includes Selection and Training of ASHA, State level TOT & Handholding support, District Level Training for ASHAs, advocacy for ASHA programme.

District Health Action Plan:Extensive training had been organised at State level, District level and thereafter at the Block and Gram Panchayat levels. It is a bottom-up participatory planning approach. The planning meetings and relevant workshops has been started.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitoring and Evaluation of the activities initiated under NRHM would be one of the important activities to assess the use of funds and its impact on various health indicators. To achieve the optimum results it has been decided to conduct review & monitoring meetings at all levels at regular intervals.

Jeevan Jyoti Sahayata Prakalpa in Paschim Medinipur district:It has been seen that the Lodha and Sabar tribal community prefers to be within the boundaries of their habitation and are not very comfortable to approach any government facilities including health. As a result access to health services are also limited within this

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section of the population. Considering this, a special programme for this community is being planned in the district of Paschim Midnapore. Services are being planned to be provided at their doorstep and required referral will be arranged accordingly. This venture has already initiated.

Rogi Sahayata Kendra for District Hospitals: Considering, the total no of beds and the patient load in the district hospitals it becomes hardly possible for the existing infrastructure to guide and assist the patients for better access to the facility. Hence in order to fill this gap and increase the client satisfaction it has been decided to establish Help Desk for necessary guidance and support to the patients and patient parties coming to the district hospital. With this objective in mind, six such units are established in the district of Hooghly, Howrah, Siliguri, South 24-Parganas, Nadia and Coochbehar.

Recent achievementsThe state of West Bengal has shown good progress in health indicators in recent times. The significant achievements till date are:

The Crude Birth Rate in West Bengal is 17.5, compared to 22.8 in India. The state occupies fourth position after Kerala (14.6), Tamil Nadu (16.0) and Punjab (17.3) (SRS 2008).

The Crude Death Rate in West Bengal is 6.2, compared to 7.4 in India. The rate is lower than all leading states i.e. Kerala (6.6), Tamil Nadu (7.4), Maharashtra (6.6), Punjab (7.2), Gujarat (6.9) and Andhra Pradesh (7.5). The Crude Death Rate in Rural areas of West Bengal is 6.1, indicating better access and utilization of health care services by rural people (SRS 2008).

Total Fertility Rate in West Bengal is 1.9, compared to 2.7 in India. The state occupies fourth position (along with Punjab) after Tamil Nadu (1.7), Kerala (1.7) and Andhra Pradesh (1.8) (SRS 2008). The value has already crossed NRHM target of 2.1, which to be achieved by 2012.

Significant reduction in maternal mortality from 266 (SRS 1996-97) to 141 (RGI report 2004-06).

The Infant Mortality Rate in West Bengal is 35 as against the country’s average of 53. The state is in fourth position after Kerala (12), Tamil Nadu (31) and Maharashtra (33) (SRS 2008).

There is 59% reduction of diarrhoeal and 60% reduction of malarial mortality since 2004

Some of the key process and output indicators that show the recent progress made by the state are:

Highest proportion (73%) of patient getting in-patient service from government facilities in our state. Comparative figures for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are 26%, 30%, 35%, 36% and 39%. The country average is 40%.

The in-patient admission in the Rural Hospitals and Block Primary Health Centres have increased from 4,13,594 and 3,59,025 in 2004 to 5,51,709 (33.4% increase) and 5,95,643 (63.1% increase) respectively in 2009.

The proportion of institutional delivery has registered an increase from 56.3% in 2004 (NSSO-2004) to 60.2 (Coverage Evaluation Survey, UNICEF).

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These improvements have been largely due to concerted efforts around: Improving the strategic and policy development aspects of the department. This

includes a well disseminated sector strategy, a Medium Term Expenditure Framework, District Plans with higher allocation to poor districts, an access & demand strategy, participative and evidence based decision making

Convergence with other departments including the Department of Women & Child Development, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department, Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Department

Expansion of infrastructure including 2,003 GP HQ Sub-centres, 176 BPHCs, 365 PHCs and 60 FRUs are being upgraded. Further funds have been provided for maintenance of facilities, Patient Welfare and infrastructure maintenance.

Enhancement of the budget allocation for health has been continually increasing. Over the last ten years, the health budget has more than doubled and the increase in in 2009-10 over the previous year is Rs. 829 Cr (BE).

New posts and recruitments made to strengthen the staffing and HR positions including 4,000 nurses, 2,862 Second ANMs and eased the process of appointment of doctors on contract basis. As a result vacancies in doctors reduced from 20% in March 2009 to 9% in March 2010, with Nurse vacancy of 2%.

Sectoral overviewAn overview of our progress in various sectors is given below

The Primary Sector Our rural infrastructure consists of a network of 10356 Sub-Centres, 922 Primary

Health Centres, 239 Block Primary Health Centres and 95 Rural Hospitals. The in-patient admission in the BPHCs has increased by 63.1% (from 3,59,025 in

2004 to 5,95,643 in 2009). The in-patient admission in the Rural Hospitals has increased by 33.4% (from 4,13,594 in 2004 to 5,51,709 in 2009).

The state has made a conscious investment in primary infrastructure over the period and apart from new buildings for sub centres, we are upgrading various facilities including BPHCs, PHCs, FRUs and others.

One additional ANM (2nd ANM) is being trained for placement at each of 10,356 sub-centres in the State. The State Government set up 41 institutions in the Government Sector and 18 institutions under Private Public Partnership increasing the intake capacity for ANM course from 520 to 4997.

The state is also implementing a scheme for providing Hypothermia Prevention Kit to the pregnant mothers, at all the Rural Hospitals, BPHCs and PHCs at the time of delivery for use of the child with a view to increasing the institutional delivery.

GP Mobile camps are being held once every week in all GPs which do not have a medical centre allowing people to access professional medical help right in their GP. More than 35 lakh people availed of this service during 2009.

In addition, the national JSY and other schemes are being implemented by the Department to encourage institutional delivery and reduce MMR.

We have also initiated many PPPs for better services in the primary sector including diagnostic services, ambulance services and NGOs managed delivery huts in the Sunderbans

The Secondary Sector

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There are 34 State General Hospitals, 45 Sub-Divisional Hospitals, 32 other hospitals and 16 District Hospitals (including Siliguri) which constitute the referral facilities (secondary hospitals) in the districts of West Bengal. Total number of Beds available in these hospitals is 28,286. The enhancement of beds (particularly in maternity and pediatrics wards) in secondary hospitals which have a high bed occupancy rate is a priority of the Department.

The average number of patients at OPD per month per institution at Sub-Divisional Hospitals / State General Hospitals has increased by 31.0% (from 7,992 in 2004 to 10,473 in 2009). The average number of patients at OPD per month per institution at District Hospitals has increased by 11.3% (from 15,348 in 2004 to 17,080 in 2009).

The bed occupancy rates at Sub-Divisional Hospitals / State General Hospitals and District Hospitals in 2009 are 95.2% and 88.6% respectively.

Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCU) are being set up in the District Hospitals in a phased manner. At present six new Sick Newborn Care Units are functioning in the districts of Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Nadia, Cooch Behar and Uttar Dinajpur (at Islampur Sub-Divisional Hospital).

Also to handle complication during delivery, equipped referral units are being set up in different Sub-Divisional Hospitals and State General Hospitals and also in some Rural Hospitals. 63 health facilities in the secondary and primary sectors have been identified for such purpose. In 49 such facilities Emergency Obstructive Care Services have been extended.

Under PPP scheme, establishment of 12(twelve) C T Scan units in 12(twelve) District Hospitals was undertaken. Night Shelters and Toilet Complexes under PPP scheme are being established in 4(four) District Hospitals i.e. Hooghly, Malda, Jalpaiguri and Tamluk.

The Tertiary Sector The tertiary hospitals provide speciality care and also provide the backdrop for

medical education in the state. Currently there are 9 Medical Colleges in the state providing a range of services. Recent significant enhancements in the tertiary level of care have been:

Establishment of a “Liver Research Centre” and Hepatology Unit in the School of Digestive & Liver Diseases, IPGME&R which has successfully carried out Liver Transplantation procedure.

Setting up of a Neuro-genetic laboratory in Bangur Institute of Neurosciences. Further upgradation and expansion of the department of Neonatology at SSKM

Hospital providing more beds and facilities for the Sick Neonatal children. Sanction of an integrated Nephrology & Urology complex at SSKM Hospital. The

envisaged facility will house 240 beds, 20 unit dialysis facility, transplantation OT complex, 20 bedded Renal ICU etc.

Upgradation of Hematology department of NRS Medical College which has successfully started Bone Marrow transplantation procedure.

Establishment of a 40 bedded Oncology ward at R.G. Kar Medical College. A new HDR Brachytherapy machine is going to be installed shortly.

Operationalisation of 40 bedded Psychiatric ward at R.G. Kar Medical College. Further development of the Cardiology department at CNMC, Kolkata

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Developments of super-speciality departments are underway in Anamoy Gramin Hospital Complex at Burdwan Medical college

Medical Education Annual student intake capacity for MBBS Course is now 1255 including 150 under

PPP model, which translates to an increase of 500 seats over the last few years. Postgraduate degree seats have been enhanced to 508 during the academic session

2009-10. The number of postdoctoral seats has been enhanced to 31 from 29 during last session.

The total intake capacity for the Dental Education (BDS course) has increased from 70 in 2000-01 to 450 in 2009-10. The postgraduate MDS student intake capacity has increased from 14 in 2004 to 26 in 2009.

In the year 2009, two new Colleges of Nursing have been set-up at North Bengal Medical College, and Bankura Sanmillani Medical College with annual intake of 40 & 50 B.Sc. seats respectively, thus enhancing the total intake from 55 to 345 in six years.

The annual M.Sc. Nursing course capacity has been enhanced from 25 to 40 over the last few years.

National and State ProgammesThe state has been successfully implementing major national programmes as well as innovative state programmes. This includes:

Reproductive & Child Health (RCH) Programme – the major flagship programme under NRHM that focuses on reduction on maternal mortality and child mortality. Apart from implementing the JSY scheme, some innovative approaches under RCH include the Ayushmatoi Scheme of cashless delivery through the private sector, Referral transport schemes allowing payment of travel cost to mothers for institutional deliveries, Sick Neonatal Care Units, IYCF, School Health Programme, Mobile Medical Camps and Convergence with the nutrition department through the Village Health & Nutrition Day.

Under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) Flexipool, ASHAs have been appointed in 235 blocks of the State translating to 23525 addiitnal voluntary health workers in the state. In addition, the NRHM Flexipool provide flexible funds for maintenance and emergent services at all centres, especially the primary health centres. Further, drinking water surveillance, Rogi Sahayt Kendra at Hospitals, special initiatives for backward groups such as Lodha / Sabor community, various camps for blindness screening, handicapped certificates etc. have been started.

Under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP), programmes are being implemented to battle malaria, dengue, Acute Encephalitis/Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Kalaazar, Chikungunya abd Lymphatic Filariasis. Through the efforts of the prorgamme, we have managed to reduce the prevalence and profile of these diseases in the state.

Under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), West Bengal has been able to sustain a good performance with total coverage in all the districts since 2003. The state is detecting more than 70% of the estimated new sputum positive cases and also maintaining 85% success rate.

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Under Integrated Diseases Surveillance Project (IDSP), all 18 District Surveillance Units started online weekly reporting from December 2009. During the year 2009, the number of outbreaks reported through IDSP is 102, of which 81 (80%) were investigated for laboratory confirmation. Only 56 (70 %) were confirmed. The state ranked 2nd (after Karnataka) as per World Bank report in 2009 and incorporated as one of the seven priority state in the extension phase of IDSP during 2010-12.

Under the National Leprosy Elimination Programme (NLEP), overall Prevalence Rate (PR) of the state is declining over the years and during 2009 it was 0.99 per 10,000 populations. PD ratio continues to be below one in last five years and deformity rate is also declining. Treatment completion rate is increasing over time and presently around 83%. However, the prevalence rate varies over districts from 0.30 to 2.79 with high prevalence reported in Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Midnapur, Dakshin Dinajpur and Uttar Dinajpur.

Under the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) 1, 02,676 cataract operations have been performed from April – September 2009. Further, during the same period, 4, 56,010 students were screened for different eye problems of which 14,716 students are detected with refractive error and 4,191 students were provided spectacles free of cost. Currently 10 Eye Donation Centers and 17 Eye Banks are functioning.

Under the National Iodine deficiency Disorder Control, consumption of common salt fortified with iodine is being promoted. Sale of non iodized salt for direct human consumption has been banned and the department is carrying out surveillance for these.

Under the National Mental Health Programme, The psychiatry institution includes six state run hospitals, seven medical colleges, eight district hospitals and other 48 private psychiatry nursing homes. Total bed strength is 2035, including 685 in private sector. The total number of OPD attendance and in-patient admission is 6, 81,354 and 1621 respectively. This is an increase to the corresponding figures of 2004-05, which was 4, 96,912 and 1,032 which is 16% higher than the figure of 2005-06.

The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is designed to help prevent, detect and promptly treat cancer. Presently, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, a Government of India Institute, is the only Regional Cancer Centre in the State.

During the year 2009, the National Programme on Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stoke (NPDCS) has been initiated in South 24 Parganas and Birbhum district. 9 (nine) Rural Hospital/ BPHC and 50 PHC have been identified with SSKM Medical College & Hospital and Burdwan Medical College acting as nodal institutions.

Arsenocois is prevalent in 79 blocks of 8 districts of West Bengal. These areas have arsenic contamination of ground water and as a result many people are suffering from arsenicosis. While provision for arsenic-free drinking water is the most useful intervention for prevention of this disease, early detection and management of the disease is also extremely important for tackling the problem. Apart from the Arsenic Clinic at SSKM Hospital and the School of Tropical Medicine, 75 Arsenic Clinics have been functioning in different districts of the State

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Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis, the state has identified 43 blocks in 7 districts (Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, Dakshin Dinajpur, Uttar Dinajpur, Malda and South 24 Parganas) as endemic to fluorosis. To address this problem, the Department and UNICEF have developed Joint Action Plan for such interventions like (1) water quality surveillance (2) development of alternative safe water supply system in endemic areas (3) health surveillance (4) advocacy and awareness generation (5) research and development (6) evaluation and documentation.

The State Thalassaemia Control Programme has been launched during 2009 – 10 with the assistance of State Plan fund. In addition to existing two centres at Institution of Haematology & Transfusion Medicine, CMC & H and Haematology Department of N.R.S. MC & H, tem more centres have been opened in six Medical Colleges & Hospitals, three District Hospitals and one Sub Divisional Hospital.

The National AIDS Prevention and Control Programme is working on reducing the prevalence and risk of HIV / AIDS in the country. The prevalence of HIV infection among adults (15-49 years) in West Bengal is 0.44%. and Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, Burdwan, Purulia, and Kolkata have been identified as high prevalence districts of HIV infection. Under the National AIDS Control Programme-III (2007-12), the West Bengal State AIDS Prevention and Control Society (WBSAP&CS) has set up 142 Integrated Counseling and Testing counseling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) and is promoting pre and post test counseling with testing for HIV. During the first three quarters of the year 2008-09, 83,941 ICTC general clients were tested for HIV, of whom 3,855 (4.59%) were found HIV positive.

Priorities for 2011-12Although there have been significant achievements by the department as mentioned above, there are still several pressing issues and priorities which need to be addressed in order to take services to the next level of healthcare. These include:

Enhancing the number of facilities available – most facilities are lower in number than population based norms, and population estimates need to be revised for 2001 census (currently at 1991 census levels)

Reducing inter-district variations in performance especially in public health indicators is necessary for ensuring equity in service delivery

Providing services and ensuring services are provided in the hard to reach areas and vulnerable areas / groups such as the tea gardens, hilly tracts and delta region of Sunderbans in the state

Reducing the out of pocket expenditure further by ensuring increasing and timely availability of drugs to the people. Risk pooling mechanisms for reducing the risk of poverty due to catastrophic illness needs to be integrated

Greater involvement and integration of NGOs and SHGs are necessary for service delivery partnerships and accountability mechanisms

Further convergence with various departments providing services in the health sector including the Women & Child Development Department, Panchayat Department and Urban Development Department

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More effective Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) to address some of the social issues and practices such as low age at marriage which is very prevalent in West Bengal

Further improvement in services and management of hospital and centres in order to provide a positive experience to patients and encourage further utilization of services

Further enhancement of medical education facilities to allow for more doctors and specialists which are needed by the system to provide services to the people

Working with the Rural Medical Practitioners in order to reduce the risk that they pose to the large numbers of population which are still attended by them

Sustaining reforms, especially in terms of Strategic Planning, pro-poor allocation, capacity building, focusing on quality services and environment, climate change and hospital management issues. Further, recent initiatives for better use of technology and improved monitoring need be sustained in the future.

AYUSH:

AyurvedaThere are three State run Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospitals, namely 1. J.B.Roy State Ayurvedic Medical & Hospitals, 2. IPGAE&R at Shyamadas Vaidya Shastrapith, 3. Viswanath Ayurved Mahavidyalaya & Hospital.

UnaniThere are three State- run Unani Dispensaries which are situated at Kolkata, Howrah & Asansol. There is a State Council of Unani Medicine . There is one private Unani Medical College & Hospital at Kolkata.

Acupuncture:Acupuncture therapy is provided to the people of the State in OPD at Dr. B.K.Basu Memorial Research & Training Institute of Acupuncture in Kolkata and 18 district Hospitals and 10 S.D Hospitals.

Homoeopathy: 545 SHD are functioning at present , of which 105 are functioning at BPHCs, 135 SHDs are functioning at PHCs while 305 SHDs are functioning in hired accommodation.10.6.2 Programme of the Labour Department

Improvement of EST (MB) SchemeThe ESI (MB) Scheme is running with 13 ESI Hospitals and 1 ODC cum ESI Hospital (run by ESI Corporation directly) to provide indoor facilities of the beneficiaries of the scheme. To provide out door facilities as well as treatment facilities in the vicinity of the localities of the beneficiaries, 41 Service Dispensaries were established including one at Siliguri and one at Haldia. Apart from Govt. establishments, there are about 548 local medical practitioners called ‘Insurance Medical Practitioner’ (IMP), working with the scheme to provide medical treatment and/ or assistance to the beneficiaries of the Scheme as outdoor facilities at the primary level.

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There are also 9 RBOs (Rajya Bima Ousadhalaya) in different localities for vending of the prescribed medicines.Under the scheme the fund is required for maintenance of the existing Computers, purchase of Computers in future and also for imparting Computer Training to the officers and staff of the Directorate of ESI (MB) Scheme.

Actually with the introduction of the Hospital Developmental Committee in each ESI hospitals, major items of expenditure including purchase of equipments are being met from the Hospital Improvement Fund of the ESIC.

Principal Medical Benefits provided to IPs under the ESI (MB) Scheme:

Indoor treatment in the hospitals including all specialties. 6 bedded ICCU Unit with facilities for implantation of Permanent Pacemaker (76

Permanent Pacemaker implanted in the year 2008) Super-speciality treatment including facilities of ICCU and Haemodialysis in the ESI

setup and other super speciality facilities from private institutions through tie-up arrangements.

Collection and supply of Blood through ESI Blood Bank at Maniktala. (5212 units of Blood collected in 2008)

Ante-natal and post- natal care to women. Family planning and immunisation services. Out patient treatment at Service Dispensaries (SD) / Insurance Medical Practitioner’s

(IMP) clinics. Specialists’ services at the OPD in all ESI Hospitals. Diagnostic facilities like all pathological / radiological investigations including

ultrasonography, echo-cardiography, CT scan, MRI, CT / MR Angio, endoscopies etc. at ESI hospitals and through Tie-up arrangements.

Free supply of drugs and dressings through SDs, RBOs and from Specialist OPDs at each hospital.

Ambulance facilities at all ESI centres. STD / AIDS prevention, awareness & control. (through 6 STD and 2 VCCTC) Tuberculosis control through DOTS by participating in RNTCP

Recent achievements:

Enhancement of intake capacity of Nurses’ Training Centre at ESI Hospital, Manicktala: The intake capacity of Nurses’ Training Centre at ESI Hospital, Manicktala has been enhanced to 40 after approval of the Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi and admission of students has been carried out through open advertisements. Several educational items for imparting teaching and training to the students have been procured and provided to the institute like Document Camera, Laptop with LCD Projector, computers, various sophisticated charts and Models as per the Nursing Council norms. The entire nurses’ hostel has been refurbished by modular furniture and interiors, common laundry facilities etc.

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Opening of A.N.M. (Rural) Training School: 2 ANM (Rural) Training schools have been opened at ESI Hospital, Sealdah and Kamarhati in collaboration with the Department of Health & Family Welfare, West Bengal.

Setting up of ESI Man Power Development Institute: The ESI Man Power Development Institute has been constituted with the approval of the Labour Department, Govt. of West Bengal. The institute is an umbrella body under which all the human resource development activities are presently being planned and implemented. The development of Nurses Training Centres in different ESI hospitals, opening of Para-Medical courses like DMLT, DMRT, Diploma in ECG Tech etc are in different stages of implementation

Enhancement of Service Dispensary network and Quality of Medical Care:

For better administrative control 13 SDs have been brought under administrative control of Superintendents of different ESI Hospitals.

Uniform timing for all SDs has been introduced. Man power rationalization based on work load of SDs has been implemented. 7 days medicines as advised by specialists are served from SD within the hospital on

spot. To improve availability of services at door step, new SDs have been opened at

Bhadrwswar, Barasat, Sarsuna, Rishra and Kankinara. Proposed SDs are going to be opened shortly at Benachity & Angadpur areas of Durgapur and Salt Lake in Kolkata, Installation of telephones have been approved for 37 SDs in this financial year. In 15 Dispensaries the BSNL land lines have already been installed.

Recently a team of ESI standing committee accompanied by Directorate officials inspected different SDs and the recommendations made by the committee are being implemented by utilizing funds of different Hospital development Committees.

The ESIC has already been requested to provide acceptable quality accommodation for housing SDs presently operating from poorly maintained rented premises having inadequate space.

Improvement of Quality and supply of medicines to hospitals, SDs and RBOs: A total of 321 items of medicines are supplied to Hospitals, SDs and RBOs through

centralized procurement by CMS. Almost all the items are procured from reputed all India firms approved under Central rate contract of ESIC.

National workshop on improvement of medical care under ESI: The First National Workshop organized by Directorate of ESI (MB) Scheme, West Bengal in collaboration with ESIC was held at Kolkata in the month of April, 2008 which was attended by all the States where ESI is implemented and consensus recommendation / suggestions have been submitted to ESI Corporation to review the present system.

Enforcement of Minimum Wage Clause: Minimum wage clause has been incorporated in the tender terms of diet, security guards and conservancy for strict observance of the same. Considering this Minimum Wage Clause tender processes in respect of security guards and conservancy have already been finalized and work orders have been issued.

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Improvement in Quality of cooked diet for ESI Hospitals: A total of nine types of diets have been introduced and their standard rates revised during the last year. Now by new tenders catering contractors are being engaged for each of the ESI hospitals, who will use Cooking Gas, modern oven, proper utensils and liveries for cooking and serving diet. Pouch packed milk, tea bags etc will also be mandatory as part of diet.

Setting up of Hospital Development Committees in ESI Hospitals: The ESI Corporation has constituted a Hospital Development Committee for each ESI Hospital in order to improve the overall functioning of ESI Hospitals run by the State Govt. The area and scope of functioning of the Development Committee has been indicated. These committees will have financial power of incurring expenditure up to Rs 2 lakh per item of equipment needed for upgradation of medical services and also for repair & maintenances of the physical infrastructure. Expenditure is being incurred from funds kept at the disposal of ESIC branch office managers. The Hospital Development Committees for all the ESI hospitals in the State are now functioning.

Extension of Scheme to new areas: During last year, ESI Scheme in the areas of ‘Banskopa’, ‘Bamunara,’ Binnaguri’ and ‘Boligacha’ have been implemented. As per plan, another ten areas are to be covered during the present financial year extending the ESI cover to another 32 thousand industrial workers. This target is the highest among all ESI implemented states. Keeping this target in view, proposals have been approved by the State Govt. for areas of ‘Mejia’ in the district of Bankura as also for areas of ‘Salanpur’, ‘Rupnarayanpur’ and ‘Kulti’ in the district of Bardhaman. Arrangements are also being made for implementing ESI Scheme in the areas of ‘Bardhaman Town’ in the district of Bardhaman, “Barjora’ in district of Bankura as also for ‘Baharampur’ and ‘Farakka’ in the district of Murshidabad.

IT Enablement: As part of an ongoing exercise of using Information Technology in the operations of the ESI Scheme, the hospitals and dispensaries have been provided with computers. Hospitals have been provided with Broad Band connectivity to the Internet in the pervious year. In order to improve the two way exchange of data, a website for the Directorate of ESI (MB) Schem has been developed and the web site went live on the 2nd of January’09. The address of the website is: www.esiwb.gov.in. This web site is equipped with complete data base of all IP (Insured Persons) on ‘Live List’, List of IMPs, Dispensaries along with dynamic pages for searching the required data. The site also has detailed information of all hospitals and the Cash Less Tie-Up arrangements with Rates for each treatment / Procedure for viewing by all the stake holders.

Project Panch Deep: At present project Panchdeep, which is the largest IT enablement project in public sector all over India, is being implemented in this state along with all other ESI implemented States of India to make the entire system and functioning of all ESI hospitals, Dispensaries and Offices ‘Paperless’. Recently officers of this directorate, Superintendents of all ESI hospitals and IMO in Charges of different SDs actively participated in the interaction of plan and calendar of this project.

Preventive and Promotive Services to ESI beneficiaries: Since the last financial year, funds @ Rs 20/- per IP per year have been allocated by ESIC for imparting preventive and promotive services to ESI beneficiaries in the state..The project will include holding regular Health check

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http://www.esiwb.gov.in/


up camps at the workers door step, sensitization of different stake holders by holding interactive sessions at different tiers up to the workers hamlets, publication of vernacular educative / health educative materials, production and dissemination of Audio-Visual materials etc.

Arrangement of Super Speciality Treatment for ESI beneficiaries: Since the last few years ESI has been imparting medical care for its beneficiaries by Tie-Up agreement with reputed private medical institutions, wherever such facilities are not available in-house. The entire cost on such treatment is borne by ESIC beyond ceiling.

Public Private Participation ventures: In the interest of improving quantity and quality of services to ESI beneficiaries of this state, efforts are being made to involve civil society organizations in areas where creation of own infrastructure / service is being difficult. One such venture is organizing a Service Dispensary at Sonarpur by involving an NGO by signing of MOU. Similar efforts are on to induct the first ever ‘Mobile Medical Van’ fully equipped with X-Ray, ECG etc and manned by qualified Doctor, Nurse, paramedics as a joint venture with a civil society organisation very short

10.6.3 Programme of the Municipal Affairs DepartmentUrban Primary Health Care Programme: During early 80s, there was no definite structure for delivery of urban primary health care services, as such particularly to the urban poor.Preventive & promotive health care including primary health care services were felt need of the community. Initially, the State Govt. launched community based primary health care services namely, CUDP III assisted by the World Bank for the urban poor of selected ULBs in the jurisdiction of Kolkata Metropolitan Area in the year 1985-86. The resultant effect in terms of output in the health scenario was remarkable. With this experience the several other primary health care programmes for the urban poor have been launched in phases covering all the 126 Urban Local Bodies of the State of West Bengal. Dankuni has recently been constituted a Municipality and primary health care programmes are being extended to it.

Different Urban Health ProgrammesSl. No. Project Project

Assisted byDuration of

Project Population covered No. of ULBs covered

1. CUDP - III World Bank 1985-86 to 1991-92 16.00 lakh in KMA

412. IPP- VIII World Bank 1993-94 to June 2002 38.00 lakh in KMA

3. CSIP DFID 1992-93 to 1997-98 2.85 lakh in KMA

4. IPP-VIII (Extn) World Bank 2000 to June 2002 8.30 lakh in Non-KMA 10

5. R.C.H. Sub- Project, Asansol World Bank 1998 to March 2004 2.53 lakh in Non-

KMA 1

6. HHW Scheme DFID Feb, 2004 continuing

2.86 lakh in Non-KMA ULBs 11

7. Community Based Primary

Health Care

Deptt. of Health & Family

Feb, 2006 continuing

11.23 lakh in Non-KMA ULBs

63

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Services Welfare

After recessation of external funding support all the programmes are continued and maintained by the State Government.

The plan outlay for ‘Medical & Public Health’ during 2011-12 is Rs.87384.50 lakh.

10.7 WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

10.7.1 Programme of the Public Health Engineering DepartmentDirection & Administration etc.Survey and Investigation related to preparation of Urban and Rural Water Supply Schemes is a continuing process and will be carried out during Eleventh Plan also.

Urban Water SupplyAt present, there are 85 Municipal towns in Non-KMD part of the State.. Total population of these Municipalities is about 70.00 lakh as per 2001 Census.

(a) Municipal Towns having Population 20,000 or moreAbout 24% of population (2001) in these Non-KMD Municipalities remains uncovered by organized water supply. All the 85 Non-KMD Municipal Towns of the State have the provision of piped water supply though there is deficiency in service level and also in coverage by water distribution network. For the purpose of better services within the Municipal area and at the same time for earning revenue, house to house connections are being extended, for which augmentation of source and distribution network is necessary. Therefore, augmentation of sources and extension of pipelines in hitherto uncovered areas within the Municipal Towns shall have to be taken up based on need of the situation.

Augmentation-Extension of existing water supply schemes in different Non KMD Municipal towns and Non Municipal towns having population 20,000 or more will be undertaken through the continuing programmes of water supply in urban areas under State Plan supplemented by Municipal contribution for capital cost wherever feasible.

A major decision towards Operation and Maintenance has been taken that at least the electricity cost in respect of municipal water supply schemes will be met by the municipalities out of revenue earned through house connections.

(b) Towns having Population less than 20,000 Under Centrally sponsored Accelerated Urban Water supply Programme (AUWSP), Augmentation-Extension of existing water supply schemes in different Non CMD Municipal Towns and also in Non Municipal Towns (NM) having population of 20,000 or less are being undertaken. Under this programme, 50% of capital cost is provided by the Central Govt. and remaining 50% is to be provided by the State (inclusive of at least 5% contribution from beneficiaries). This programme has been withdrawn by Govt. of India at

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the end of 2004-05 to start a new programme in the name of Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT).

Water Supply Schemes in Kharar, Khirpai, Ramjibanpur and Haldibari Municipalities have been completed under the programme. Water Supply Scheme for Deora (NM) of North 24 Parganas Dist, Madanpur(NM) in Nadia District, Begampur (UA) of Hooghly District have been commissioned recently. Presently, Water Supply Schemes in Balarampur (NM) of Purulia Dist. Khatra (NM) of Bankura Dist, Uttar Latabari (NM) & Uttar Kamakhyaguri (NM) of Jalpaiguri Dist, Mirik (Municipal) & Uttar Bagdogra (NM) of Darjeeling Dist, Dhusaripara (NM) of Murshidabad Dist., Bagnan (NM) in Howrah District, Balichak (NM) in Paschim Medinipur District, Darappur (NM) in Nadia District and Madhusudanpur (NM) in Hooghly District are in progress under AUWSP. All the above ongoing schemes are expected to be commissioned by March’12. Water supply augmentation scheme for Mirik (M) town in Darjeeling district is under implementation by DGHC under this Programme.

Rural Water Supply:

Implementation of Rural Water Supply Schemes is undertaken mainly through following two main programmes:

i) State Plan (MNP) - To match National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP)ii) Centrally Sponsored National Rural Drinking Programme [10% utilizable for

maintenance].

However, with an aim for building rural infrastructures within four years time frame, Bharat Nirman is conceived as a plan under which rural drinking water supply comes into being as one of its six components. Thus above two programs have been embraced into Bharat Nirman.

During 2011-12, a target has been set to cover 6630 habitations (3410 slipped back and 3220 quality affected habitations) fully.

PHED has taken a move to hand over all the 1111 Commissioned (553 Completed, 492 Fully Commissioned and 66 Partially Commissioned) rural piped water supply schemes to Zilla Parishads who in turn, through the Three-Tier Panchayet System will extend house connections and levy user charges for such connections. Total requirement of fund for completion of the 66 partially commissioned and 534 ongoing rural piped water supply schemes is Rs.1786.88 Crore. Besides, rejuvenation and capacity augmentation of old schemes are required to be undertaken before those become operationally viable for extending house to house connection.

During last two decades, piped water supply in rural area got the much needed impetus because of its several advantages over spot sources like hand pump fitted tubewells / dug wells. However, infrastructure so created under rural water supply programme needs rejuvenation/augmentation because of (a) growth of population within / around the command area of the scheme; (b) some infrastructures need capital replacement as they

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have outlived their normal life. Therefore, capacity augmentation by way of creating new sources, extension of pipelines, creation of additional storage reservoirs need be taken up to keep the schemes functional even in the years to come.

So far, operation of the schemes is being done manually which does not appear cost effective because of inadequate budgetary support for maintenance in one hand and the beneficiary remains at the mercy of the operators engaged for running water supply installations. Therefore, it has been felt necessary to reduce cost of operations by way of introducing unmanned operation of the commissioned piped water supply schemes for which some capital investment has to be made.

Ground water in 79 Blocks of 8 District is under the risk of Arsenic contamination. 2001 Census population of these blocks is 166.49 lakh. Similarly, 2001 Census population of urban areas with the risk of Arsenic contamination in ground water is 120 lakh. In order to tackle the arsenic menace in West Bengal three types of mitigation measures have been taken up so far which are as follows:

Short Term Measures:- Hand pump fitted Tube well at deeper aquifer, Ring Wells

Medium Term Measures:- Arsenic Treatment Unit with existing Hand pump fitted Tube wells, Arsenic Removal Plants for existing ground water based piped water supply schemes, Big Dia Deeper Aquifer Tube wells for existing / new piped water supply schemes, and new ground water based piped water supply schemes.

Long Term Measures:- Surface water based water supply projects in the district of Malda, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas District

Presently about 62.41% of the risk population is getting safe water. Due to non-sustainability of various short-term and long-term measures, it was very much essential to review the whole situation in order to implement future mitigation programmes. In view of the above, a Master Plan has beenprepared on future mitigation measures in consultation with the Arsenic Task Force, Govt. of West Bengal. In order to implement the Master Plan, a complete water quality survey of all the public hand pump fitted tubewells(1,32,000) in the arsenic affected blocks was taken up under the Joint Plan of Action with UNICEF. The survey revealed that 6623 habitations are affected with excess arsenic in ground water. In preparing the Master Plan the following recommendation of the Arsenic Task Force has been considered.

All the arsenic affected villages to be covered by piped water supply schemes. Areas covered by existing Short Term and Mid Term Measures such as ATU

attached Hand Pump Tube wells, Replacement Tube wells etc. should also be included with the future plan of action.

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Attempts to be made to cover the affected areas with surface water wherever available.

Affected areas, which cannot be covered under the existing/proposed surface water based piped water supply schemes, should be served from ground water based piped water supply schemes.

All proposed ground water based new piped water supply schemes should be provided with an Arsenic Removal Plant unless a safe aquifer well separated from the contaminated layer by thick impermeable barrier is available.

All existing ground water based piped water supply schemes in the affected areas should be provided with Arsenic Removal Plant except where safe aquifer well separated from the contaminated layer by thick impermeable barrier is available.

.1.4 Water Quality issues

1.4.1 District Sector Schemes

(i) Local Body SchemesIn rural water supply sector, process of decentralization has already been introduced. Out of PHED’s Budget Provision, fund for creation of hand bored tubewells / wells are being transferred to Zilla Parishads every year. In some cases grants have been released to some of the Zilla Parishads for implementation of small piped water supply schemes having little technical complication.

Grants in favour of municipal authorities are also being released out of PHED’s budget for implementation of piped water supply schemes. However, PHE being the implementing authority, the work is finally executed through PHE.

Water supply in DGHC areas are also transferred to DGHC. Therefore, grants to DGHC for urban and rural water supply schemes are being provided out of PHED’s budget every year.

(ii) Line Department SchemesIn hard rock and laterite areas of the State, hand pump fitted rig bored tubewells are being sunk by PHE using own rig and manpower, but sites for the tubewells are selected by PRI. However, after installation and commissioning of tubewells those are handed over to PRI for subsequent maintenance.

Piped water supply schemes for towns having population < 20,000, are being implemented by PHE under AUWSP with a mixed financial pattern. Out of the sanctioned project cost, 50% in provided by Govt. of India and 45% is the State Share. Remaining 5% is the share of local authority. Local authority provides land free of cost as its share of capital cost. However, PHE being the implementing authority, the work is finally executed through PHE. However selection of scheme command area, location of head works site etc. are made in consultation with PRI.

1.4.2 State Sector Schemes(i) Schemes that cover more than one district

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All such schemes have been retained at the State Sector.

(ii) Any other scheme that because of its special nature and/or complexity is required to be retained in the State Sector.

Large schemes using surface water as source are being implemented by this Department for quality mitigation in affected habitations. These schemes are capital intensive in nature involving complex treatment processes, therefore requiring special skill and expertise for their implementation. Such schemes have also been retained at the State Sector.

Multi village piped water supply schemes being complicated in nature are being implemented by PHE. But selection of scheme command area, location of head works site etc. are made in consultation with PRI.

However, every sanction and release of fund is intimated to concerned authorities of the district as desired.

1.5 Human Development FocusDrinking water reaches everybody within the command area of the scheme irrespective of caste, creed, culture, religion, sex etc. However, for adequate and viable focus on women and children, it may be considered whether coverage of Anganwadi Centres can be brought into the purview of rural water supply schemes.

1.6 Focus on Swajaldhara & CCDU activitiesIn order to perform reform initiative activities, a programme in the name of Swajaldhara has been introduced in the State by Govt. of India. As per the guidelines of NRDWP, up to 20% of the annual allocation by Govt. of India can be utilized by the State on 50:50 basis as State Share and GOI share.

At this backdrop, participation of community and beneficiaries in reforms initiative activities in rural water supply and sanitation sector has got much importance for grounding it effectively with earnest care and attention of the State. Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU) set up under Public Health Engg. Department is working to fulfill the said objective. CCDU has started executing IEC & HRD activities among rural mass to reach the goal of Sector Reforms initiative Activities successfully. Water Quality Surveillance and Monitoring works are going to be taken up through active participation of people at large under the agencies of CCDU with close cooperation of PRI’s, fund for which has already been started flowing.

1.8 Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) and Special Component Plan (SCP)Due emphasis has been given to provide water supply to the people belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. 10% of Outlays under the State Plan and also under Centrally sponsored NRDWP has been earmarked for benefiting people belonging to Scheduled Tribes. Under the State Plan 25% of Outlays has been earmarked for the Special Component Plan for Scheduled Castes. The same percentage has been earmarked for NRDWP also.

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1.9 National Rural Drinking Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance Programme (NRDWQM&SP)In order to strengthen, the infrastructure available for monitoring the quality of drinking water supply and to institutionalize the monitoring and surveillance of drinking water quality the Govt. of India has launched a “National Rural Drinking Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance Programme”.

The program envisages - Monitoring and surveillance of all the drinking water sources in the country by

the community Decentralization of water quality and surveillance of rural drinking water

sources in the country. Institutionalization of community participation and involvement of PRIs Generation of awareness among the rural masses Building capacity of Panchayet to own and use the field test kit

Under this program, 100% funding would be provided for IEC, HRD activities and infrastructural set up etc. However, contribution of the community has been proposed for operation and maintenance purpose.

All preliminary works related to the programme is in completion stage and the programme will be launched in field shortly.

1.10 Priorities of Planning CommissionAccording to Planning Commission guidelines priority has been given to completion of Ongoing Schemes.

10.7.2 Programme of the Urban Development DepartmentWater Supply & Sanitation

Plan for Water Supply Master Plan for Water Supply in Kolkata Metropolitan Area has been prepared on the basis of the future needs of metropolitan structure, distribution of residential settlements and activity centres with the metropolis.

Under Sub-Mission-I i.e. UIG, 26 projects involving a total project cost of Rs. 2508.51 crore have so far been approved. The breakup of the project costs sector-wise in KMA and AUA is furnished in the following Table.

Table No.-I

Sector KMA AUA TOTALNo Of

ProjectApproved

project No Of

ProjectApproved

project No Of

ProjectTotal

Approved

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Cost (Rs in crore)

Cost (Rs in crore)

Cost (Rs in crore)

Water Supply (WS)

20 2078.58 6 429.93 26 2508.51

Thrust Areas

Major Water Supply projects have been taken up in Bansberia, Uluberia, Baruipur, Bhadreswar, Bhatpara, Salt Lake (Sector-V).

Surface Water Supply Schemes for added areas of Howrah Municipal Corporation, Barrackpore & North Barrackpur Municipal Areas, Municipal Towns of Naihati, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Gayeshpur and uncovered areas of Kalyani, Garulia.

24 Hours Water Supply Schemes for Chandannagar Municipal Corporation, Dum Dum, South Dum Dum & North Dum Dum, Durgapur (Phase-III), Kulti Municipality, Bally Municipality.

Laying of dedicated Transmission Main from Palta to Tala Water Supply System. Five Storm Water Drainage Schemes for Chandannagar Municipal Corporation

Area, Hooghly-Chinsurah, Bansberia, Budge Budge Municipality Area, Bidhannagar Municipality.

Two Solid Waste Management Schemes including one Trans-Municipal SWM for 13 ULBs of KMA.

Municipal Solid Waste Management in Asansol Urban Area. Trans-Municipal Schemes on removal of drainage congestion within Khardah,

Panihati, North Dum Dum & South Dum Dum. Improvement of drainage in Howrah City and its vicinity. Drainage and Sewerage Projects at Bidhannagar, Development and management of

Sewerage System at Salt Lake, Sector-V, Raniganj Municipality. The only Scheme approved in the Heritage Conservation sector is that of

Rejuvenation of Dalhousie Square, Kolkata.

The five Water Supply Schemes completed are as follows:

1. Integration of Maheshtala UGR with the existing Water Supply Network under KMA

2. The 7 MGD Water Treatment Plant together with Reservoir, distribution system and other allied work under Durgapur Municipal Corporation (DMC)

3. The 22.73 MLD Water Supply Project at Jamuria Municipality4. Development and Management of Water Supply at Sector – V, NDTIA at Salt Lake.5. 3 MGD UGR-cum-Booster Stn. at Gandhi Maidan Akra.

10.7.3 Programme of Department of Panchayats & Rural Development

Rural Sanitation Programme:Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) is being implemented by this department as a centrally sponsored programme. It is a Project based and not an allocation based programme. Participation in the programme is primarily guided by the felt need to improve sanitation

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practices both for prevention of diseases as well as privacy and making the state free from open defecation. The Campaign stipulates that in the TSC districts full coverage of the households will have to be achieved in three / four years. For installation of household latrines, a subsidy @ Rs. 2200/- is given to the BPL families in this State. Latrines are being built in Public places, Educational Institutions and ICDS centres also. For latrines at public places, 80% of the approved cost is given as subsidy. 10%, 15% and 5% of the approved District project are given for Solid and Liquid Waste Management, Campaign cost and Administrative cost respectively. Till the beginning of the year 2009-10 as many as 6100433 nos. of household latrines were constructed against a target of constructing 9133516 numbers of latrines as per approved project.

The plan outlay for ‘Water Supply and Sanitation’ during 2011-12 is Rs.79052.00 lakh.

10.8 HOUSING (INCLUDING POLICE HOUSING)

RURAL HOUSING

10.8.1 Programme of the Panchayat & Rural Development Department

INDIRA AWAAS YOJANA (IAY):The objective of IAY is primarily to help construction of dwelling units by members of SCs / STs, minorities and other rural poor living below the poverty line by providing them with grant-in-aid. Under this programme, not less than 60% of the total beneficiaries shall be from the S.C/S.T. families living below poverty line. IAY is a centrally sponsored programme with the resources being shared in the ratio of 75:25 between Centre and the States. In 2010-11, 260765 numbers of new houses have been constructed against yearly target of 297564. 63394 numbers of the beneficiary families out of the physical achievement during this period belong to SC/ST communities.

In the IAY scheme Rs.453.40 crore was spent in the last year. In the current financial year about 3 lakh houses will be constructed.

URBAN HOUSING10.8.2 Programme of the Housing DepartmentState Sector SchemesEWS Housing Scheme for Economically Weaker Section

The main objective of the scheme is to provide dwelling units on ownership basis to EWS people at affordable price or on monthly rent basis in respect of rental EWS Housing.

So far WBHIDCO constructed 1664 Ownership flats at New Town, Kolkata and West Bengal Housing Board constructed 1151 Ownership flats. Housing Deptt. constructed 246 EWS flats on rental/ownership basis.

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In the 11th Plan Physical target is construction of 1196 flats (WBHIDCO 1000, Housing Board – 100 & State Govt. – 96).

In the 11th Plan Financial target is 465 lakh of which Rs. 220 lakh as subsidy to WBHIDCO and Housing Board @ Rs.20,000/- per flat and Rs. 245 lakh for construction of 96 rental EWS flats by State Govt.

In the first two years of 11th Plan Physical achievement is 48% of work for construction of 24 EWS rental flats at Patulia, North-24-Parganas for SC/ST people. Financial achievement is Rs. 25.41 lakh from State Budget.

During 2010-11 Physical target was as follows: - i) 40000 houses on beneficiary’s land through different participating Deptts.

of State Government in rural and semi-urban areas.ii) Up to 60% of work of 400 ownership flats by WBHIDCO in urban areas.iii) Up to 60% of work of 608 ownership flats by WBHB in urban areas. iv) Up to 30% of work of 1776 ownership flats by WBHB through PPP in urban areas.

In the Annual Plan 2010-11 Financial target was Rs. 500 crore (Rs. 50 crore for urban areas and Rs. 450 crore for rural and semi-urban areas).

Plan proposals for 2011-12

o 30888 houses on beneficiary’s land through different participating Deptts. of State Government in rural and semi-urban areas.

o Completion of work of 24 Rental Flats by the State Govt. at Patulia.o Completion of work of 112 and up to 50% of work of 288 Ownership Flats by the

State Govt. at New Town.o Completion of work of 192 and up to 50% of work of 208 Ownership Flats by

WBHIDCO at New Town.o Completion of work of 80 and up to 50% of work of 448 Ownership Flats by

WBHB. at New Town.

Financial Targeti) Rs. 2000 lakh for urban areas.ii) Rs. 27000 lakh for rural areas.

Rs. 29000 lakh in total

Upgradation/renovation of existing houses for Economically Weaker Section of the people in rural and semi-urban areas :-

State Govt. decided to take up a new programme towards up gradation / renovation of existing houses of Economically Weaker Sections of the people. This programme is to be taken up in the remaining period of the 11th Five Year Plan.

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Plan proposals for Annual Plan 2011-12

Target

Upgradation/replacement/renovation of 6600 houses in rural areas through different departments.

Construction of LIG Housing SchemesThe main objective of this scheme is to provide dwelling units to Lower Income Group People (LIG) in Urban and Semi-Urban areas on rental/ownership basis.

In the 11th Plan Physical target is construction of 6548 LIG flats (Housing Board – 1500, PPP – 5000 and State Govt. – 48 ) and Financial target is Rs. 380 lakh (Rs. 150 lakh as subsidy to WB Housing Board and Rs. 230 lakh towards construction of 48 LIG flats by State Govt.).

In the first 2 years of the 11 th Plan Physical achievement is : i) completion of 1265 flats (Housing Board - 992 & under PPP - 273 ), ii) 50% of work for Construction of Auditorium within Kustia L.I.G. Govt. Housing Estate. Financial achievement is Rs. 139.81 lakh ( subsidy of Rs. 99.20 lakh towards 992 LIG flats of Housing Board and Rs. 40.61 lakh towards Construction of Auditorium.

Plan proposal for 2011-12i) Housing Board – Nil, ii) PPP – 298 flats,iii) State Govt. – Completion of work of 48 flats

MIG Housing Scheme :The main objective of this scheme is to provide dwelling units to Middle Income Group People (MIG) in Urban and Semi-Urban areas.

In the 11th Plan Physical target is 6348 flats(WBHB - 1300, PPP – 5000 & State Govt. – 48)

In the first 2 years of the 11th Plan Physical achievement is construction of 986 ownership MIG flats by JVCs under PPP with their own resources.

Target 2011-12 i) Housing Board – 680 flats, ii) PPP – 952 flats, iii) State Govt. – up to 40% of work for 48 flats Construction of Houses under Subsidised Housing Scheme for Tribal villagers residing in Tribal Forest villages in North Bengal :

This is a new scheme under the 11th Five Year Plan. Forest Deptt. controls and manages 170 Forest villages distributed in Forest areas of 3 districts of North Bengal, viz. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Coochbehar. There are 3906 families (including Tribal families) who reside in 170 Forest villages in above mentioned 3 districts. Forest Deptt. is particularly short of fund for construction of

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dwelling houses for Forest villagers, large number of whom reside in thatched roof house. At the initial stage Housing Deptt. will construct houses through Forest Directorate for Tribal villagers belonging to BPL category only with Project cost of Rs. 1.50 lakh per house. This scheme is fully subsidized. The project will spread over 15 years from 2009-10.

Plan proposal for 2011-12Target : Construction of 200 houses.

Administrative Improvement (a) Construction of Office-cum-Residential Complexes for field OfficersThis scheme is meant to provide field officers to have office and residence in the same building. There are such office cum residential complexes at Siliguri, Arambagh, Haldia, Jhargram, Beharampore.This Department has undertaken a project for construction of a Multistoried Office Building of Housing Department at New Town (Rajarhat), Kolkata to establish setting for all the offices in and around Kolkata, including the Secretariat Establishment of this Department, in one complex with project cost of Rs.26.92 crore. This project is expected to be started soon and focused to be completed in by March, 2013.

Plan proposal for 2011-12Target : Up to 40% of work for office complex.

Replacement and Renovation of Existing Housing EstatesThe Housing Department has to maintain at present 33,400 nos. of rental flats of various categories (RHE / HIG / MIG / LIG / IHE / SCP / EWS) in 190 Housing Estates including Working Women’s Hostels throughout the State. A considerable amount is required every year for repair, replacement and renovation of these flats.

Plan proposal for 2011-12Target : To undertake replacement/renovation works for 75 Housing Estates.Purchase of Machineries and EquipmentHousing Department requires some machineries, tools and equipment for project works / planning etc. for use by Housing Directorate and Brick Production Directorate under the Housing Department. The Computers have also been installed in different offices under the Housing Department.

Plan proposal for 2011-12Target : Procurement of 20 nos. of computers including Internet connectivity etc. for Engineering Divisions & Sub-Divisions including Directorates. Computerization of flat allotment process/ land acquisition/ Planning and project monitoring matter in the Secretariat Establishment

Setting up of Company (HIDCO) for New Town at Rajarhat, KolkataThe West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBHIDCO) was formed in April 1999, under the Companies Act, 1956. WBHIDCO is Government a company. This Scheme is meant for investment by the State Government as equity in the

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said Company. At present the State Government has share worth Rs. 14.75 crore in this company.

In the 11th Plan Physical & Financial achievement is release of Rs. 300 lakh towards investment of State Government as equity in the said Company.

Improvement of Krishnapur Canal Associated with Infrastructure Development of New Town, Kolkata at Rajarhat

This project has been taken up by WBHIDCO in order to procure Canal bed earth on excavation of Krishnapur Canal for stretch of 20.5 km.

Target for 2011-12Physical target is re-excavation/improvement of Krishnapur & adjoining canals to an extent of 3.50 km. stretch & the financial target is Rs.200 lakh from State Budget.

Rain Water Harvesting for different Rental Housing Estates :This scheme is proposed to be implemented in the 11th Five Year Plan as a new scheme and the same will be implemented for all new constructions of RHEs, IHEs, EWS (on rental basis) by Housing Directorate.

DISTRICT SECTOR DEPARTMENTAL SCHEMESConstruction of Houses under Rental Housing Scheme for State Government EmployeesThis scheme is meant for providing accommodation to State Government Employees who are in service in Kolkata and different districts of West Bengal on payment of monthly rent as because they are frequently transferred from one station to other stations in the State. At present there are 12590 Rental Housing Estate (RHE) flats constructed by this Department under the scheme throughout West Bengal. .

Target for 2011-12 Completion of construction of ongoing 180 flats Making further progress of new construction of 48 flats at Jhargram & 18 flats at

Diamond Harbour Taking up of new construction 96 flats at Ghatal, 32 flats at A.K. Mukherjee Road,

Kolkata .Rental Housing Schemes for Working WomenThis scheme is meant for providing safe accommodation of single working women in and around Kolkata and other towns of West Bengal. So far this Department constructed 4 (four) working women’s hostels at i) Gariahat, ii) Salt Lake, iii) Siliguri, iv) Sahapur with an accommodation capacity of 584 seats.

In the 11th Plan Physical target is construction of 5 Working Women Hostels(WWH) with 282 seats of accommodation(Gen. – 219, S.C. – 42 & S.T. – 21) and Financial target is Rs. 546 lakh( with flow to SCP Rs. 81.90 lakh and TSP Rs. 40.95 lakh).

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Target for 2011-12

1. Completion of ongoing 40 seats working women’s hostel at Durgapur 2. Taking up construction of new Working Women’s Hostels at Asansol / Haldia

on getting demand survey from the District Magistrates concerned.

Land acquisition and Development SchemesImplementation of all types of housing schemes is dependent on the availability of suitable land. Availability of land at reasonable price in Kolkata and surrounding areas is a major problem.

Target for 2011-12Completion of acquisition process of -

i) 1.016 acres of land at Bosepukur, Kolkata for RHE project ii) ii) 2.5 acres of land in Rampurhat Sub-Division for RHE project

Construction of Houses under Industrial Housing Scheme for Industrial Workers :At present there are 12188 Rental Industrial Housing Estate (IHE) flats constructed by this Department under the scheme from 1958 to 1985 throughout West Bengal.

Rapid industrialization is going on in this State. In order to meet up the growing demand of housing amongst the industrial workers in different locations of the State, it is felt that Industrial Housing Estate (IHE) for low paid industrial workers need to be constructed in the 11th Plan on rental basis.

DISTRICT SECTOR URBAN LOCAL BODIES SCHEMESNight Shelter Programme

Night Shelter Programme is being implemented by this Department to provide shelters during night to stranded passengers coming from rural areas to visit District / Sub-divisional Head Quarters of the Districts for attending Collectorate / SDO Office / Courts / Hospitals etc. for their need. After the construction, the Department hands over the day-to-day management to municipalities.

So far this Department constructed two Night Shelters, one at Hasnabad Bus Stand (50 seats) in Taki Municipality and another at Balurghat Municipality (64 seats).

It is found that the scheme implementation is delayed for land acquisition/transfer problem related to such projects.

During the period of 2010-11, the Department had decided to undertake night shelter programme within the campus of Medical Colleges / District Hospitals / Sub-Divisional Hospitals as a State Sector Scheme for the benefit of patient parties.

Joint Sector Companies vis-à-vis Associate or Assisted Sector Companies formed by Housing Department

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Joint Venture Companies :Nine Joint Sector companies were formed between renowned Private Sector Companies and the West Bengal Housing Board in between the year 1993 to 2003 under the Housing Department.

In each of such Joint Sector Companies 49.50% of the equity is beneficially held by the West Bengal Housing Board, 49.50% by the concerned private Partner of the Joint Sector Company and the remaining 1% is issued to the Public by the Joint Sector Companies. In the Joint Sector Companies the private partners have been actively involved to utilize their resources initiative, planning, design and other expertise like the Government.

Assisted Sector Companies :Sometime in the year 2003, it was decided by this Department that Assisted Sector Companies be formed with Private Companies and West Bengal Housing Board with 89:11 Partnership basis to gather momentum in increasing housing stock in the urban areas of West Bengal . Accordingly the State Government during 2005-06 & 2006 – 07 formed nine “Assisted Sector Companies” on Joint Venture with the West Bengal Housing Board.

The Housing Board has already signed MOU with some of those private partners as “Assisted Sector Companies”. The activities of these Assisted Sector Companies are expected to start soon.

It is expected that eight Joint Venture Companies and nine Assisted Sector Companies will be able to construct at least 20000 dwelling units (L.I.G.- 5000, M.I.G. – 5000 & H.I.G. – 10000) in the urban areas of West Bengal in 11th Plan Period .

Out of such nine Joint Venture Companies seven Joint Venture Companies have already completed 27 Housing Projects comprising 11341 dwelling units (LIG – 1496, MIG – 4001, HIG – 4068, Plots / Plots with Houses – 1776) with total project cost of Rs. 1126.41 crore up to 31-3-2010.Further eight such Joint Venture Companies out of nine are constructing 14 Housing Projects comprising 6767 dwelling units (LIG – 890, MIG – 2701, HIG –3025, Plots / Plots with Houses – 151) with total project cost of Rs. 1510.77 crore as on 31.3.2010 and Commercial Complexes, Bus Stand etc.

Only one Assisted Sector Company viz. “Bengal Merlin Housing Limited” has started construction of only one project, viz. “Merlin Treenoyani “ at Sarsuma Behala, Kolkata comprising 200 flats (LIG-24, MIG-80, HIG-96) with a project cost of Rs. 8 crore. The project is under construction.

10.8.3 Programme of the Home (P&AR) DepartmentCreation of new Districts & Sub-Divisions calls for construction of buildings for the Administrative purposes as well as Residential purposes For development of infrastructure in all these offices towards fresh construction of Administrative Buildings and Special repair/renovation of existing Buildings, the P & AR Department will have to mobilize necessary fund as far as practicable during 2011-12.

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The Department has to undertake the repair and renovations of the age-old Administrative Buildings and Residential Bungalows in the Districts & Sub-Divisions. There are 15 (fifteen) old Districts and 48 (forty eight) old Sub-Divisions in West Bengal at present. Apart from repair/renovation etc. some Administrative Buildings in the Districts/Sub-Divisions (Old) are required to be freshly re-constructed. Special attention may require to be taken at the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe dominated areas.

10.8.4 Programme of the Judicial DepartmentFund is required for construction of residential quarters at different stations where construction of court building is going on in a full swing or nearing completion. Residential quarters will come up very shortly in the locations viz. Kharagpur, Domkol, Raiganj and Berhampore.

For maintenance of Bijan Bhawan meant for the High Court Judges Appartment considerable fund is required every year.

10.8.5 Programme of the Home (Police)DepartmentConstruction of different Police Stations etc., under the Schemes for Modernisation of Police Force (MPF).

CONSTRUCTION OF POLICE BUILDINGSIn order to strengthen and upgrade the existing infrastructure of the Police Forces, it is extremely essential to construct Police Stations / Out-Posts. Buildings, Administrative Buildings for Battalion Headquarters, Training Centre Buildings, Buildings for Forensic Science Laboratory, residential quarters for the Lower/Upper Sub-ordinates, Barracks, etc. During the 11th Plan, 50 Nos. of Police Stations Buildings are proposed to be constructed at a total cost of Rs.15.00 crores @ Rs.30.00 lakhs per unit. Besides, 2 Nos. of Battalion Headquarters Buildings at a total cost of Rs.23.00 crores - one for SAP, 11 th and 13th Bns. at Borjora, Bankura and the other for 2nd I.R. Bn. at Siliguri - 4 Nos. of Training Centre Buildings at a cost of Rs.14.00 crores, Buildings for Forensic Science Laboratory at a total cost of Rs.5.00 crores @ Rs.1.00 crore per annum in different districts (including Kolkata) and Residential Quarters for upper sub-ordinates (500 Nos. @ Rs.5.70 lakhs per unit) and lower sub-ordinates (1000 Nos. @ Rs.3.00 lakhs per unit) at a total cost of Rs.58.00 crores are proposed to be constructed during the 11th Plan.

Under the police regulations, police officers and men are entitled to free residential accommodation. But the number of such quarters is not adequate in the State.

10.8.6 Programme of the Civil Defence DepartmentPlan proposal for 2011-12

A new CCDTI is proposed in Kalyani and projects for establishment of 15 Rescue Cluster Centres have been submitted to NABARD under RIDF in 5 districts viz., Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, Uttar Dinajpur, Malda and Cooch Behar which are awaiting sanction. There is a provision for improvement for

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upgrading/construction of new CCDTI and augment the infrastructure in the 10 CD towns.

Provision for building a WWCD complex at Baidyabati is under active consideration of this Department.

HQs.In Malda and Darjeeling, an office building of NCC is coming up. In Paschim Medinipore more than 2 acres of vested land has been given possession for construction of Bn. 6 & 45.

Wherever land will be available, the office building for Batallion/GPHQ will be constructed for which district administration has been requested.

CTI, ItaharConstruction of a training building is required.

BWHGIn Halisahar, construction of office building is required.

NVF An Administrative building is required at Kalyani.

10.8.7 Programme of the Urban Development DepartmentHousingIn the housing sector, 300 flats at Baisnabghata – Patuli and 56 flats at Bidhanagar (Salt Lake), are being constructed by KMDA. Work for 1100 flats at Bidhanagar (Salt Lake), Baishnabghata-Patuli, Barrackpur and Kalyani is in progress.

For providing shelters to the poorest sections, KMDA has completed 332 dwelling units at Baishnabghata-Patuli, 96 units at Chetla, 448 units at Nonadanga and 48 units at Panihati. 2328 sq. mtrs. of area for commercial complex has been covered out of 3374.52 sq. mtrs. A six storied building at Ultadanga Main Road and a five storied building at Bose Pukur Road, Kasba have been completed by KIT.

Other Development Authorities like H.D.A., SSDA, ADDA & BDA are also marching ahead with the projects for creation of new Housing at compatible prices so that weaker section of people of the area would enjoy the taste of better living.

10.8.8 Programme of the Department of CooperationHousing Sector In Housing Sector, 7023 Primary Housing Cooperative Societies and State HOUSEFED with its 1044 affiliated Primary Housing have been trying to solve the problem of Housing sector in rural and urban areas in West Bengal. With a view to minimize the housing problem in rural and urban sector, HOUSEFED (Houing Federation) is providing Loan to affiliated primary housing societies, as well as to individuals. But this problem cannot be addressed due to lack of adequate fund. In order to strengthen the working capital base of HOUSEFED a sum of Rs 50.00 lakh was sanctioned and released during 2008-09.

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10.8.9 Programme of the Municipal Affairs DepartmentRAJIV AWAS YOJANA (RAY)Rajiv Awas Yojana aims at building slum Free India for the slum dwellers and the urban poor. Rajiv Awas Yojana envisages that each State would prepare a State Slum-Free Plan of Action (POA). The reparation of legislation for assignment of property rights to slum dwellers would be the first step for State POA.

So far 23 cities and towns, including Kolkata have been selected (Kolkata, Howrah, Bally, Kalyani, Gayeshpur, Budge Budge, Maheshtala, Bhatpara, Kamarhati, Panihati, Hooghly-Chinsurah, Serampore, Rishra and Champdani of KMA Area; Assansol, Durgapur, Raniganj, Jamuria, Kulti within Asansol Urban Area.; and Burdwan, Kharagpur, Siliguri & Jalpaiguri in non KMA).

Municipal Affairs Department is Nodal Deptt. SUDA is the State Level Nodal Agency(SLNA) for executing this programme.

The plan outlay during 2011-12 under ‘Housing (including Police Housing)’ is 86116.00 lakh

10.9 URBAN DEVELOPMENT(incl. State Capital Project & Slum Area Dev.)

10.9.1 Programme of the Municipal Affairs Department

Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)The Government of India has launched the JNNURM in December, 2005 to bring about improvement in the existing service levels in a financially sustainable manner. It has two Sub-Missions- (a) the Urban Infrastructure and Governance, (b) the Basic Services for the Urban Poor. These two sub-mission are meant for Mission Cities in the State – Kolkata Metropolitan Area covering 41 ULBs and Asansol Urban Area covering 5 ULBs. This part of the programme is implemented through Urban Development Department.The remaining ULBs (80 nos.) are covered under two schemes viz. (a) Urban Infrastructure Development for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) and (b) Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP). These two are under the Administrative control of Municipal Affairs Department.

a) Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT)This scheme caters to the infrastructure development for Small and Medium Towns. Funding pattern is 80(GOI):15(GOWB):5(ULB).Till date, 26 projects have been sanctioned by Government of India at a cost of Rs. 385.65 crore. Of these projects, 22 relate to drinking water supply (Rs.316.61 crore), while 2 relate to drainage (Rs.49.22 crore), one relates to sewerage (Rs.12.51 crore) and another relates to construction of bye-pass road (Rs.7.30 crore) to improve connectivity.

Further, 8 more projects have been approved with a project cost of Rs.194 crore, but sanctioned from Union Ministry yet to be obtained due to paucity of central allocation.

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Overall allocation under UIDSSMT for the State of West Bengal is to the tune of Rs.315.25 crore, out of which for 26 projects the amount of ACA covered is to the tune of Rs.308.52 crore. Proposal has been sent to Ministry of Urban Development to augment the allocation of UIDSSMT for the State of West Bengal by Rs.500 crore or to allow swapping of allocation of UIG for the State of West Bengal to the UIDSSMT component.

Funds have been released by Govt. of India for 26 projects and matching state share has been released to SUDA, the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA). So far Rs.224.37 crore has been released by Government of India and Rs.42.75 crore has been released by the State Government, altogether an amount of Rs.267.12 crore to SUDA. SUDA has so far released Rs.246.02 crore to ULBs against which Rs.185.38 crore has been utilized which is to the tune of 76%. The works are being implemented by the urban local bodies with technical support by the Municipal Engineering Directorate. In few municipalities MED is implementing the scheme on deposit basis. Few projects are likely to be completed which are Bye-pass road in Asokenagar-Kalyangarh and Habra, Water Supply project at Haldia, Arambag, Krishnangar, Drainage project at Balurghat.

b) Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme(IHSDP) This scheme provides for construction of houses for slum dwellers and provisioning of necessary infrastructures in the identified slums to improve the living environment. The infrastructure work includes slum improvement like roads, provisioning of water supply, drainage facilities, street lighting and other community facilities like construction of community toilets, community shelters, development of open space etc. Funding pattern for infrastructure is 80(GOI):15(GOWB):5(ULB) while that of Housing component is 80 (GOI): 20 (beneficiary, with Rs 16,000).

Till date, 94 projects have been sanctioned for all 80 Non- Mission Urban Local Bodies involving Rs.925.85 crore. This involves construction of 52591 nos. of houses for urban poor and requisite infrastructure facilities in the slums. The works are being executed by the Urban Local Bodies directly with the technical support by the Municipal Engineering Directorate. In some cases, beneficiaries are constructing their own houses.

Overall allocation under IHSDP for the State of West Bengal is to the tune of 681.04 crores, out of which for 94 projects the amount of ACA covered is to the tune of Rs.679.91 crore. As per proposal sent to Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation to augment the allocation of IHSDP for the State of West Bengal by Rs.250 crore, Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation has allowed augmentation. Accordingly DPRs for 20 towns on whole slum approach are being prepared by BUIDL. So far DPRs for 4 towns have been sent to HUDCO for onward transmission to Ministry of HUPA.

Funds have been released by Govt. of India for 94 projects and matching state share has been released to SUDA, the State Level Nodal Agency (SLNA). So far Rs.480.084 crore has been released by Government of India and Rs. 105.204 crores has been released by the State Government, altogether an amount of Rs.585.288 crore to SUDA. SUDA has so far released Rs.449.531 crores to ULBs against which Rs.390.67 crore has been utilized which

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is to the tune of 87%. So far, fully completed no. of Dwelling Units – 24748; and work of no. of Dwelling Units in progress is 10945.

Swarna Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yozana ( SJSRY )The SJSRY, a centrally-assisted poverty alleviation programme (75% Central Share and 25% State Share) seeks to provide gainful employment to the unemployed and underemployed urban poor through self-employment schemes and provision of wage employment.

In the revised SJSRY Guidelines (effective from April, 2009) there are six major components :

a) Urban Self-Employment Programme (USEP), (b) Urban Wage Employment Programme (UWEP), (c) Urban Women Self-Help Programme (UWSP), (d) Urban Programme for Poverty Reduction amongst SC & STs (UPPS), (e) Skill Training for Employment Promotion amongst Urban Poor (STEP-UP) & (f) Urban Community Development Networking (UCDN)

Some of the programmes under these components are as follows :I) Setting up of micro-enterprise,II) Formation of Urban Women Self-Help Programme (UWSP) Groups,III) Formation of TCG (Thrift & Credit Group),IV) Providing Wage Employment to Urban BPL population, V) Providing assistance for skill development and providing technology

Performance of West Bengal under SJSRY at a Glance

a) No. of USEP bank loans sponsored to banks 100459 casesb) No. of USEP bank loans sanctioned by banks 40046 casesc) Amount of USEP Subsidy released Rs.1890.27 lakhd) No. of DWCUA / UWSP Groups formed 4788e) No. of DWCUA / UWSP Groups credit linked 3297f) Amount of subsidy released for DWCUA / UWSP Groups Rs. 2581.39 lakhg) No. of TCG formed 34274h) No. of BPL families involved 4,65,000 (appx.)i) Group Corpus 28 crorej) No. of TCGs in receipt of Revolving Fund 18,894k) Amountof revolving fund released to TCGs Rs.3602.60 lakhl) No. of UWSP Groups formed during 2009 – 2010 2554m) No. of persons undergone vocational training during 2009 - 2010

7049

n) No. of Community Development Society (CDS) formed 306o) No. of Neighborhood Committee (NHCs) formed 3696p) No. of Neighbourhood Group (NHGs) formed 38596

Employment Generation in Urban AreasUnder this scheme, the poor people under urban areas can be directly engaged, without involvement of contractors, for improvement and maintenance of roads, drainage etc. It is

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expected that this will result in employment generation as well as improvement and maintenance of infrastructure in urban areas.

Eradication of Manual Scavenging:Municipal Affairs Department was involved in eradication of manual scavenging by way of construction of new latrines/ conversion of dry latrines into sanitary latrines through Integrated Low Cost Sanitation Programme.

In addition, construction of new latrines is being taken up under the scheme of ILCS. Recently the scheme has been revised and 75% of the cost will be provided by the Government of India.

The municipal employees, who were also engaged in scavenging, have been listed are being engaged in other work. Though the rehabilitation of scavengers are being looked after by the Backward Class Welfare Department, the urban local bodies have been advised to render their support in this effort to facilitating survey, skill development and rehabilitation programme.

Spot SourcesState Government is committed to provide safe drinking water to all the citizens residing in the urban areas of the state. In KMA areas KMDA and KMWSA are primarily responsible for providing piped water supply to the ULBs. In non-KMA areas PHE Department had taken up the job. Many ULBs also maintained the piped water supply schemes within their respective jurisdictions. Municipal Affairs Department has provided fund to PHE Departments and various Urban Local Bodies from time to time for creation of necessary infrastructure for providing piped water to the citizens. Since the last financial year, decision has been taken to transfer the existing Water supply schemes run by PHE Department to the concerned non-KMA ULBs in phases. Accordingly, 45 water supply schemes have already been transferred to the ULBs and rest 40 piped water supply schemes at present being maintained by the PHE Department.

Development of Municipal Areas / CorporationFunds under this scheme are provided to the Urban Local Bodies for taking up specificdevelopment work in accordance with the local needs.

Basic Minimum ServicesTo address the problem of the slums not covered under IHSDP and to provide required infrastructure toimprove the living environment, State Government is providing funds under Basic Minimum Services. This has enabled the municipalities to create required basic minimum infrastructure in the uncovered slum areas. So far, the ULBs have utilised Rs.23.20 crore.

Construction of Municipal BuildingsFunds are released to various ULBs under this scheme for construction/ renovation/repair of their office buildings.

Kolkata Environmental Improvement Project (KEIP):

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KEIP is a multi-agency (ADB, DFID, GOWB and KMC) endeavour to arrest environmental degradation and to improve the quality of life in Kolkata. The project aims at revamping and upgrading the sewerage and drainage system (74% of the budget) restoring the city's canals (11%) making solid waste management efficient (7%) providing affordable access to basic urban services in slums (8%)The project is funded by ADB - Rs. 800.00 crore, GOWB - Rs. 246.00 crore and KMC- Rs. 249.00 crore. Rs. 193.00 crore has been received from DFID as grant for capacity building of the employees to raise the KMC'S delivery of services. A supplementary fund of Rs. 511.00 crore has also been sanctioned, of which by ADB- Rs. 360.00 crore, GOWB-Rs. 88.00 crore and KMC- Rs. 63.00 crore. Rs.1113 crore has been utilized so far. An extension of 11/2 years for the project has already been proposed to the Government of India. Modalities of the Phase-II KEIP which will start after cessation of the current project are being worked out.

Kolkata Urban Services for the Poor (KUSP):It is a DFID, Govt of U.K. assisted project undertaken for sustainable improvement of quality of life for urban poor in 40 municipalities within KMA area aiming at for:

i) Improved urban planning and governanceii) Improved access to urban servicesiii) Promoting economic development

Housing for Urban Poor: This scheme will be applicable both for construction of new houses as well as renovation / reconstruction of existing houses. This will cater to the urban poor who have not been covered under BSUP, IHSDP schemes

Purchase of Land for Implementation of Development Schemes:For successful implementation of the on-going JNNURM / non-JNNURM development projects like water supply and solid waste management schemes, often purchase of land becomes a dire necessity, in absence of Government or ULB land.

Preservation of Water Bodies:Preservation of water bodies has become a major challenge of ULBs in the context of growing urbanization. Maintenance of water bodies in urban areas will help to maintain the balance in the ecosystem, providing source for water in case of fire hazards and for beautification of the urban areas.

10.9.2 Programme of the Urban Development DepartmentWest Bengal is one of the most highly urbanized States in India with more than 28% of the State’s population in the urban area. In this context of rapid urbanization which is a hallmark of overall economic development, this department encounters new challenges to create adequate infrastructure and provide basic amenities. This also offers this state an opportunity not only to create infrastructure conducive to increased investment and improved quality of life of the urban people but also opportunities to seek additional resources in the form of private sector participation and other resources to drive this sector to achieve its perspectives for development.

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The mandate of the Urban Development Department hence is to ensure planned development of the existing urban growth centers as well as potential urban growth centers in the State of West Bengal. This department comprises two branches viz., the Metropolitan Development Branch which is involved with the planning and development of Kolkata Metropolitan Area and the Town and Country Planning Branch which is involved with the other growth centers of the State. There are nine Development Authorities and two Improvement Trusts under the Urban Development Department.

The urban population in West Bengal is expected to reach 27 million in 2011. The target of the 11th five-year plan will be to provide minimum urban amenities to the entire projected urban population of the State. Issues of urban infrastructure, governance, employment and basic services for urban poor need to be addressed and is being addressed by different development authorities within their respective planning areas.

Megacity Programme The Scheme of Infrastructure development in Megacities, which was a major programme for infrastructure development, have since been subsumed under the recently launched Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Under the Megacity Programme, 130 number of schemes were approved at a total cost of Rs 1267.35 crores, out of which, 90 number of schemes have already been completed. Efforts are being made to complete the remaining schemes very soon.

Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) The JNNURM since launched in December, 2005 has constituted the main and major component of the State Plan Outlay as majority of the infrastructure development programmes are being implemented through JNNURM. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority and Asansol Durgapur Development Authority have been accessing substantial funds under JNNURM respectively for the 41 Urban Local Bodies in KMA and 5 Urban Local Bodies in Asansol Urban Area (AUA), KMA and AUA being the two Mission Cities identified under JNNURM.Financing of the Schemes under the two Sub-Missions of JNNURM are shared by Government of India, State Government and ULBs/ Implementing Agencies/Beneficiaries in the proportion as laid down in the guideline of the Mission. The Government of West Bengal has decided to bear the additional burden over and above the State Government’s normal contribution (15%) to the extent of 20% of the project cost in case of schemes of Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) and 15% in case of AUA under UIG: and 10% over and above the State Government’s normal contribution (20%) under BSUP.

Public Private Partnership In order to bridge the gap between requirement and availability of infrastructure in the urban areas, the State Government has been encouraging the statutory bodies to take up the infrastructure, housing and area development projects through Public Private Partnership.The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, Asansol Durgapur Development Authority, Haldia Development Authority, Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority and Burdwan Development Authority have taken up various schemes for township development, beautification etc. under the Public Private Partnership model. The

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ADDA, SJDA, and BDA have also taken up similar initiatives for developing township through PPP, though on a smaller scale. The low level of public investment in creation of urban infrastructure has been more than compensated by attracting private capital and initiative in this sector. During the last few years the development authorities have been encouraged to take the PPP route for creation of essential infrastructure.

Land Use Plans and Projects related to Environmental Protection:While accelerating all round development of existing and emerging urban growth centres, care is being taken to protect the environment. Land use and development control plans are carefully prepared and enforced. The department is encouraging development of sustainable systems of solid waste management. KMDA is preparing GIS based maps for a number of municipalities.

The scopes of active public participation in all the major stages of planning process within the framework of WBT&CP Act are ensured with mandatory provisions starting from preparation of LUMR , LUDCP and Development Schemes. It acts as a device to control the unplanned development and undesirable spontaneous growth by imposing within the Planning Area .

Provision of industrial InfrastructureSustained success in agriculture and resultant growth in demand has rejuvenated the industrial scenario in the state. The Urban Development Department is acting as a catalyst in the process of planned urbanization. Development Authorities under the Department such as Haldia Development Authority, Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority, Asansol Durgapur Development Authority are providing all types of infrastructural support for industrialization. Initiative has been taken to promote industrial parks for potential industries. Plans are underway for setting up separate parks for software technology and food processing at Siliguri-Jalpaiguri. Similar initiative on setting up a health city has also been taken in Burdwan District.

Nabadiganta Industrial Township To provide a boost to the IT & ITeS sectors, a focused attention is being given to the Sector-V of Bidhannagar Municipal Area by constituting it into a separate development authority. A special focused attention is being given for upgrading the infrastructure of the township area. The beautification of the industrial township area has already been taken up on Public Private Partnership basis. Efforts are also being made to upgrade the water supply and sewerage system of the township through PPP model.

SCP & TASP ComponentsIt would thus appear that it is very difficult to take up macro level urban infrastructure projects aimed at these population segments maintaining the prescribed norms for SCP and TSP. There may be small pockets within an urban area where the ratio of SC or ST population may be more than 50% but hardly any macro level scheme may be formulated

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for such small pockets. On the other hand municipal bodies may take up micro level schemes for upliftment of these segments. Naturally such schemes can not form part of the plan of this department since the municipalities are not under control of this department.

Perspective PlanA draft Perspective Plan – VISION 2025 was prepared by KMDA in 2001, containing proposals in respect of Kolkata Metropolitan Area against a planning horizon of 2025 and covering the urbanization pattern in KMA, the economic trend, the development strategy and the future spatialstructure encompassing the new settlement areas, the new industrial growth centres and the rural growth centres which also includes projections on proposed physical infrastructure, namely, Traffic & Transportation, Water Supply, Drainage & Sewerage and Sanitation, Housing including Slums and Environment, along with the social infrastructures, namely, education and health The Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee (KMPC) has accepted this perspective plan in principle.Similarly the approach under Perspective Plans for areas under Asansol Durgapur Development Authority, Burdwan Development Authority, Digha Sankarpur Develoment Authority, Haldia Development Authority, Jaigoan Development Authority, Medinipur Kharagpur Development Authority, Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority and Sriniketan Santiniketan Development Authority has been given to ensure planned development for period of 25 years on the basis of vision as enshrined in the perspective plans of the Authorities concerned.

1. Kolkata Metropolitan AreaA draft Perspective Plan – VISION 2025 was prepared by KMDA in 2001, containing proposals in respect of Kolkata Metropolitan Area against a planning horizon of 2025 and covering the urbanization pattern in KMA, the economic trend, the development strategy and the future spatial structure encompassing the new settlement areas, the new industrial growth centres and the rural growth centres. It also includes projections on proposed physical infrastructure, namely, Traffic & Transportation, Water Supply, Drainage & Sewerage and Sanitation, Housing including Slums and Environment, along with the social infrastructures, namely, education and health. All the proposals in respect of physical infrastructures and social infrastructures included in the report have been based on the sectoral master plans prepared by the Sector Committees constituted under KMPC. The summary of investments needed for different sectors of development within the KMA indicate the requirement of Rs.10946 crore during the first five years. The Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee (KMPC) has accepted this perspective plan in principle.

Master Plans for various sections such as Water Supply, Drainage, Sewerage and Sanitation, Traffic and Transportation and for Environment, Wetland, urban Amenities and Heritage and for Education, Health and Employment, Bustees and Industry have been prepared.

2. Asansol Durgapur Planning AreaAsansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA) has been formed in the year 1980 after amalgamating the Asansol Planning Organization and Durgapur Development Authority. The Authority spreads over 1670 kms and serves to a total population of 26.50 lakhs. The

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Authority has been vested with the responsibility for ensuring integrated development of entire Asansol-Durgapur region, spreading over two (2) Municipal Corporations, three (3) Municipalities and eight (8) Rural Blocks. In the past, Authority has ensured significant development in the region in the areas of Urban Infrastructure Development as well as promotion of Industrial Infrastructure and drawing substantial investment especially in the Iron & Steel sector. With the concentrated efforts of Authority, significant investment has also came in to Durgapur in Education sector as well. At this juncture, ADDA is also developing its Vision Document with the help of IIT, Kharagpur for next 20(twenty) years. Realising the potential of private initiatives and their management & technical skills, Authority has taken up private-public partnership projects for promotion of Housing Estates, Commercial Complex, Knowledge City etc. In next few years we aimed to develop Durgapur as a Manufacturing and Education Hub and Asansol as a Hub for Small Industries and Trading activities. ADDA has also drawn up a programme for seeking investment under National Urban Renewal Mission. In totality, ADDA intends to promote Green Industries, Housing and Service Sector in the next few years and we are developing infrastructure in this direction only. Asansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA) has entrusted the task of preparation of Perspective Plan for the area under its jurisdiction to IIT, Kharagpur.

3. Sriniketan Santiniketan Planning AreaSriniketan Santiniketan Development Authority is executing the following projects:- Rural Sanitation Programme at Rajapur, Pearson Palli, Balipara, Kaligunj, Ratanpalli – 480 nos. at Rajatpur, Floriculture project – MALANCHA at Dwarakanathpur Area, Housing Project, SONAR TAREE (Phase-II), Environment Park at Lahabundh, Drinking water facility to the Tribal households at Pearson Palli, Balipara, Kaligunj and Baganpara, Indoor Sports Complex near Bolpur Stadium, Women’s college at Bolpur, Housing projects at Digantapalli, Madhusudanpur and Goalpara, Art gallery, museum and rest house for artists at GITANJALI, Link roads in different villages in and around of Santiniketan, Drinking water facility to the households of Deer Park, Forestation by the roads under planning area, Construction of building for Federation and Common Facility Centre for Self Help Group, Construction of Rural Tourism Centre. The Perspective Plan of Sriniketan Santiniketan Development Authority (SSDA) also covers detailed studies and projections. The Plan has made projections upto 2025 at an estimated cost of Rs. 985 crore and with a requirement of Rs. 200 crore over the next five years.

4. Siliguri Jalpaiguri Planning AreaSiliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) has also prepared a Perspective Plan spanning 25 years upto 2025 for the Planning Area under its jurisdiction.

5. Haldia Planning AreaHDA has prepared a Perspective Plan – 2025 following the guidelines of Government of India. It presents policies and proposals to achieve a desired standard of living for the community at large. Due to change of existing planning area of HDA from 326.85 sq.km. to 761.26 sq.km. It has been proposed by the Board of HDA to upgrade its Perspective Plan and accordingly necessary action has been initiated.

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6. Jaigaon Planning Area:Locationally Jaigaon is a border town on the Indian side of the International Border between India and Bhutan. Phuentsholling is the town of Bhutan on Bhutan side with a population of 90,000.

Considering its locational importance, a concept of planned growth has been introduced creating the Jaigaon Development Authority as the nodal Agency. A demographic and socio-economic survey has been proposed of Jaigaon and surrounding inhabited areas over a twenty year perspective. Accordingly schemes are being prepared and executed by JDA with the fund allotted by the Department of Urban Development, Govt. of West Bengal. Extensive re-allocation of human habitation has been projected in the plan. A detailed road network has also been projected. Areas have been demarcated for developing office and residential complex and commercial & recreational facilities.

Medinipur Kharagpur Planning AreaMidnapore-Kharagpur Development Authority has been constituted in place of Midnapore-Kharagpur Planning Authority. The total of the planning area is 596.76 sq.km.

The following projects of MKDA have been decided in principle for the next five years:

Construction of Diesel/Gas operated crematorium near Birendra Sasmal Setu, Sadar Ghat, Midnapore.

Widening and strengthening of the existing link road from Sahachak (NH6) to TATA Metaliks then to Rly. Bridge of Kansabati River, which is the main link road across the growing Industrial Estate of Kharagpur.

Multi Shopping, Commercial and Office Complex by the side of the NH6 in between Midnapore and Kharagpur Town.

Community Sanitary Latrines and Urinals within the slum area and busy market place of Kharagpurand MidnaporeTown.

Construction of Link road within the fringe areas of Midnapore and Kharagpur Municipalities.

Details of 20 year perspective Plan for this are which hold high potential for growth and development is presently under preparation.

Digha Sankarpur Planning AreaDuring the Eleventh Plan period a sum of Rs. 46.40 crore has been projected to be expended in the sectors such as, Afforestation, Roads, Infrastructure Development, Health, Flood Protection, Electrification and Tourist attraction.

10.9.3 Programme of the Housing Department

Assistance to Bhangar Rajarhat Area Development Authority (BRADA)A new Development Authority in the name of “Bhangar Rajarhat Area Development Authority (BRADA)” has been constituted by the Govt. during 2005-06. A sum of Rs. 140 lakh has been released during the 11th Plan period.

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Assistance to New Town, Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA)A new Development Authority in the name of “New Town, Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA)” has been constituted by the Govt. during 2008-09.

This is a new programme in the midst of the 11th Five Year Plan.

ACTIVITIES OF PUBLIC SECTOR ENTERPRISE NAMELY WEST BENGAL HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED (WBHIDCO)

The Company is developing “ New Town, Kolkata” Project at Rajarhat as a green city dotted with trees, gardens & water bodies. This Township will cover an area of 3779 hectares and it is planned for population of 7.5 lakh and floating population of 2.5 lakh . Co-operative Housing Societies would comprise 50% of dwelling units .Within a short span of 10 years an expenditure of Rs.1789.14 crore upto 31/12/2009 has been incurred towards Infrastructure Development for setting up of this Township.

So far, 2862.63 hectares out of 3779 hectares of land acquired and 2388 hectares of land already developed by earth filling. Land development through earth filling in 237 hectares is in progress. This Township is divided in 4 Action Areas i.e. Action Area – I (AA-I), Action Area – II (AA-II), Action Area – III (AA-III), Action Area – IV (AA-IV). Development of AA-I covering 677 hectares is almost complete.

Infrastructure Development of AA-II (1300 hectares) and AA-III (783 hectares) are going on in full-swing and expected to be completed during 11th Plan Period . Development of AA-IV (465 hectares) is in planning stage. WBHIDCO so far sold 780 hectares of land out of saleable area of 1959 hectares within the total project area of 3779 hectares . Total number of plots (different size) so far allotted to individual families and Co-operative Societies through lotteries is 8736 covering area of 631.69 acres .

Following major infrastructure development works have been completed at New Town, Kolkata :-

a) 6 lane R.C.C. bridge over Krishnapur Canal.b) R.C.C. bridge over Bagjola Canal.c) 10.75 km. long 6 lane – Major Arterial Road(MAR) from V.I.P. Road to the bridge

over Bagjola Canal.d) Fly-over on MAR and V.I.P. Road Juncntion. e) Installation of one 33/11 K.V. Substation by W.B.S.E.B. in Action Area – IA.f) Bailey Bridge over Bagjola Canal.g) Rigid pavement work at Salt Lake side.h) Installation of 11 deep tube-wells, 7 overhead reservoirs, 6 Intermediate Sewage

Lifting Stations(S.L.I.S.) and 2 drainage pumping stations .i) West Bengal Housing Board has already constructed 1140 flats (L.I.G - 784, M.I.G

– 112 & H.I.G. – 244) and five Joint Venture Companies of The West Bengal Housing Board so far completed 5001 flats (L.I.G - 682, M.I.G – 1904 & H.I.G. – 2415) in New Town, Kolkata.

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j) Re-modelling and desilting work of Krishnapur Canal for a stretch of 8 k.m. has been completed and State Govt. provided grant of Rs. 358 lakh from Plan Head.

k) WBHIDCO already completed 1664 EWS flats in New Town, Kolkata .l) 2nd R.C.C bridge (6-lane divided carraigeway) over Bagjola canal.m) RCC Box Bridge over Link Canal connecting ‘Action Area – 1A’ with ‘Action

Area – 1B’.n) Internal Road Network of 44 km. in Action Area – IB, IC, ID.

Other ongoing infrastructure development Projects are as follows : .

i) 5.75 Km long Arterial Road (North South Corridor) with 6-lane carriage way – 70% of works completed.

ii) 6.5 K.m long Arterial Road (East West Corridor) with 6-lane carriage way with service road on both sides–Works of 5 km. Completed and rest is in progress.

iii) 2.5 K.m. long Southern Extension of Major Arterial Road with 6-lane carriage way with 2 lane service road on both sides –Works of 5.5 meter width service roads on both sides has been completed.

iv) Improvement of 28 k.m. long Bagjola Canal Bank Road (28 K.m. long) and bridges over Bagjola Canal – 85% of works completed.

v) 5.70 Km. long 2-lane Service Road on both sides of Major Arterial Road from Bagjola to Project boundary- 80% of Works completed.

vi) 2.39 k.m. long 2-lane Service Road of Arterial Road connecting East-West and north-South corridor - this work is in progress.

vii) Periphery Canal around Project boundary is in progress.

POWER SUPPLY:A joint venture company (NEW TOWN ELECTRIC SUPPLY COMPANY) has been formed between WBSEB & WBHIDCO to arrange power supply and distribution of the same in the New Township. The work for supply of power by NTESC has already been taken up. Construction of different sub stations are in progress.

Major Activities taken up in New Town by different organisations of their own fund are as follows on purchasing land from WBHIDCO :-

i) 3 Housing projects by West Bengal Housing Board comprising 1120 flats (M.I.G – 680, H.I.G – 440 ) and 8 Housing projects by 7 Joint Venture Companies comprising 3232 flats (L.I.G – 422, M.I.G – 1187, H.I.G – 1623 ) are in progress in New Town, Kolkata . ii) 100 acres of land has been allotted to Bengal Unitech for setting up of one International Convention Centre. iii) 150 acres of land has been allotted to Shapoorji Pallonji Ltd for construction of 20000 Dwelling Units (MIG- 8000 and LIG- 12000) .It may also be mentioned that WBHIDCO has allotted 1301 acres of land to different organizations for setting up of IT Parks /Complexes, Engineering Colleges, Schools, Bus Terminus , Market Complex, Hospitals, Cancer Research Centres, Office Complex and Housing Complex .

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WBHIDCO also taken up different welfare activities for the project effected people and also taken up neighbourhood development schemes with project cost of Rs. 78.09 crore.

WBHIDCO so far obtained loan of Rs. 390 crore from WBIDFC, National Housing Bank, HUDCO, Allahabad Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce .

In the 11th Five year Plan target for constructing ownership EWS flats is 1000 (SC -240, ST- 60).

WBHIDCO prepared 11th Five year Plan for an estimated amount of Rs. 194210 lakh for Infrastructure Development of New Town, Kolkata out of their own resources .

WB HIDCO incurred expenditure of i) Rs. 16646 lakh during 2007 – 08 ii) Rs. 20552 lakh during 2008-09 and iii) Rs. 23495 during 2009-10 towards infrastructure development of New Town, Kolkata out of their own resources .

During 2010-11expenditure is Rs. 35000 lakh towards infrastructure development of New Town, Kolkata. by WBHIDCO out of their own resources.

The plan outlay under ‘Urban Development(incl. State Capital Projects)’ during 2011-12 is Rs.344899.00 lakh

10.10 INFORMATION & PUBLICITY

10.10.1 Programme of the Information & Cultural Affairs DepartmentThe primary objective of this Department is to disseminate the message of the Government to the people and collect feedback from them including generation of awareness amongst the people on various Socio-economic issues. The process of raising awareness relating to the plans and programmes are undertaken by way of better facilities of infrastructure development for access to information.

The goal of information is to ensure public participation in all programmes.

Objectivesa) To increase awareness and create understanding of Government activities and social

issues through dissemination of information.b) To promote and emerge collective responsibility for communal harmony and

national integration.c) To enable interested parties (such as citizens, community groups, N.G.Os etc.) to

influence Governmental policies relating to human resource development. In this process thrust v/ill be given on participation of women, children and people of the backward sections.

d) To modernise the District/Sub-divisional 'Information Centres' with a view to disseminate messages of the Government and getting feedback speedily and

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efficiently.e) To establish mechanism within government for regular interaction between

Government and civil society on the subjects relating to accepted policies and method of implementation in the form of’ Peoples Participation of Window with the help of G to C Portal.

The plan outlay during 2011-12 under ‘Information & Publicity’ is Rs.751.10 lakh.

10.11 DEVELOPMENT OF SC, ST & OBCs

10.11.1 Programme of the Backward Classes Welfare Department

The Backward Classes Welfare Department works for social, economic and cultural development of the people belonging to SC, ST and OBC in this State. The main functions of the Department are:

a) Promotion and implementation of educational schemes including training for enhancement of capabilities in them,

b) Issuance of caste certificates and enforcement of reservation rules in services, posts and educational institutions,

c) Implementation of schemes including income generation schemes for economic upliftment,

d) Strengthening of infrastructure and creation of community assets for integrated development of the backward classes,

e) Social and cultural development of the backward classes.

Different educational development schemes for SC ST and OBC students both at pre- matric and post-matric stages have been in operation in this state.

Book Grants and Examination Fees: The purpose of this scheme is to provide financial assistance for purchase of Books to the students reading in classes V to X in Government aided schools & also for payment of examination fees at the Madhyamik Examination. Students of MSKS run by the P&RD department have been brought under the purview of the scheme from 2006-07. In 2010-11 about 26 lakh students are covered.

Maintenance charges: Under this scheme each eligible SC/ST day scholar is paid Rs. 40/-per month as maintenance grant to meet their conveyance & other sundry expenses. Quota for ST day-scholars under this scheme has been abolished from 1st.January 2008. During 2010-11 about 6 lakh SC/ST students are being benefited under this scheme. Other Compulsory Charges @ Rs.35 per annum per student is paid exclusively tribal stu-dents in addition to the maintenance grant. In 2009-10, about 2,80,000 tribal students got benefit under this scheme. During 2010-11 about three lakh tribal students were benifited.

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Hostel Charges: Hostel charges are provided to SC/ST students residing in the school-attached Hostels and Ashram Hostels attached to the Junior or Secondary school. Hostel charges have been enhanced from Rs. 600/- p.m. to Rs 750/- p.m. with effect from 1.2.2010. 50000 SC students and 45000 ST students have been brought under this scheme in 2009-10. 1,10,000 SC/ST students were covered under the scheme in 2010-11.

Post-Matric Scholarship: The objective of this scheme is to provide financial assistance to the SC, ST and OBC students studying at post-secondary stages to enable them to complete their education. For SC/ST students the scholarship is grouped into 4 categories as I, II,III,IV. The rate of scholarship admissible to the Hostellers of Group II,III,IV categories has been enhanced to Rs.600/- per month. About 3 lakh 35 thousands were covered under the scheme during 2010-11.

All the above educational schemes along with other educational scheme like payment of Compulsory charges to ST students, Special merits scholarship to SC/ST students of Class IX to XII, Merit Scholarship for girls, Up-gradation of merit, payment of scholarship to the students whose parents are engaged in unclean occupation etc. are being continued during 2011-2012.

Hostels: Emphasis has been given for construction of more Ashram Hostels, School-attached Hostels, Central Hostels for the benefit of SC, ST and OBC students.

At present there are 299 Ashram Hostels with 9095 seat capacity. During 2010-11, 10 more Ashram Hostels were proposed to be set up.

59 Central Hostels covering 4180 students (boys & girls) are presently running in full swing. 18 more central hostels for SC, ST and OBC students are now under construction in the following districts – Bankura-5; Purulia-3; Jalpaiguri-3; Coochbehar-1; Burdwan-1; Murshidabad-1; Birbhum-1; Purba Midnapore-1 and North 24 Parganas-2.Out of these 18 hostels, 8 belong to OBC students.

Five Ekalavya Model Residential Schools are at present running in this state. Steps have been taken for construction of two more such schools and five Pandit Raghunath Murmu Schools. Eleven English Medium Schools are also running as feeder to EMR schools.

Joint Entrance Coaching Scheme for SC and ST Students has been introduced in 2009-10. The amount of grant per student per year being Rs. 23,000/-. The scheme has been launched in 5 places of 4 districts, namely Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, Jalpaiguri. The scheme was introduced in two more places in 2010-11.

Vocational training programmes in various trades have been taken by this Department for the benefit of SC, ST and OBC students. 45 TCPCs are at present functioning in this state. About 600 SC/STs are being trained under TCPCs. Passed out trainees can avail of loans from the corporations under this Department for self-employment. Trainings have been imparted to SC/ST youths in Central Tool Rooms and Training Centre, ATDC, Electronics Corporation of India and Electronics Computer India Ltd. 440 SC/ST under ATDC, Kolkata

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& Jalpaiguri, 1200 SC/ST under ECIL & 100 STs under Central Tool Room are being trained. Income Generation Programme and Infrastructural development programmes have also been adopted in SC, ST dominated areas Several infrastructure development programmes are functioning in SC/ST dominated areas including supply of drinking water, implementation of minor irrigation schemes, construction of road bridges and culverts, supply of agricultural inputs to the SC/ST BPL cultivators etc.

Mahila Samirdhi Yojana(MSY),Adibasi Mahila Swashaktikaran Yojana(AMSY), National Schemes for Rehabilitation of Scavengers(SRMS), Term Loan cases of NSTFDC, NSFDC, NBCDFC were implemented in this state during 2010-2011 to help SC,ST and OBC beneficiaries. West Bengal SC, ST Development & Finance Corporation, West Bengal Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation and West Bengal Backward Classes Development and Finance Corporation are engaged in implementing income generative schemes in this state. To ensure required food grains to the poor tribal families in times of distress or lean seasons as loans to be recovered in kind during harvesting time, 420 Grain Banks have already been established in the tribal dominated areas of this State.

Comprehensive Tribal Development Programme known as WADI introduced in this State is being implemented on a pilot basis in two tribal dominated blocks of Ranibandh in Bankura and Bandwan in Purulia with 50:50 fund sharing by State Government & NABARD.

From 2005-06, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India has been sanctioning grants for the development of 170 Forest-villages of Cooch-Behar, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Baikunthapur and Buxa Tiger Reserve Forest through several community development schemes like School buildings, community hall, drinking water supply, construction of small huts and income generation schemes etc. During the financial year 2008-09, an amount of Rs.25.50 crore had been placed to Forest Department for additional projects for the development of these 170 Forest Villages.

Development of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs): BCW Department is committed to the all round development of PTGs viz. Birhor in Purulia, Lodha in Paschim Medinipur and Toto in Jalpaiguri in this State. Every year, the department is implementing a host of development schemes for their socio-economic upliftment. For Totos in Jalpaiguri, Birhors in Purulia and Lodhas in Paschim Medinipur the department is constructing houses, roads, drinking water sources, Ashram Hostels and undertaking various income generation schemes like piggery, Goatery, ginger cultivation etc. Apart from houses, other facilities like Mobile Medical Unit, construction of Creches, Community Hall, creation of orchard, awareness camps are being taken up.

Under Old Age Pension Scheme about 117000 old tribal persons of BPL families have been benefited during 2008-2009. Closed Tea Garden workers in North Bengal have also

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come under the purview of this scheme. The rate of such pension has been increased from Rs.500/- p.m. to Rs. 750/- p.m. w.e.f 01.02.2009. Steps have also been taken for payment of such old age pension through banks / post offices. Till date a sum of Rs. 81.90 crore has been released and 1,21,120 persons are being covered.

Cultural Programmes: Various cultural activities have been undertaken during 2010-2011 in order to promote and preserve the heritage of SC/ST people.

The ongoing project of Rajya Bhawaiya Sangeet Protiyogita, conferring of State Level Awards in the names of Sadhu Ramchand Murmu, Pandit Raghunath Murmu and Lalsukra Oraon, the project regarding Drama Workshop and awarding of advanced training to the final level one- act Drama participants, cultural programme for tribal in tea garden areas in Jalpaiguri etc. are being continued this year also.

Birthday of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, Sadhu Ramchand Murmu have been observed with due reverence.

Common Facility Centres (CFCs): The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India has sanctioned Rs.5.60 crore during 2008-09 under Art.275(1) of the Constitution for the innovative scheme, ‘Setting up of 40 nos. IT-enabled Common Facility Centres (CFCs) at selected Block headquarters of Bankura, Birbhum, Burdwan, North 24 Parganas, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, Dakshin Dinajpur, Uttar Dinajpur & Darjeeling districts” to provide assistance to the common ST people at a marginal service charge towards making available and filling up of forms for Caste Certificates, for individual loans, scholarships, grants and other facilities provided by the Government to them and to guide them obtaining such benefit. The Construction process of these CFCs are being going up.

The plan outlay during 2011-12 under ‘Development of SC,ST & OBCs’ is Rs. 34430.00 lakh.

10.12 LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

A. LABOUR WELFARE

10.12.1 Programme of the Labour DepartmentThe idea of providing insurance under the unorganised sector had given way to the Rastriya Swastha Vima Yojana (RSVY) scheme presently started in the four districts of Burdwan, North 24 Pgs, Paschim Midnapore and Malda. Priority lists have already been prepared in Burdwan and Malda.

Labour & Labour Welfare

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STRENGTHENING OF ENFORCEMENT MACHINERY OF THE LABOUR DIRECTORATE: With the increased emphasis on the improvement of working conditions of the working class people engaged in the Unorganised Sector, the infrastructural set up of the existing enforcement machinery seems to inadequate for service delivery. It is, therefore, urgently required to strengthen the existing set up by providing Training Inspector for upgradation of skills. It is also required to renovate the existing office premise. In order to strengthen the existing set up, 39 posts of Assistant Labour Commissioner have been created. In this connection 23 new offices are required to be set up. The process of recruitment to the vacant Group ‘C’ and Group ‘D’ posts in the Regional Labour Offices have been started.

IMPROVEMENT OF LABOUR STATISTICS:The Labour Department handles large volumes of Industrial Statistics touching upon several aspects of Industrial Relations and Labour Welfare. These Statistics and Other related matters are required to be brought out for highlighting the industrial scenario, social security benefits provided to the workers, Industrial Relations etc

STRENGTHENING OF THE PLANNING CELL OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT:The cell is running short of staff. At present it is manned by one typist only. Needless to say, the work of this cell has increased manifold. To cope up with this workload, strengthening of this cell either by creation of posts or by computerization is strongly felt. It has been decided that a good number of Computers (approximately 10) would be required to be installed in this Department. Besides, infrastructural facilities of Labour Department including renovation of premises will also be required to be upgraded.

STRENGTHENING OF THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WING OF THE FACTORIES DIRECTORATEResearch and Development wing conducts multidisciplinary studies on safety and health issues in factories through its 4 cells viz., Chemical cell, Medical Cell, Industrial Hygiene Cell and Research and Statistics Cell. With a view to improving the performances of those existing 4 cells of Research and Development wing of the Factories Directorate, the R.D. wing is to be strengthened through Computerization and software development of Licensing & Registration processes by NIC. Moreover, it is necessary to procure equipments in order to upgrade the existing set up.

COMPUTERISATION OF THE HEAD QUARTERS OF THE SHOPS & ESTABLISHMENTS DIRECTORATE

At present there are at least 6 lakh Shops & Establishments Registered under Shops and Establishments Act. in Kolkata. These are to be renewed in each alternative three year periods. The renewal of these as well as registration of new ones involves huge quantity of data and paper-work. Due to insufficient infrastructure, the above work is getting delayed and in turn is proving to be a source of harassment. To overcome the above problems, it is proposed to set up a Computerised system of maintenance and renewal of records.

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STRENGTHENING OF WELDERS TRAINING CENTRE UNDER THE BOILERS DIRECTORATEThis centre imparts training in high pressure welding. On completion of the course, competency certificates are awarded to the successful candidates (both unemployed and company sponsored). This is a scheme which has the potential of generating employment and there is wide scope to the effect that the successful candidates may be absorbed in different industries. During the plan period (2007-12), it is proposed for imparting training in various non-destructive Testing Technology, like Ultrasonic Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing, Dye Penetrant Testing, interpretation of weld Radiographs and eddy current Testing to train unemployed Science Graduates besides normal Training.

For the above purposes and for updating the Welding Technology training infrastructure at par with similar training centres of national repute equipment and machinery are to be procured.

STRENGTHENING OF THE TESTING LABORATORY FOR EXAMINATION OF BOILERSIn the Testing Laboratory under the Directorate of Boilers, the quality of the material of the boilers and its welding and in – built techniques are looked after and checked by physical, chemical and non – destructive tests to ensure the safety of the boilers. For this purpose sophisticated new machineries are to be purchased which are absolutely necessary with the development of boiler technology and the old ones are to be replaced.

Social Security for Labour

BEEDI WORKERS WELFARE SCHEME

The Govt. has already taken a decision to improve the living conditions of the Beedi Workers by way of providing grants under certain conditions to facilitate:

a) Providing for electric connection to the houses to some Beedi Workers;b) Construction of a house by an individual worker; andc) Providing for infrastructure like approach road, water supply, sanitation in a

group / cluster housing.

Under the Revised Integrated Housing Scheme (RIHS), 2005 taken up by the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, an amount of Rs.40,000/- is given as subsidy to the individual Beedi Worker of this State for construction of dwelling house. Along with this sum, the State Government also pays an amount of Rs.10,000/- per tenement as uniform subsidy. Besides, the State Government also pay Rs.2,500/- per tenement for electrification of the Beedi Workers houses. A comprehensive “Beedi Workers’ Welfare Scheme” and “Revised Integrated Housing Scheme for Beedi Workers” have been implemented in the districts of Malda, Purulia, Murshidabad, Purba Medinipur, Bankura, Uttar Dinajpur, Cooch Behar, North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas for the development of Beedi Workers.

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Besides, during the financial year 2011-12, the following targets have been fixed under the scheme:

a) Housing subsidy – 20,000 beneficiaries;b) Electrification – 30,000 beneficiaries; andc) Infrastructural facilities – 1000 cases.

West Bengal Beedi Workers Welfare Scheme

Construction of house: In addition to housing and other benefits extended through the Welfare and Cess Commissioner, Government of India, the State government provides grants to a Beedi worker @ Rs 10,000/- for construction of a house besides Central grant @ Rs 40,000/- per worker.

Electrification: Rs 2,500/- is granted to a Beedi worker for domestic electrification.

Infrastructure Development:

For a cluster of houses/ accommodations built through cooperative housing each unit would be provided additional grant of Rs 10,000/- for building infrastructure like road, street lights, sanitation, planting of trees and other amenities.Beedi Workers who are not covered under the Employee Provident Scheme are now covered under the State Assisted Provident Fund Scheme.

WELFARE OF AGRICULTURAL LABOURS, CONSTRUCTION LABOURS AND UNORGANISED LABOURS :-

This welfare scheme has been launched in order to provide financial assistance in the form of premium payable under the Group Insurance Scheme, Medical Expenses, and Educational Expenses and also in case of accident etc. to the Agricultural Labours, Construction Labours and Unorganised Workers.

During the current financial year, introduction of Building Construction Welfare Act and new schemes like Health Insurance Scheme and Pension Scheme for unorganised workers is to be introduced for which a separate Board for unorganised workers is has already been set up.

A new Health Insurance Scheme (RSBY) for BPL families has been launched during 2008-09. The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, is the nodal department for implementation of the scheme at the national level. The scheme will involve identification of beneficiaries, issue of smart card to the beneficiaries and collection of subscription from them. The scheme has already been launched in 2008-09 and, in the first year, 4 districts – Burdwan, Purba Medinipur, Malda and North 24 Parganas are covered. The annual premium is Rs.750/-, of which Government of India will bear 75 per cent subject to a maximum of Rs.565/-. 25 per cent of the premium will have to be borne by the State Government. The liability of beneficiaries is Rs.30 per annum towards registration/renewal

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fee. All administrative costs will have to be borne by the State Government. During 2011-12, all the districts will be brought under the scheme. The Scheme will be extended to all the Building Construction and other workers (whether BPL or not) for which the cost of premium will be borne by the Building Construction and other Workers Welfare Board.

Labour Education

STRENGTHENING OF TRAINING INSTITUTE-CUM-CENTRAL LIBRARY:The State Labour Institute is running a post graduate diploma Course in Human Resource Development and Labour Welfare for the prospective Labour Welfare Officers and others. Now, to cope up with the current demand, it is urgently required to renovate the Institute as per AICTE norms. In addition to above, it is required to purchase books for the Library etc. Moreover, a research cell is being proposed to set up to cater to the needs of the emerging Labour related matters. The library also needs to be computerized for better upkeep of books and for better utilization of library resources.

During the year 2011-2012 the following measures will be taken to strengthen the infrastructure of the institute :-

1) Renovation of the institute building under phase-32) Procurement of an inventory of equipment and system for modernization of

teaching aids in SLI, Kolkata and Siliguri;3) Purchase of Xerox Machine and Aqua-Guard with a Cooler and an LCD

Projector.

Rehabilitation of Bonded LabourDETECTION AND REHABILITATION OF BONDED LABOURS (STATE SHARE)By an order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India vide Writ Petition (Civil) No. 3922 of 1985; all the States & UTs of the country shall make proper arrangement for identification, release and rehabilitation of bonded labour under the Act & Provision of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has also suggested that the laws for abolition of bonded labour system and connected matters be implemented effectively.

The Hon’ble supreme Court of India has issued the following directions: -1) All the State Govt. & U. T. s shall make proper arrangements for rehabilitating the

released bonded labours. Such rehabilitation would be land – based basis or non-land – based basis or skilled / craft - based basis depending upon the choice of bonded labour and his / her inclination and past experience.

2) The Union & State Governments shall submit a plan within a period of six months for sharing the money under the modified centrally sponsored schemes, in the case where the states wish to involve such organisations or N. G. O. s. Under the modified centrally sponsored schemes for rehabilitation of bonded labour effective from May, 2000, the rehabilitation assistance to the extent of Rs. 20,000/- for bonded labour is provided for his / her rehabilitation. The Central and State

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Governments share the expenditure on 50:50 basis. The migrant bonded labours as per guidelines, are to be rehabilitated at the place of his / her choice. Uunder this scheme, the State Governments shall provide Rs. 1000/- as subsitence allowance to a bonded labour immediately on his/her identification. During the financial year 2011-2012, 107 persons may be required to be rehabilitated.

Child Labour

IMPROVEMENT OF WORKING CONDITIONS OF CHILD AND WOMEN LABOUR A compressive programme for improvement of Child & Women Labour in the State has been taken up and is going to be implemented during the year 2011-2012. Under the programme a number of training centres to impart rope making and shawl-leaves plate making etc. will be set up in the districts of Purulia, Bankura & Purba Medinipur and tailoring and woolen goods manufacturing training centres will be set up in other districts

STATEWIDE SURVEY TO IDENTIFY CHILD LABOUR IN DIFFERENT EMPLOYMENTS As per order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, it was imperative for the Labour Department to inspect and identify the Child labour engaged in hazardous occupations, if any. The necessity of the above still exists. As the list of hazardous occupations is increasing from time to time as per Govt. Notifications which attempt to cover all the child workers, a constant vigil and supervision is necessary to eliminate Child Labour in hazardous occupations.

The Government of India has prohibited engagement of children as domestic workers and in dhabas, restaurants, hotels and recreation centres with effect from 10th October 2006. Since then, the State Government has been contemplating to give some relief to these destitute children who are rescued from such places of employment, particularly in cases of child labour who does not have parents or whose parents are unable to work. With drawal of children from their working places would no doubt aggravate the risks associated with the survival of these children and their families. Keeping in view the necessity to provide assistance to children engaged in such hazardous occupations and to mainstream them, the Labour Department has launched a new scheme under the name: ‘Residential Schools for child workers’.

The State Government has sanctioned conversion of one special school of child labour under NCLP into a residential school for which an additional amount of Rs.750/- per child per month has been providing by the State Government. During 2011-2012 approximately 10 such a school will be operational. And the amount required works out to Rs.750x50x10x12=Rs.45.00 lakh

Employment Services

EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

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To render necessary services to the unemployed job seekers in all the sub-divisions, it is proposed to open new employment exchanges at newly created sub-divisions at Tehatta, Bidhannagar, Gangarampur, Domkal and to open U.E.I. and G.B.X. at other four Universities, three special cell of Employment Exchanges for Physically Handicapped persons, with creation of posts.

The scheme called “Skill Development” has been taken up by this Department from the last financial year onwards. Under the scheme the employment exchanges have been involved in skill upgradation of the jobseekers. The Employment Exchanges are required to:

1) Counsel of individuals for assessment of his/her ability and advice him/her about the possible opportunities.2) Organize dummy tests for the individual job seekers and help them assess their shortcomings.3) Sponsor candidates for training programmes to selected institutions and by subsidize the training costs required to upgrade their skill.

Apart from this the following new activities have been included under the scheme1) Test of Competency and Certification : This activity aims at certification of skill

acquired informally by a competent body, so that unorganised sector workers can expect a better job prospect.

2) Self Employment Promotion : This schemes aims at selection of prospective entrepreneurs by ‘Entrepreneurship Potentiality Testing’ which is a psychological test and then providing entrepreneurship training to the selected candidates.

3) Development of Persons with disability : All the three categories of persons with disabilities viz. orthopedic, hearing impaired and visually challenged will be covered under this scheme. First the ‘Residual Mental and Physical Abilities’ of the persons would be assessed and then on the basis of that assessment special skill training would be provided to them.

4) Organising Awareness Camp : In order to promote self-employment the Directorate of Employment also organises the ‘Awareness Camp’ for registrant job seekers.

Targets for the financial year 2011-2012 under the scheme are as follows:

i) Training – 25,000 job seekers;ii) MOCK test appeared – 1 lakh job seekers;

iii) Special coaching – 5,000 job seekers;iv) Career Corners – 149 (Magazines and Journals)v) Test of Competency and Certification – 5000 candidates

vi) Organising self-employment awareness camp – at 71 Employment Exchangesvii) Entrepreneurship Potentiality Test – 5000 candidates

viii) EDP Training – 500 candidates

COMPUTERISATION OF EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES

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Online service will be extended to 50 employment exchanges and Computer Training of the officers and staff of the Employment Directorate will be conducted in phased manner. Moreover, replacement and repair of some Computer hardware of few exchanges will be made.

NATIONAL e-GOVERNANCE ACTION PLANThe Government of India has decided to bring all the employment exchanges of the state and the Shops & Establishments Directorate, Factory Directorate and welfare schemes for unorganized workers like, SASPFUW, BOCWWA etc. and Employment Market Information (under Employment Directorate) within the coverage of e-Governance Plan (NeGP).

The Director General of Employment & Training (DGE&T), Ministry of Labour, Government of India has developed a web based software for implementing the e-Governance plan for the employment directorate. As the employment exchanges are required to be well equipped and their personnel are to be made well conversant with the use of computers along with the web based software in advance, it is proposed that each of the remaining 47 employment exchanges of the State should be strengthened with 2 (two) Personal Computers fitted with internal modem and CD writer facilitating future use of web based software under the programme during the 11th 5-year plan.

The computerization of the Directorate of Employment, West Bengal has been taken up as part of the Mission Mode Project along with 13 Departments of the State Government to implement e-Governance through National e-Governance Programme (NeGAP) in the current financial year. Under this programme it is proposed that the services of the Employment Exchanges like Registration, Renewal, vacancy Notification Submission, Employment Market Information etc. will be delivered at the doorsteps through web based software. For this purpose the Director General of Employment & Training (DGET) of Union Government has developed a web based software which will be used at this Directorate.

All the nine Directorates under administrative control of Labour Department will be covered up under National e-Governance Action Plan. For this Rs. 6 crore will be required for preparation of DPR, System Software and System Hardware and LAN of the Head Quarters. Another Rs.10 crore will be required for nine Directorates - Rs.2 crore for Boilers Directorates and Rs.1 crore for other each of the eight Directorates. Hence including DPR and software a sum of Rs.16.00 crore will be required.

SELF EMPLOYMENT SCHEME OF REGISTERED UNEMPLOYED IN WEST BENGAL (SCP &TASP)

According to the Census 2001, 22% of population of the State belongs to Scheduled Caste Community and 5.5% of population of the State belongs to Scheduled Tribe Community. The plight of these large portions of the population needed to be addressed by the Department. The Directorate of Employment is approaching the 11 th Planning Commission to create two Training-cum-Guidance Centres attached to the DEE Purulia, a tribal dominated district and to DEE Krishnanagar where Scheduled Caste population is high, to

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trend the applicants belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe in different vocational stream like typing, Computer Operation etc. and to coach them for different competitive examinations. The Directorate of Employment is also proposing for vocational training of the candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe through Community Polytechnics for self-employment.

Under the scheme this Department proposes to organise Motivation-cum-Awareness Camps in SC & ST dominated areas and will also undertake “Skill Development Programme” for the SC & ST candidates through the help of Community Polytechnic during this financial year.

During the financial year 2011-12 ten self-employment awareness camps will be organized for the registered job seekers. Scheme for skill development for the registered job-seekers: In recent years the Indian economy has shown a remarkable acceleration in economic growth. However, as the Indian economy grows and competes internationally in various fields, it is faced with the realization that the availability of requisite skill is beginning to emerge as a major constraint. So the challenge is not merely of producing more skilled manpower needed by the employment market but also to address the problem of inadequacy of ‘current capacity of the skill-development system’. The coverage of vocations in which skill development is provided at present is also very limited in comparison with the diversified need of the present employment market. Keeping in view this acute shortage of skilled manpower vis-à-vis demand of the present Employment Market (domestic as well as international), Labour Development, Government of West Bengal has introduced the Scheme – “Skill Development for the Registered Job-Seekers” on 1.08.2007 with the main objective of enhancing employability of the registered job-seekers of West Bengal. This scheme includes the following activities:

Providing training for the registered job-seekers: Skill upgradation training is provided to the job-seekers registered with the Employment Exchanges for at least 2 years and who are not less than 20 years of age, in Institutes enlisted under the Scheme on some specified courses. Government bears 50% of the course fee or Rs. 5000/- whichever is less and the remaining portion of the course fee is paid by the trainee. A total of 832 Training Institutes are functioning all over the state for skill development in 32 Trades.

Mock Test for the Registered Job-Seekers:

Mock-Tests (both Objective & Subjective type) for various job-oriented Competitive Examinations are conducted by the Directorate of Employment, West Bengal. The facility of Mock-Test is available to the registered job-seekers free of cost and no waiting period of registration is required.

Vocational Guidance/ Counselling for the Registered Job-Seekers:

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The following main services are provided to the job-seekers under this programme:

o Special Coaching is provided for different job related competitive examinations.o Career Corners equipped with various career related books, journals, magazines

etc. are established in different Employment Exchanges / University Information & Guidance Bureaux and office of the Regional Joint Directors of Employment in the districts.

o The following three activities will be included in the Scheme and introduced soon within this financial year under PART – IV, PART-V & PART-VI of the Scheme :

o Test of Competency and Certificationo Self Employment Promotiono Development of persons with disabilities.

Udiyaman Swanirvar Karmasansthan Prakalpa: (U.S.K.P)-2008: The Government of West Bengal has introduced a new Self employment scheme, Udiyaman Swanirvar Karmasansthan Prakalpa (U.S.K.P)-2008, to be executed through Directorate of Employment under Department of Labour, Government of West Bengal, replacing the old scheme “Self Employment Scheme for the Registered Jobseekers (SESRU)”. The objective of the Scheme is to assist validly registered unemployed youth to take up economically viable projects by providing subsidy from the state government and credit on easy terms from banks and financial institutions.

The salient features of the scheme are: The applicants should be within the age limit of 18-45 years of age (relaxable for SC/ST/OBC as per rule). Candidates should a registered job-seekers in any of the Employment exchange for more than one year (candidates belonging to SC/ ST/ OBC/ PHP/ Minorities/ Women/ EDP trained have no such bar) Project cost for the scheme is normally within Rs 50,000/- with 75% Bank Loan and 25% subsidy (Maximum Rs12500/-) from Government. Candidates may apply jointly for the scheme; in that case the loan limit and subsidy amount for each beneficiary is Rs 50,000/- and Rs12500/- respectively. There is no family ceiling for the applicant. Registration at Employment Exchange will continue after availing the benefit under the scheme.

During the current financial year, the target is to bring 3000 registered job-seekers under the scheme.

Self Employment Awareness cum Motivation Camp for the Registered Jobseekers:The State Government has introduced Self Employment Awareness cum Motivation Camp for the Registered Jobseekers through Directorate of Employment. The Bengal National Chambers of Commerce was actively involved in this programme. Talks are going on with Science and Technology Entrepreneurs’ Park, IIT Kharagpur for taking up innovative Entrepreneurs Motivation Programme jointly.

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10.12.2 Programme of the Technical Education & Training DepartmentA sizeable proportion of the passed-out candidates from Madhyamik and Higher Secondary level either do not get admission in higher level of studies or somehow continue the higher education without much purpose. To divert this section of candidates towards a job-oriented program, Government in the Department of Technical Education & Training have introduced the program on program on Short-term VocationTraining.

The scheme is implemented through the Polytechnics, ITIs, Junior Technical Schools, Municipal Bodies, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Industries, Schools, Colleges, Club and other Educational Institutions.

Schemes and programmes : To impart Technical Education & Training to provide substantial number of technicians and craftsmen in different disciplines for the emerging industrial fields of the State Craftsmen Training through Industrial Training Institutes, Industrial Training Centre (Erst., JTS) and other Private affiliated Institutes / Centres under National Council for Vocational Training. Non - formal vocational training through community polytechnic Short - Term Vocational Training Programme through Polytechnics NGO's, Schools, Colleges, Municipalities etc. To organize diverse training programmes in various emerging fields for the educated boys and girls of urban as well as rural areas. To encourage Madhyamik and Higher Secondary passed out candidates towards job oriented programme in order to develop competencies for self-employment. Enhancement of intake capacity of the existing institution as well as induction of new disciplines in emerging fields.

For the Annual Plan 2011-12 under ‘Labour & Employment’ an amount of Rs.11239.50 lakh has been provided.

10.13 SOCIAL SECURITY & SOCIAL WELFARE

10.13.1 Programme of the Panchayat & RD DepartmentNational Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)The objective of NSAP is to provide Social Security to the BPL families as an entitlement. Although this programme covers both rural and municipal areas, it is implemented by the Panchayats & RD Department as the nodal Department.

This programme has two components: - i) Providing pension to the Old, Widow and Disabled persons;ii) Providing family benefit scheme.

i) Providing Pension to the Old, Widow and Disabled Persons:-

a) IGNOAPS (Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme)

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The earlier scheme has been modified in this new name from November 2007 to provide pension to any person, male or female of age 65 years and above and belonging to the families living below the poverty line (BPL) as an entitlement. The rate of monthly pension to be paid to IGNOAPS beneficiary is Rs. 400/- per month out of which amount of central assistance is Rs. 200/- and corresponding State contribution is Rs. 200/-. The number of beneficiaries under the programme as on 1.11.09 was 1206359. The list is updated every year on 1st January to include those who attains the age of 65 years during the preceding year and thus the total requirement of fund will increase to some extent.

b) Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) Under this new component of NSAP started from June, 2009 any widow of age more than 40 years and less than 65 years and living below poverty level (BPL) is paid Rs. 400/- per month (Rs 200/ is paid by the GOI as per the scheme and State Government may contribute any amount and in West Bengal another Rs 200/ is contributed by the State). All the beneficiaries have not yet been identified and the numbers of beneficiaries, which was 2,07,924 as on 1st November 2009 are likely to go up to 3,50,000 during the year 2010-11.

c) Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Under this new component of NSAP started from June, 2009 a beneficiary below poverty level (BPL) is paid Rs. 400/- per month out of which amount of central assistance is Rs. 200/- and corresponding State contribution is Rs. 200/- similar to the IGNWPS. The age of the beneficiary must be above 18 years and below 65 years. Only around one third of the GPs have been able to identify beneficiaries and the progress has been slow because of difficulty of getting disability certificates. Number of beneficiaries, which was 9552 as on 1.11.09 and is likely to be beyond 30,000 in this year.

ii) National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) Under this component of NSAP, a family below poverty level (BPL) is paid @ Rs. 10,000/- as financial assistance if the main earning member of the family dies for any reason other than suicide.The age of the deceased main earning member of the family must be above 18 years and below 65 years. This is a 100% centrally assisted scheme.During 2009-10, up to October’ 09, the department has released central assistance of Rs. 2000.00 lakh on account of NFBS against budget provision of Rs. 4400.00 lakh. Estimated requirement for this programme in this financial year is of Rs. 4400.00 lakh and RE has been framed accordingly. Rs. 2200.00 lakh has been proposed for 2010-11 also.

10.13.2 Programme of the Food & Supplies Department

Implementation of Annapurna Scheme :“Annyapurna”- A Scheme for distribution of foodgrains at the rate of 10 Kg. per month to the destitute members of the Society who are aged 65 Years or above and are eligible to receive Social Welfare benefit like “NOAPS”. Recently, doorstep delivery of such foodgrains and Kerosene Oil (with container) have initiated as recommended by the Planning Commission. The number of beneficiaries are gradually reducing due to death etc. However steps have been taken to fillup the vacancies out of eligible surviving destitute people. Therefore the total proposed expenditure for this Scheme have not been altered.

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10.13.3 Programme of the Women & Child Development and Social Welfare DepartmentOne cardinal condition of a balanced social system is the development of men and women belonging to the weaker section of the society after abolition of deprivation and exploitation. In order to fulfil this condition, this Department has been implementing various welfare programmes throughout the State for well-being of the marginalized segments like women, children, persons with disabilities, older persons

Social Security And Welfare

Handicapped Welfare

Prosthetic Aid to the Handicapped PersonsThe scheme aims at the welfare of the handicapped persons by providing fitting aids and appliances to the indigent persons with disabilities.

Scholarship to the Students with special needs studying below class IX The scheme is intended to extend financial assistance to needy P/H students studying below class IX in recognized educational institution of the state. The basic objective is to help them to acquire such academic skill at secondary stage so as to enable them to go to higher study with the intention of becoming useful citizen of the country. The scheme has been broadly revised on to provide scholarship at various rates according to the category of disabilities as follows:

i) In case of each individual student with all categories of disabilities rate of scholarship is Rs.300/- per month.

ii) In case of an educable child with special needs having severe locomotor disabilities etc. who cannot travel without assistance of an escort an additional allowance of Rs.150/- per month.

iii) In case of students with blindness or low vision, additional amount of Rs.100/- per month.

iv) In case of each student with any type of disability an addition amount of Rs.500/- per annum as a grant for the cost of teaching & learning material.

Assistance to P/H in all districts.(Disability Pension) The scheme is meant for providing financial assistance@ Rs. 500 per month per head to the economically weaker section of PH & MR people who have got their Identity Cards for their disability. The rate has been enhanced to Rs750/- W.E.F 01.02.09. A total number of 40276 Disability Persons have been sanctioned, out of which 3127 number is from Plan funds.

Award to Outstanding Employer of Handicapped employees It is the scheme meant for State awards to the outstanding employers of Physically Handicapped and M.R. and the most efficient Physically Handicapped and M.R. employees. The main object is to give stimulation to the campaign for the placement of Physically Handicapped and M.R. persons in suitable employment. For this purpose, the 3rd December

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of each year is observed as World Disabled Day where outstanding employers of employees with disabilities and efficient handicapped employees are awarded.

Economic Rehabilitation of PH & MR children This is a scheme of one time grant to the Physically Handicapped and M.R. persons in distress. The eligible Physically Handicapped and M.R. persons are given Rs. 1000/- as one time assistance, so that they can rehabilitate themselves in life.

Creation of Public Awareness against drug abuse In order to build public awareness against drug abuse, Govt. and Non-Govt. agencies are engaged and the exp. is incurred out of State Budget.

Printing of Identity Card for persons with disabilities The scheme is for printing and issuance of Identity Cards to the Persons with disabilities. It is the basic requirement to identify a person for awarding various benefits for such persons.

Implementation of PWD Act 1995 This is for organizing seminar, awareness campaigning among PH persons on the benefits they can avail through this Act, National Trust Act 1999 & related schemes like ADIP & NPRPD etc.

10.13.4 Programme of the Mass Education & Extension Department

Social Welfare Homes :

Proposal for 2011-12

release of maintenance and other grants for the inmates of Homes, to admit 2000 boys and girls in different Social Welfare Homes; to strengthen infrastructure of different Social Welfare Homes; to extend Vocational Training Facilities to the inmates of those homes so that they

may be self-reliant after release from the Homes. release of Special grants for repair/extension/construction of buildings Social

Welfare Homes.

Education and Training for the Physically Handicapped Children Following steps are proposed to be taken to improve the quality of services to be rendered to the students with disabilities during 2011-12:

release of non-recurring grants for infrastructural development in favour of deserving recognized special schools;

providing funds for development of Sponsored Institutions on the basis of actual requirement;

release of grants for purchase of Teaching-Learning equipments, furniture etc. in favour of Special Schools;

organizing regular annual programmes for the students with disabilities.

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Social Defence

10.13.5 Programme of the WCD & SW DepartmentSpecial emphasis will be paid on the welfare of children (below 14 years) who have to work for their livelihood. According to 2001 census there were 8.57 lakh working children. A number of State Government Departments operate schemes for the welfare of the poor families. Focused coverage of working children will give them access to a decent livelihood. A state level child welfare committee may also be formed with representatives from the different state level agencies and departments to ensure coordination. Similar body may also be set up at the district level.

Welfare & Development of ChildrenRenovation and remodeling of cottage at Digha The cottages at Digha known as Digha Kalyan Kutir under the administrative control of this Department are meant for recreation of inmates of Govt. Homes.

Grant in-aid to NGOs for welfare of children in need of care & protection (cottage) This Scheme is popularly known as Cottage Scheme. The objective of this Scheme is to maintain the destitute children of the State with education, food etc. free of cost till the age of 18 years. 90% of the maintenance cost which has been enhanced from Rs. 750/- per month per head to Rs. 1000/- per month per head is borne by the State Govt. & 10% by the NGOs. During this fiscal additional 29 Cottages have been sanctioned to 20 NGOs out of which 14 are new NGOs. About 103 NGOs are operating 353 Cottages in this State now.

Introduction of Coaching system for destitute children in Govt. homes in primary & secondary level In order to supplement the education of the inmates of the Govt. Homes they are provided with tuitions by tutors on contractual basis engaged by the Homes. Vocational Training Centre for the destitute boys Vocational Trainings are imparted to the destitute boys through different NGOs with financial assistance from this Department for their rehabilitation.

Welfare for Street Children with State fundSince 1993, this Deptt. has been implementing and monitoring an integrated central sector programme for Street Children of Kolkata and Howrah in collaboration with NGOs. Presently about 10,000 street children are being benefited through this scheme. In the Red Light area 4 NGOs have been providing assistance to the children of sex-workers for their optimum development through 121 AWCs of ICDS. Social function & Sports are organized for focusing the ability and recreation of the street children.

Additional Honorarium (ICDS)The scheme is meant for the honorarium of the AWWs and Helpers in addition to the honorarium paid by the Central Govt. to them. The Anganwadi workers and Helpers are engaged in the implementation of ICDS Projects. At present an Anganwadi Worker or Helper receives Rs. 1350/- per month as additional honorarium from the State exchequer.

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Govt. of India pays Rs.1500/- and Rs.750/- to AWWS & Helpers respectively in addition to what the State Govt. pays.

Creation of Public Awareness against drug abuse In order to create Public Awareness against drug abuse Govt. & non-Govt. agencies are engaged and the expenditure is incurred out of State Budget. Mainly Calcutta Police and State Police are provided fund for this purpose.

Scheme for Prevention and Control of Juveniles Social Mal-adjustment :The scheme is meant for care, protection, education, treatment, development and rehabilitation of juveniles in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection. Fund is utilized for construction and upgradation of services and maintenance of juveniles in different homes run by Govt and NGO. There are 20 numbers of Homes notified under J.J.Act in the Government sector and 25 number of Homes in the NGO sector. The scheme has been brought under a new scheme namely ICPS.

Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) :A new centrally sponsored scheme called ICPS was introduced in the last quarter of 2009-10 for improving delivery mechanisms of the services offered to disadvantaged segments of children by bringing the existing schemes such as (i) Street children programme (ii) JJ Programme (iii) Licenced Adoption Agencies/ Specialised Adoption agencies/Sishu Greha schemes under one umbrella.

10.13.6 Programme of the Labour Department

Provident Fund Schemes for Unorganised workers in urban and rural areas (SASPFUW)The State Government has introduced a new Social Security Scheme for the Unorganised Workers viz. “State Assisted Scheme of Provident Fund for Unorganised Workers (SASPFUW)” with effect from 01.01.2001. Under the scheme an eligible worker who is between the age from 18 years to 60 with an average family income of not more than Rs.6,000/- per month and is engaged in the industries in the unorganised sector to be specified from time to time or in the self-employed occupation will contribute a sum of Rs.20/- p.m. An equal matching amount will be contributed to the said Provident Fund by the State Government. The State Government will also pay the interest annually on the total amount balance lying at the credit of the subscriber workers. The total amount (i.e. the workers own contribution and matching contribution of the Government alongwith interest will be refunded to the workers own contribution and matching contribution of the Government alongwith interest) will be refunded to the workers on attainment of age of 60 years or in the event of the account becoming in-operative due to death or other causes to his legal nominee or to him as the case may be. The scheme will be implemented in phases. This is a unique scheme and is the first of its kind in the country.

In order to facilitate social security schemes so that the workers under unorganised sector can avail the benefits of the welfare schemes, 480 ‘Labour Welfare Facilitating Centre’ across the State alongwith the sanctioning 139 posts of Minimum Wage Inspector, 480 posts of Computer Knowing Clerks and 139 post of Group-D have been set up to harness

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those centres. These Centres will help smooth running the schemes. Total number of beneficiaries in the SASPFUW is at present about 20 lakh and the same is expected to rise to 30 lakh at the end of the financial 2011-2012.

Apart from this a new scheme “West Bengal Unorganised Workers’ Health Benefit Scheme” has been introduced to provide health security to the workers covered under SASPFUW. Estimated cost towards implementations of the scheme will be around Rs.45 crore. Therefore Rs.105.00 crore will be required form implementation of the scheme alongwith the newly introduced health scheme.

Others

10.13.7 Programme of the Refugee,Relief and Rehabilitation DepartmentIntroduction:The RR&R Dept is mainly concerned with the mammoth task of providing relief and rehabilitation to a vast number of refugees who have been residing in different squatters* colonies in a very miserable condition. The relief work among others includes to provide basic civic amenities like construction of roads, drains, sanitary latrines, sinking of tube wells etc. in refugee colonies of W.B. both in urban and rural areas. Such development works are executed through Govt Agencies viz, PW(CB) Dte,, MED, ZP etc.

The Engineering Cell of the RR&R Dte has also been entrusted with execution of this development works in some colonies and overall supervision of the programme as well.

Setting up of State-Level-Archives:The RR&R Dept is going to cherish its long felt demand for creation of State Level Archives with a view to preserving through computerization of all documents relating to rehabilitation/settlement of the refugees in West Bengal. Details of lease deeds/FHTDs distributed, maps of acquired land, water bodies, markets lying at the disposal of this Dept, site plan, layout plan (LOP), & CONRIT register of the different colonies will be stored through digital/electronic archival.

This will facilitate indexing, generation and delivery of FHTDs and its certified copies from computer on demand. Proper management of these records through computerization in different offices under control of this Dept is likely to improve services to the beneficiaries. The NIC, WB State Centre who was assigned to prepare the project has already submitted its proposal with an estimated cost of Rs. 2,66,05,0007- to equip the RR&R Dte. as well as the 27 offices at districts and sub-divisional level with necessary hardware and software system development. Although the NIC shall develop all the software and assume responsibilities of project management, the majority of work relating to scanning, indexing and archiving will be executed through the agency of Webel Technology Ltd whose major expertise lies in data digitization. The Engineering Cell of the RR Dte. is preparing the plan for a model Record Room to be set up in the offices at district and sub-divisional level. Fund for this purpose is going to be placed at the disposal of Webel Technology Ltd shortly.

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Proposed Plan for 2011-12:This Department also proposes to develop 15,000 Homestead Plots within different approved colonies through infrastructure development schemes.

Provision under SCSP and TSP : The main objective of the scheme undertaken by this Department is to provide some sorts civic amenities to all section of people residing in refugee colonies. In fact, the development of a colony as a whole irrespective of the caste and creed of the people residing there remains under active consideration of this dept. On the other hand it is not being possible on the part of this Department to segregate the people belonging to 5C/ST residing in a refugee colony and to undertake separate measures/programmes for their development without avoiding any rift among the others. Thus this Department has got little scope for earmarking provisions under SCSP and TSP out of its plan allocation.

However, this Department intends to make arrangement for survey of SC/ST/Disabled persons among the refugees residing in different colonies.

10.13.8 Programme of the Disaster Management (Relief) Department

Economic Rehabilitation (E.R) GrantOne of the major components of Disaster Management is to extend financial assistance to the economically weaker section of the population, especially those belonging to S.C. and S.T. categories.

There is one committee at the district level headed by the Sabhadhipati of Zilla Parishad, which screens all proposals received from the Panchayat Samities. This committee selects the list of persons eligible for E.R.Grant.

Schemes for economic rehabilitation of the families under S.C. Category rendered destitute due to socio-economic causes.

Under this scheme, Economic Rehabilitation Grant is sanctioned by the Government to the families belonging to Scheduled Caste Category who are economically weaker due to socio-economic reasons, by providing sewing machine or fund for setting up small trade to earn their livelihood.

Schemes for economic rehabilitation of the families /under Scheduled Tribe Category rendered destitute due to socio-economic causes.

Under this scheme, Economic Rehabilitation Grant is sanctioned by the Government to the families under Scheduled Tribe Category who are economically backward due to socio-economic reasons by providing Sewing Machine or fund for setting up small trade to earn their livelihood.

Schemes for economic rehabilitation of families of Disabled People under S.C. rendered destitute due to socio-economic causes

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Under this scheme 3% of the Economic Rehabilitation Grant is sanctioned by the Government to the families of disabled people under S.C. who are economically challenged due to socio-economic reasons, by providing fund for purchasing sewing machine or for setting up small trade to earn their livelihood.

Schemes for economic rehabilitation of families of Disabled People under S.T. rendered destitute due to socio-economic causes

Under this scheme, 3% of the Economic Rehabilitation Grant is sanctioned by the Government to the families of disabled people under S.T. who are economically challenged due to socio-economic causes, by providing fund for purchasing sewing machine or for setting up small trade to earn their livelihood.

Relief on Account of Natural Calamities - Awareness Campaign among the mass.Under this plan scheme, fund has been provided for awareness campaign on Disaster Management among the masses.

Relief on account of Natural Calamities - Assistance to Development of Cyclone Risk Mitigation Projects.This programme is World Bank aided project and the project cost is Rs. 234.67 crore. The World Bank share & State share is on the basis of 75 : 25. It is expected that the fund will be available from the World Bank through Government of India during the current Financial year. The State Government (Finance) has also agreed to release the State share in due course.

Computerization of Disaster Management The Department proposes to continue this scheme. There is a scope to supply computers, printers, Xerox machines and accessories connected with computer system to ten districts which are covered under the West Bengal Disaster Risk management Programme.

The following new schemes will be taken up :

Awareness creation on Disaster Management among the masses at the Gram Sansad level;

Villagers in Gram Sansads of non-programme districts have also to be made aware of the importance of disaster management and its role in their life;

Intensive training on various facets of Disaster Management; Creation of a dedicated band of Resource Persons in the districts for training the

masses; Formation of block search and rescue teams with training; Extensive awareness generation campaign among the community; Uploading of resource inventory in the India Disaster Resource network; Setting up of a techno-legal regime by awakening the enforcing the Municipal Act

and Panchayat Act making earthquake resistant Plan mandatory in the Building Plans;

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Holding of mock drills relating to natural calamities;

Human Development ComponentThe aim of the disaster related Plan Schemes is to mitigate the suffering of the weaker section of the society to a considerable degree. The best option in this respect is the "Economic Rehabilitation Grant for the destitute belonging to the SC & ST categories". The Flood/Cyclone Shelters will also be used during safe periods by the community for its various social needs at a very reasonable rate. Availability of a good infrastructure in a village will help the community always. This liberal use of rescue shelters will enhance the economic standard of the society largely.

Thrust AreasThe criterian for selecting critical areas would clarifided, covering flood-prone areas, earthquake zones etc.

1) A landslide disaster plan would be devised2) The plan would cover the priorities for helping affected people on basic issues like

drinking water.3) Disaster Management would have provisions for (i) shifting and rehabilitation of

threatened population; (ii) relief to families moving in their own to neighbouring areas.

10.13.9 Programme of the Labour DepartmentModel LW Centres and Holiday Homes:WEST BENGAL LABOUR WELFARE BOARD

With a view to providing improved welfare measures and recreational facilities to the workers and their families, it has been decided to renovate/repair the existing Model Labour Welfare Centres, provide additional facilities at the Auditoriums, construct boundary walls at different Model Labour Welfare Centres etc.

During the financial year 2011-2012 the following work will be undertaken:1. Renovation of Bakkhali Model L.W. Centre;2. Renovation of Madati Model L. W. Centre;3. Renovation of Danesh Sk. Lane Model L. W. Centre;4. Renovation of Sapuipara Model L. W. Centre;5. Renovation of Kalyani Model L. W. Centre;6. Renovation of Mahanadi Model L. W. Centre;7. Renovation of Tarapulur Garded Model L. W. Centre;8. Renovation of Hasimara Model L. W. Centre;9. Renovation of ‘Shramik Kalyan Bhawan’, Kankurgachi, Kolkata;

For the Annual Plan 2011-12, an amount of Rs. 90886.50 lakh has been provided under ‘Social Security & Social Welfare’.

10.14 EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN & DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN

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10.14.1 Programme of the Women & Child Dev. and Social Welfare DepartmentThe most important programme under ICDS is the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) for children (6 months to 6 years) and pregnant and lactating mothers. The ICDS programme also provides pre-primary schooling for children below 6 years.

Development & welfare of women Strengthening and Remodeling of Govt. Homes for WomenThis scheme is meant for the strengthening and remodeling of the 34 working women’s hostels under the control of this Department.Widow Pension The scheme is for providing destitute widows with financial assistance @ Rs. 500/- per head per month. Total number of beneficiaries under Plan is 5310 and 39259 beneficiaries under Non Plan out of which quota of 4873 have been sanctioned with effect from 1.02.2009 for Widow pension exclusively for the minorities. The rate of widow pension also had been enhanced to Rs 750/- w.ef 01.02.2009.

Vocational Training of girl inmates of Govt. HomesThe girl inmates of Govt. Homes are imparted vocational training with 100% funding by State Govt.

Establishment of W.B. Women Development UndertakingThe scheme is for meeting the establishment cost of WDU working for women empowerment through implementation of different scheme like, SAYAMSIDDHA, SWAWALAMBAN (NORAD), STEP etc.

Assistance to W.B. Commission for WomenThe W.B. State Commmission for Women is a statutory body constituted under W.B. Women Commission Act 1992. The Commission is mandated primarily to look after the socio-legal aspect of different obstacles faced by Women in the State. Commission can recommend to the State Govt. on enactment of new Laws. Besides the Commission maintains different counseling programmes with the financial assistance from the State exchequer.

SWABALAMBAN (earstwhile NORAD)This Vocational training programme of GOI for empowerment of women was launched in the year –1982-83. The scheme was withdrawn by GOI w.e.f 01.04.2006. Since then State Govt has decided to continue the scheme which is implemented under W.B.Women Dev. Undertaking, solely funded by the State Government.

NutritionSupplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP)Supplementary Nutition Programme is provided to the children & expectant and nursing mothers under ICDS Scheme. The scheme makes provision for the cost of food and other materials for the children upto 6 years of age of ICDS Projects and for pregnant and lactating mothers. The expenditure of Supplementary Nutition is borne by the Govt. of India and the State Govt. in the ratio of 50:50. They receive package of services like 1)

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Supplementary Nutrition, 2) Immunisation, 3) Health Check up, 4) Referal Services, 5) Nutrition & Health Edn. 6) Non formal pre-school Education through the Anganwadi Centres under ICDS Projects.

At present 414 ICDS Projects out of 416 ICDS projects have been made operationalised with 88456 functional Anganwadi Centres out of sanctioned AWC of 91372 centers. Government of India has sanctioned another 160 additional ICDS Projects and 25018 additional Anganwadi Centres . Nearly 8 lakhs mothers and 52 lakh children (0-6years) are being covered through ICDS services

Nutritional programme for adolescent girls (NPAG)

It is a pilot project of Govt of India implemented in the two districts of West Bengal - Jalpaiguri & Purulia for providing food grains @ 6 Kg/month to the adolescent girls of BPL family who are below the weight of 35 Kg. This programme will be merged in the new Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for empowerment of Adolescent Girl or SABLA being launched by Government of India in November, 2010.

Other Welfare

Promotion and establishment of Home for the Political Sufferers and Old DestituteUnder this scheme, political sufferers and destitute senior citizens who have none to look after them are provided with food, shelter, medicine etc. in Govt. Homes known as OLD AGE HOME at Kalikapore, South Garia. The capacity of the Home is 120. There are, however some NGO –run Old-Age homes funded by G.O.I under the supervision of the Govt of West Bengal.

Expansion and renovation of Vagrants HomeThere are at present 10 Vagrant Homes including one TCPC under the Controller of Vagrancy, West Bengal. The fund under this scheme is meant for the petty repair and renovation of the Homes.

Old Age Pension schemeA destitute person above the age of 60 years, being resident of West Bengal for not less than 10 years on the date of application is eligible for consideration of Old age pension. The number of beneficiaries under plan is 9121. Beside this, there is 66344 no. of beneficiaries under non-plan. The pension amount per month per head has been enhanced to Rs 750/- w.e.f 01.02.2009.

Assistance to Vol. Organization for SW WorksThe scheme aims at giving financial assistance to the V.Os for promotion of Social Welfare works. NGOs are conducting various programmes for the welfare of destitute Women and Children with the grant funded by the State Govt.

Awareness Generating Programme (New scheme)With a view to fighting against the prevailing of social evils like Dowry, Child marriage,

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Women trafficking etc. this Deptt initiates awareness generating programme with the help of NGOs and PRI bodies and other recognized institution. This Department has decided to campaign against social evils through multi-media programmes.

Rural Infrastructure Development Facilities (RIDF)The Deptt. has sponsored scheme for construction of Anganwadi centres by availing loan from NABARD. Under RIDF-XIV a proposal for construction of 250 AWCs is under process to the NABARD .

10.14.2 Programme of the School Education Department

Cooked Mid-day Meal Programme (CMDMP)Cooked Mid Day Meal Programme has been running in the State, along with the other States of Indiam since January, 2003. This Scheme has gained tremendous popularity throughout the State. With the active support of Government Machinery, Panchayat Authority, School Authorities and Community Support, the scheme is becoming a craze day by day. In rural areas this Scheme has been successful more than 95% but in Urban areas, specially in city like Kolkata, the momentum is yet to gain.

The coverage of MDM till 2nd Quarter, 2010 is as per target. It may be relevant to mention here that the inclusion of Upper Primary Schools in CMDMP started only in October, 2007. Hence, its coverage is a bit slow.

The goal is a bit away and hope to cover 100% eligible Schools in our State with the concerted efforts of all concerned shortly.

The construction of Kitchen-cum-Store Sheds, which is the most important component of Quality Mid-Day-Meal Service, this shortfall make up is essential

OTHER SERVICES

10.14.3 Programme of the Minorities’ Development & Welfare DepartmentDevelopment and Welfare of MinoritiesAs per Census (2001), total minority population in the State was 2.11 crore (26.27%). This comprises of 25.25 % Muslims, 0.64 % Christians, 0.30 % Buddhists, and 0.08 % Sikhs. Population of Parsees is negligible. Amongst the minorities, Muslims are main community with its share at more than 96 %. They are also most backward in terms of their socio-economic and educational profile. Therefore, Muslims are the main focus on this action plan, though interventions are meant for all minorities in the State.

The State has second highest population of Muslims (next only to Uttar Pradesh) and second highest in percentage terms (next only to Jammu & Kashmir). Twelve districts of the state are amongst the Top-50 districts of the country with highest population of Muslims. Five of the districts are amongst the Top-10 districts in terms of Muslim population and ten districts have more than 10 lakh Muslim population.

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More than ninety percent of the minorities are Bengali speaking and the remaining are either Hindi or Urdu speaking. Most of the Urdu speaking people are form the Muslim community. About 15 percent students study in madrasahs and the reaming are enrolled in the school system. Madarsahs though admit non-Muslim students as well, but a majority of them are Muslims. Therefore, issues related to promotion of Urdu language and strengthening of madrasah education have been covered in this action plan.

In line with the spirit of the Prime Minister's New 15 Point Programme and taking into account the Report on Social, Economic and Educational Status of Muslim Community in India prepared by the Prime Minister's High Level Committee (referred to as Sachar Committee Report), the Department of Minorities Development and Welfare and Madarasah Education has developed an Action Plan for Minorities to uplift socio-economic and educational status of minorities in West Bengal. The objective is to ensure that proportionate benefits of various government schemes reach the minorities, leading to their economic security and improvement in various human development indicators.

Thrust Areas1) 300 new Junior High Madrsahs would be opened.2) Infrastructure Improvement of the new Madrasah Service Committee would be

taken up.3) 1000 new teachers would be recruited.4) 700 unrecognized Madrasahs would be converted to Madrasah Siksha

Kendras.5) 400 acres of land in the Rajarhat area would be acquired for the new University

taken up under the department.6) Steps would be taken to start science streams in the newly established University.7) Steps to provide sports facilities at the State Level would be taken up

The Plan adopts a three-pronged approach: Targeted interventions, Effective delivery mechanism, and Coordinated thrust, with contribution from other departments.

Central assistance for development of minorities would be accessed wherever available. The plan recognizes the importance of community-based organizations and the private sector in the upliftment of minorities and their integration with the mainstream.

During the Eleventh Five Year Plan there will be increased allocation for on going activities namely promotion of Urdu, construction of Boundary Wall, fencing of Boundary Wall and Graveyards, construction and repair of hostels for minorities. New office building would be constructed for the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC). Second Haj House is also being constructed. A nursing institute with hostel facilities and a vocational training centre shall be established on Gorachand Road at Kolkata.

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Rate of scholarship under the West Bengal Merit & Means Scholarship for minority students shall be enhanced. The Department plans to start disability pension and widow pension for minorities. A new scheme for grant-in-aid for NGO for taking up education, health and skill development activities is proposed. Rural infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) would be accessed for development of infrastructure for minorities in the rural areas. A corpus fund, namely - 'Minority Development and Welfare Fund' is being created to bridge critical gaps in implementation of development and welfare schemes for minorities by various Departments. A new scheme for grant-in-aid to Wakf Estate and Wakf Board is planned for development of Wakf properties.

Several new central schemes would be implemented for development and welfare of minorities while some of the scheme like Merit & Means Scholarship for professional and technical courses, post-merit scholarship for minorities and multi sectoral development for minorities are fully funded by the Central Government, pre-matric scholarship and grant-in-aid to WBMDFC is on matching share basis. Other central schemes like improvement of civic amenities and economic opportunities and entrepreneurship and skilled development through are likely to be taken up during the course of the Eleventh Plan.

Madrasah EducationMadrasahs are important for religious teaching and education. However, it should be noted that they are not homogeneous entities. There are three types of Madrasahs - [a] Recognized and unrecognized Madrasahs providing secular and religious education simultaneously; [b] Maqtabs, often attached to mosques, providing religious education to illiterates or students of 'mainstream' schools; and [c] Residential Madrasahs, whose objective is to provide religious-Islamic education. While the first type of Madrasahs is directly funded by the Government, the madrasahs of other types require mainstreaming and support. The State currently has 506 recognized Madrasahs and several hundred unrecognized Madrasahs. These are often the last recourse of Muslims, especially those lacking economic resources to bear the costs of 'mainstream' schooling or households located in areas where 'mainstream' educational facilities are absent. Therefore, efforts of the Government to strengthen Madrasahs are in line with its Constitutional obligation (under Article 21A) to provide good quality, subsidized 'mainstream' education. With a view to take up accelerated development of Madrasah Education in the State, it was tagged to this Department recently.

Following interventions would be taken to strengthen madrasah education.a) More Madrasahs will be recognized and all High Madrasahs would be upgraded to

Higher Secondary level. Unrecognized Madrasahs can be assisted through appropriate components of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan as alternative education centres.

b) Additional educational facilities (more staff, new subjects) and infrastructural facilities (class rooms, girls' common room, equipment, furniture, toilets, drinking water facilities, etc.) will be provided in Madrasahs. In addition, steps would be taken for strengthening of science laboratories and computer education, and improvement of libraries.

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c) Centrally sponsored scheme for Madrasah Modernization and schemes of Maulana Azad Education Foundation would supplement state government scheme for development of madrasahs in the state.

d) Overall, strengthening of Madrasah education would be done ensuring horizontal and vertical mobility of students from Madrasahs to the formal education system. For this purpose, Kamil and Mumtazul Muhaddathin curriculum may have to be suitably restructured.

e) Vocational training shall be introduced in all eligible madrasahs over time.f) The West Bengal Board of Madrasah Education shall be strengthened. New

Administrative Building for the Board would be set up.

During the Eleventh Five Year plan on development of Madrasah Education, major thrust would be on construction, extension and repair of buildings of recognized Madrasahs, provision of common room for girls' toilets and drinking water facilities. All these schemes for development of Madrasah Education system are on the pattern of development scheme for School Education with appropriate budget outlay. Kolkata Madrasah is being upgraded and declared as university. Infrastructural Development and academic re-organization will be taken up to give adequate support.

Implementation of Sachar Committee Report :

The new Government has decided to implement developmental plans for Minorities as suggested in the Sachar Committee Report.

The plan outlay for 2011-12 under ‘Empowerment of Women & Development of Children’ is Rs.177849.50 lakh.

The plan outlay under ‘Social Services’ during 2011-12 is Rs. 1213308.10 lakh.

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