BUDGET FOR CHILDREN IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

ANALYSING STATE PRIORITIES TOWARDS CHILDREN 2004-05 TO 2007-08

HIMACHAL PRADESH VOLUNTARY HEALTH ASSOCIATION NEW SHIMLA, HIMACHAL PRADESH

In Partnership with

HAQ: CENTRE FOR CHILD RIGHTS 208, SHAHPUR JAT, NEW DELHI – 110049

PHONE: 011-26490136, FAX: 011-26492551 Email: info@haqcrc.org , Web: www.haqcrc.org

Foreword Over the last decade, countries across the world have embarked on changing existing economic models in favour of ones driven by the free market, incorporating processes of liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. While the markets boom, and some become richer, at the other end of the spectrum is growing disparities between the rich and the poor, depletion of natural resources and loss of traditional livelihoods, forced migration, consumerism and violence. It has also meant privatisation of services, cutbacks in some services lending them inaccessible to the poor. India too has witnessed these changes.

Recognising that budgets are an important tool for monitoring the government’s implementation of child rights, HAQ undertook a decadal analysis of the Union Budget from a child rights perspective, which was published in 2002. This was the first endeavour of its kind in the country and it helped in understanding the process of budgeting and establishing the need for such

analysis along with developing a methodology for the same. Recognising that since a large share of the allocation and expenditure is made in the states, a study of the state budgets is essential to enable a holistic understanding, HAQ initiated a similar analysis in three states - Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Himachal Pradesh. However, if children’s budget work at the state level is to become a reality, it is important to empower local NGOs to undertake such initiatives, develop a common methodology and provide requisite technical assistance. Once the ground is set, using the findings effectively for advocacy at the state, district and local levels of governance is a natural process, especially if such analysis is carried out by an agency/organisation based in the state. HAQ began child budget analysis work in three states in 2002 in partnership with state level NGOs - Andhra Pradesh (with M.V. Foundation), Orissa (with Open Learning Systems) and Himachal Pradesh (with Himachal Pradesh Voluntary Health Association-HPVHA). In the current phase of this partnership initiative between HAQ and state partners, it has once again got into a partnership with HPVHA. This Study “Budget for Children (BfC) in Himachal Pradesh” wants present a critical analysis of the state budget provision in comparison with the needs of the children. This is part of a three-year analysis from 2006-07 to 2008-09. In effect this is a first cut analysis of the Himachal Pradesh Budget 2007-2008. This should provide an understanding of where efforts need to be made in the budgeting process for the forthcoming budget. Budget analysis will only continue to be numbers unless it is used for effective advocacy. Our experience has shown that child budgets can be an effective monitoring and advocacy tool. While advocacy and lobbying with the Government of India has institutionalised child budgeting at the national level, HAQ’s partner organizations, as well as other human rights networks and campaigns have also used it for advocacy. For example, HAQ’s child budget analysis has been used to file legal petitions, for strengthening arguments of various campaigns such as the Right to Food campaign, for raising questions in the Parliament and debating on various pending bills, including the 93rd Constitutional Amendment. At the international level, findings from child budget analysis work have been used to make submissions and prepare shadow reports to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. This study would not have been possible without the support of Ford Foundation We would particularly want to thank Dr. Bishnu Mahapatra, Programme Officer at the Foundation who believes in our ideas and supports. This report owes its life to Madhumita Purkayastha, Abhijeet Nirmal of HAQ, and Nisha Sharma and Vivek Sharma of HPVHA who have waded through the mountains of budget documents in an effort to identify and disaggregate what was meant for children. However, it was Abhijeet Nirmal who finally put this report together and in record time. He needs to be congratulated for this Herculean task that he has achieved. At the same time it is important to realise that budget for children work is still at a very nascent stage and hence evolving. We are all in the process of developing the methodology and fine- tuning our conclusions. Enakshi Ganguly Thukral Bharti Ali Narender Sharma HAQ: Centre For Child Rights HAQ: Centre For Child Rights HPVHA

Budget for children is not a separate budget. It is merely an attempt to disaggregate from the overall budget the allocations made specifically for programmes that benefit children.

Research Team: HAQ: Centre for Child Rights Abhijeet Nirmal Madhumita Purkayastha Enakshi Ganguly Thukral

HPVHA Narend er Sharma Nisha Sharma Vivek Sharma

CHILDREN AND THE HIMACHAL PRADESH BUDGET

2004-05 to 2007-08

Himachal Pradesh (HP) is a hilly state located in the north-west of the country (Himalayas). The land with wide variations in altitudes ranging from low hills to high mountains with many lakes and rivers. Himachal Pradesh came into being as Union Territory on 15.04.1948 with the integration of 30 princely states. In 1966 with reorganization of Punjab, some districts were merged in Himachal Pradesh. It was granted full statehood on 25.01.1971. The state is having 12 districts with a population of 60, 77,248 (2001 census). The density of population is 109 persons per sq.km. Majority (91.3) of the population is in rural areas. About half the area is covered under tribal belt with just 2.2 lakhs population. The sex ratio is 970 females per 1000 males1. HP has estimated the sex ratio for the state at 968 against national average of 933 In contrast to all-India the sex ratio has been steadily increasing. It has a female Literacy rate of 68.08 per cent, which is higher than the overall national average. The overall literacy rate is 77.13 percent as against the national average of 65.4 percent.

Table:1 General Information of Himachal Pradesh

Location Latitude 30o 22' 40" N to 33o 12' 40" N Longitude 75o 45' 55" E to 79o 04' 20" E Height (From mean sea Level) 350 meter to 6975 meter Population [2001-Census] 6077248 persons Urban 594881 persons Rural 5482367 persons Geographical Area [2001] 55,673 sq. km Density (per Sq. Km.) [2001] 109 Females per 1000 Males [2001] 970 Birth Rate (per 1000) [2002(P)] 22.1 Death Rate (per 1000) [2002(P)] 7.2

Status Of Children In Himachal Pradesh

While there is positive correlation between economic growth and well being of Children, disparities in expenditure on various sectors related to children indicate that economic growth is not enough. There are still many areas where we need to concentrate our input to ensure right of children?

• There are 2510172 children in Himachal Pradesh comprising of 41.3 percent of the population • Child sex ratio is 896 that is much lower than the national average of 927 (Source NFHS III) • The infant mortality rate in HP is at 36 per 1000 live births. • More than 97.2 per cent children receive complete immunization in HP. (Source NFHS III) • Neo natal mortality constitutes 60 per cent of the total IMR. (Source NFHS II) • Child mortality rate is 14 per cent (H&FW, year book 2006-07). • The state boasts of more than 100 per cent coverage of Intensive Pulse Polio Immunization campaigns for

10 years now. • As per NFHS III 58.8 per cent children in the age group of 6-35 months are Anaemic. • Children especially in the adolescent age group are most neglected, as there is no effective government

programme or Voluntary organization has any special focus on this age group in HP. • In spite of all efforts under the SSA - since 2001 there are still 1, 23,290 children out of schools in the age

group 6-14 years out of total 12, 31,000 children in this age group.

1 Census 2001, Census of India

• The Net Enrolment ratio(NER) for children in the age group of 6-11 is only 85.66 (Source: District Information System for Education)

Table 2: Status of Children in Himachal Pradesh

Indicators HP India 1 Sex ratio (female per thousand males)

*Child Sex Ratio Sex-ratio of child (0-4 years)

858 896 901

880 927 907

2 Infant Morality rate(per 1000) 36 57 3 Birth Rate(per 1000) 20 23.8 4 Death rate(per 1000) 6.9 7.6 5 Child Morality Rate(below 5 years) 14 17 6 % of population

0-4 years 0-14 years

9.3 29.3

10.4 33.6

Source: Health at Glance, Himachal Pradesh, 2007 * NFHS III

Himachal Pradesh - Budget For Children (BfC)

The Budget is an estimate of the resources that will be available during the financial year and the object for which the resources will be spent. It is however, not merely a statement of estimated receipts and expenditure; it is the annual financial plan, a vital tool for not only meeting the administrative needs but also for securing public socio-economic goals2 A detailed analysis of the budget will enable us to see the extent of government’s investment into 40 per cent child population of the state and see how far it has been able to fulfil its obligations and commitments to them, and meet the specific needs. The role of the budgeting for children (BfC) is to examine the link between the government’s policy commitments towards children and the prioritisation of spending towards programmes related to children. The study tracks the expenditure in some key departments to evaluate which are the programme, scheme or sectors that need more emphasis in planning for overall development of children in HP. The results of the study are used as a basis for recommendations for further reprioritization of allocation and spending for towards programmes that specifically target Children. In this way the Himachal Pradesh Budget for children serves as an important advocacy and monitoring tool to actively promote and support the realization of children’s rights in the state through appropriate government spending policies. The present study is based on budgetary figures for the financial years 2004-05 to 2007-08. The study takes into account Budget Estimates (BE), Revised Estimates (RE) and Actual Expenditures (AE).

2 S.P Ganguly, Fundamentals of Government Budgeting in India. 3rd Revised Edition. Page 69. 2000

Budget for children is not a separate Budget. It is merely an attempt to disaggregate from the overall allocations made, those made specifically for programmes that benefit children.

Budget Estimates (BE) the budget estimates are prepared by the estimating authorities according to their assessments of requirements for ensuing year, keeping in view the government priority, government policy, actual expenditure of the past years and trend of expenditure in the current year and previous years. Revised Estimates (RE) for the current year is prepared before the budget estimates of the forthcoming year. In other words, in a given financial year, both revised estimates for that year and budget estimates for the next year are finalized. The former proceeds the latter. The revised estimates are based on the latest actuals during the current year, actuals for the same period in the preceding year, actuals during the past year and also previous, appropriations or re -appropriations already ordered or which are contemplated during the remaining part of the year or, any sanction to expenditure already issued or proposed to be issued during the remaining part of the year. Actual Estimates (AE) is the amount of funds actually spent on various schemes and programmes during one financial year. Plan and non- Plan For the purpose of the study both the plan and non-plan expenditure have been taken into account. Plan expenditure is that expenditure which is planned for in the Annual or Five-Year Plans. These are subsequently divided into yearly plans. Plan expenditure is to be utilized within the time period set by the plan. The study makes the use of following secondary data

• Demand for Grants of the government of HP for the period 2004-05 to 2007-08. • Budget in Brief • Economic surveys of the HP government. • Annual reports from departments related to children (Health, Education, Social Justice &

Empowerment) • NRHM state plan of action. • RCH-II Guidelines. • NFHS III • Census of India

Limitations of the study

• In this study we have taken the schemes and programmes only from the Demand of Grants, which is

a budget document of the Govt. of HP. • Only those schemes and programmes have been taken that have a direct bearing on the life of

children. • There are several schemes like are funded with support of foreign grants/ aid. These have not been

included. This is because these allocations are not shown in the Demand for Grants, which is the principal document for choosing the schemes. For example, the expenditure on NRHM and RCH has not been taken in this study because allocation and expenditure on these programmes is not visible in budget documents. These have been analysed as a separate programme because these.

• This creates an additional problem. While we are fully aware that the allocation for the health is more than what it reflected in this study, since allocations on RCH and NRHM are nit included in the budget documents, the share of health sector within BfC appears mush more reduced than it is in reality.

• To overcome the above constraint an effort has been made top trace to the extent possible the funding made for RCH through autonomous societies, and analyse them.

• Trends in allocation and spending for children are analysed through simple calculations such as percentages and averages. While all calculations are based on budgeted figures (BE as AE was not available for all 4 years), for presentation in a tabular form, they have been rounded off to one decimal point.

BfC in HP-An overview The Himachal Pradesh (HP) is developing at a rapid rate. In the last 4 years, 2004-05 to 2007-08 the budget allocation has grown to 56 per cent. It means that the government has increased the resources up to more than 55 per cent in last 4 years. It is widely perceived that the economic development will lead to social development. Hence it is important to see if the children of HP have received the share of economic development during this period?

The government of Himachal Pradesh has allocated on an average of 15.01 per cent (BE) of total state budget for the children. The budget for children shows an increase of 51.88 per cent against 56.45 per cent in the total state budget from

2004-05 to 2007-08. It is to be noted that the share for children (in per cent) has declined from 15.89 per cent in 2004-05 to 15.43 per cent in 2007-08 while the state budget has increased. Overall the growth in state budget and BfC shows a difference of 5 per cent, and this is because of 5 per cent less in the development sector.

While the share of children in absolute rupee figures shows an increase at RE and AE stage over BE, the percentage increase in state budget at RE and AE over the BE stage in BfC shows a decline in allocation. Against the allocation of 15.89 in BE stage it has gone down to 14 per cent at RE stage and 10.03 per cent at AE stage in 2004-05 and in 2005-06 BE was 14.25, RE was 13.01 and AE declined to 12.99 per cent.

Table 4: BfC in HP Budget

Rs in CroreYear BE RE AE

2004-2005 6189.82 7026.14 9895.462005-2006 7147.58 8743.13 8672.692006-2007 8687.04 9241.42 2007-2008 9684.15

Of every Rs 100 allocated to the Himachal Pradesh State Budget an

average of Rs 15.01 has been allocated to the children during 2004-2005 to

2007-2008.

Table 3: BfC as a Percentage of the Himachal Pradesh State Budget, 2004-05 to 2007-08 Budget Year Total HP Budget

(BE) BfC (BE)

Share of BfC in Total HP Budget

Year Rs. Crore Per cent 2004-2005 6189.82 983.62 15.89 2005-2006 7147.58 1018.19 14.25 2006-2007 8687.04 1262.61 14.53 2007-2008 9684.15 1493.96 15.43 Average 15.01 Source: Detailed demands for Grants, HP state budget, year 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08, Annual Financial Statement of Government of HP, Year 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08

Average Share of Children in Himachal Pradesh State Budget (2004-05 to 2007-08)

15.01

84.99

BfC

Other State Budget

BE, RE and AE on BfC in Himachal Pradesh

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Years

Rs.

in C

rore BE

RE

AE

The difference between allocation and expenditure raises questions to our decision makers. Does the difference between the BE and AE is due to under spending, poor planning or poor implementation? In any case it is concern for our children. Does it mean that the government have priority towards children at stage of budget allocation but at the implementation stage it has some gaps? BfC in Social Services Allocation and expenditure pattern on social services is very important for children programmes because on an average 49 per cent (2004-05 to 2007-08) of social service allocation goes to budget for children, and any change in allocation and expenditure on this will have an impact on the budget for children also. On an average government allocates only 30 per cent on social services. In year 2004-05, the actual expenditure is only 22.44 per cent against the promised 33.11 per cent, which is an under spending of 32 percent.

Sectoral Allocation The average sectoral allocation (BE) shows that education receives more than 95 per cent in the total budget for children. In contrast to education, health sector received 0.05 per cent, development 4.21 and protection 0.44 per cent. The allocation on education is appreciated, but the contrast between the allocation on education and health, development and protection still raises questions on priority of government towards other issues of children. The development is the only sector, which has shown an increase in allocation during 2004-05 to 2006-07. However it shows a decline in year 2007-08. Protection and education sectors have shown a fall in

Table 5: Share of Social Services in Total State Budget

In per cent Year BE RE AE

2004-2005 33.11 30.23 22.44 2005-2006 29.75 28.90 30.87 2006-2007 29.32 30.92 - 2007-2008 31.00 - - Average 30.67

Average Sectoral Allocation for Children within the Budget for Children (2004-05 to 2007-08)

95.3

4.21 0.44

0.05

Education

Health

Development

Protection

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

Rs.

in C

rore

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Budgeting Years

BfC as a share of the Himachal Pradesh State Budget (2004-05 to 2007-08)

HP State Budget Share of BfC in HP State Budget

allocation from 2004-05 to 2006-07, but have increased in 2007-08. Clearly, health, protection and development sector seem to be neglected and the outcome of this neglect is visible in the indicators. Most of the indicators of Himachal Pradesh show that it has performed better than the national average. However, it is important to see that how better can government act to minimise the rate of malnutrition, IMR, MMR and the growing number of street children in Himachal Pradesh.

Table 6: Sectoral Share in BfC (BE) in HP Budget State

Budget (BE)

Sectoral Share of Children in State Budget BfC (BE)

Sectoral Share of Children within BfC Year

Rs. in Crore

Education Health Development Protection Rs. in Crore

Education Health Development Protection

2004-05

6189.82 15.34 0.01 0.46 0.08 983.62 96.53 0.07 2.91 0.49

2005-06

7147.58 13.67 0.01 0.5 0.07 1018.19 95.94 0.06 3.52 0.48

2006-07

8687.04 13.68 0.01 0.79 0.05 1262.61 94.14 0.05 5.44 0.37

2007-08 9684.15 14.66 0.01 0.69 0.07 1493.96 95.03 0.04 4.49 0.43

Source: Detail Demand for Grants, HP State Budget of the year 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, Annual Financial Statement of Govt. of HP 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08

BfC in HP- Development Sector The development sector of BfC has received 0.63 per cent on an average of total state budget during 2004-05 to 2007-08. In comparison to social services it has received 2.06 per cent and in BfC the share of development is 4.21 per cent. The allocation for the child development is directed towards developing Anganwari centres and supplementary food for children in 0-6 age group, mainly thorough the ICDS programme. Although budget allocation has however increased by 135 per cent from year 2004-05 to 2007-08, it is still far from achieving universalisation of ICDS centres in Himachal Pradesh.

Sectoral Allocation on Children in Himachal Pradesh State Budget (2004-05 to 2007-08)

14.3

84.99

0.07

0.01

0.63

Education Health Development Protection Other Allocation

Average Share of Allocation on the Development sector of BfC in Himachal Pradesh (2004-05 to 2007-08)

4.21

95.79

Development

Other BfC

BE, RE and AE on Development Sector, BfC in HP Budget

0

20

40

60

80

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Years

Rs.

in c

rore BE

RE

AE

Government has announced to open additional 10894 centres in state, which is a welcome move. However with this goal it was expected that the budgetary allocation will also increase but in reality it has declined by 2.25 per cent in 2007-08 from the last year budget. The fall in allocation is regrettable for the state where 58.8% children (6-35 months) are suffering from Anaemia3. The budget allocation and expenditure shows a positive trend that in all the year the budget estimate has not declined at the revised estimates stage and in 2004-05 the actual expenditure is more than the budget estimates. However in 2005-06 the Actual expenditure has declined. The actual expenditure for the other two years are not available hence we can expect that atleast the budget estimates will be actually spent. Almost 99 per cent of the total allocation on child development is for the ICDS schemes. Hence it is important to notice that sharp increase in year 2006-07 budget for ICDS has not sustained and has fallen in very next year.

Table 7: BE and RE on Schemes and Programmes for Development Sector, BfC in HP Budget

Schemes and Programmes on Child Development

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-07 2007-2008

(Rs. In Lakh) BE RE BE RE BE RE BE Honorarium to Anganwadi Workers /Helpers 266.00 266.00 266.00 266.00 660.00 660.00 560.00 Expenditure on Integrated Child Care services 152.37 152.37 216.24 216.24 252.27 252.27 192.67 Grant in Aid to State Social Welfare advisory Board

60.85 60.85 50.00 51.00 50.00 50.00 55.00

Integrated Child Care Services 2378.84 2378.84 3049.92 3049.92 5907.13 5907.13 5907.13

Total Child Development 2858.06 2858.06 3582.16 3583.16 6869.40 6869.40 6714.80

Schemes and Programmes on Child Development in Himachal Pradesh Grant In Aid to Social Welfare Advisory Board The board is formed by centre government. The main purpose is to work for aged. The board also runs balwaries and is also involved in providing educational facilities to children. The allocation for this programme has increased by 10 per cent in 2007-08 budgets. Honorarium to Anganwadi Workers /Helpers

3 NFHS III, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India

“For the welfare of the children, under Integrated Child Development Services 7,354 Anganwari centres have been opened and another 10,894 Anganwari Centres shall soon be made operational…………” Budget Speech 2007-08,

Finance Minister, HP

Though the salary component (Anganwadi worker = Rs 500/- and helper = Rs 260/-) is under the centre sponsored scheme but since October 1997 state government provided an increment of Rs. 200 (worker) and Rs.100 (helper)4. The allocation for this programme has decreased 15.15 per cent in 2007-08 budgets. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) The ICDS is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme under the Social welfare department, for the overall development of children in the 0-6 years age group and for expectant and nursing mothers. The department provides for supplementary nutrition, pre school education, health check ups and referred services for these groups. During the financial year 2006-07 about 330000 children and 100000 mothers/adolescent girls benefited upto Dec, 2006 under this scheme. There is a budget provision of Rs 6,159.40 lakh for the year 2006-2007 out of which an amount of Rs 2,251.35 lakh has been spent upto December 2006. As many as 1,18,887 children in the age group of 3 to 6 years are being provided pre-school non-formal education (PSE) at anganwari centres in the state5. The allocation for this programme is similar from the previous year in 2007-08 budgets. Balika samridhi Yojana This programme is covered under ICDS. Main objective of the scheme is to change the negative attitude towards the girl child and mother at the time of birth in case of the girl child. Under this scheme there is a provision to give post grant birth of Rs. 500/- in favour of first two girl student p.a upto 10th standard. This facility is provided for those girls who are born on or after 15.08.1997. During the current year upto December, 2006, post birth grant of Rs 11.90 lakh was given in favour of 2379 girl children and a scholarship of Rs 4.28 lakh has been provided to 1374 girls. During the year 2006-2007, there is a provision of Rs 40.00 lakh. Kishori Shakti Yojana This programme is covered under ICDS services. This is 100% centrally sponsored scheme and was introduced in the year 2000-01, in the 15 selected blocks of Mandi, Hamirpur,Una, Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti districts of the state. During the current financial year 2006-2007 Govt. of India sanctioned the implementation of this scheme throughout the state. Under this scheme more than 3,56,000 adoloscent girls between the age group of 11-18 years have been identified and every year, Rs 83.10 lakh @ Rs 1.10 lakh per block are kept under this scheme. Besides this awareness and literacy camps and NHED camps are organized. Skill trainings in different traditional and non-traditional trades are also imparted. So far Rs 16.78 lakh have been spent under this scheme.

BfC In HP- Health Sector

With a birth rate of 20 per 1000, death rate 6.9 infant mortality rate 49, child mortality rate 10.5 & total fertility rate of 2.1, HP has achieved one of the best health indicators in the country.

But in spite of such indicators there are many realities that cannot be ignored. Examples are:

• As per NFHS III 36.2% children below 3 years are under weight.

• As per the nutritional survey conducted by ministry of women & social Welfare Govt. of India covering 10 districts of HP, 81% of children were found suffering with various degrees of malnutrition.

• During past 3 years ( 2003 –2004, 2004 – 2005 and 2005-2006) 10,49,156 cases of measles have been reported.

• Health Vision 2020 a document released by govt visualize that Adolescent Age group will be the most troubled group in next 20 years in HP which include teenage problems of premarital sex, teenage pregnancies, RTI/STD/AIDS and drug addiction.

4 Guidelines for Panchayat functionaries, ICDS, 2003 5 The Tribune, August 26 2006, Shimla edition

Table 8. State Goals in Vision 2008 S.No Indicator Vision 2008

1 Infant Mmortality Rate 50 2 Child Mortality Rate 8 3 Maternal mortality Rate 300 4 Life expectancy at birth(years) 67 5 Babies with low birth rate 20% 6 Essential ante-natal Care 100% 7 Deliveries by trained attendants 100% 8 Institutional deliveries 45%

Indeed perhaps the most important demographic indicator and a failure of the health services system is the falling sex ratio being witnessed in HP, in complete violation of the PNDT Act, and in connivance with the health delivery mechanism. Moreover, HP is witnessing the emergence of new health problems. HP’s health vision clearly identifies the need for increasing facilities for institutional delivery system, minimising of malnutrition and under weight birth of children. However the budgetary analysis reflects that the state government has not given the necessary priority for the health sector.

BE, RE and AE on Health Sector, BfC in HP Budget

00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.8

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Years

RS

. in

cror

e

BE

RE

AE

On an average only 0.07 per cent of the total state budget and 0.5 per cent has been allocated for child health during 2004-05 to 2007-08. The total allocation of 67 lakh has been allocated for the year 2007-08 and the allocation has marginally increased during 2004-05 to 2007-08. Infact in 2005-06 and 2006-07 the allocation was less than what was allocated in 2004-05.

Table 9: Allocation on Schemes and Programmes for Health Sector, BfC in HP Budget

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Schemes and Programmes on Child Health

(Rs. In Lakh) BE RE BE RE BE RE BE

School Health Services 18.90 18.90 14.00 14.00 16.30 16.30 21.22 Expenditure on Milk Feeding centers 6.80 6.80 5.80 5.00 5.80 5.80 5.80 Expenditure on Food Programme 0 0 40.00 40.00 40.00 40.00 40.00 Exp.on Food ProgrammeUnder PMGY 40.00 40.00 0 0 0 - - Total 65.70 65.70 59.80 59.00 62.10 62.10 67.02 The allocation reflected in the budge documents has not taken in account of some other schemes for children. The reason is that the allocation and expenditure on these schemes and programmes are not reflected in the budget document (detailed demands for grants). However these are significant programmes and is important to take these schemes and programmes in account.

Average Share of Allocation on the Health sector of BfC in Himachal Pradesh (2004-05 to 2007-08)

0.05

99.95

Health

Other BfC

The allocation and expenditure on these programmes can be seen in the table below. The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) & UIP are the main programme being run by independent department or society formed by government.

Table 10: Allocation and Expenditure as on 30.06.2007 on schemes and programme not reflected in budget documents of Himachal (Rs. In Lakh)

Year RCH-II

United Funds

Upgrad ation

Medicine & kits DAP UIP

Swasthya melas

Annual maint. Grant-PHC’s

Health Melas ASHA RKS

Block PMU’s

Mobile medicine units Total

BE

750.00 206.70 720.00 568.00 120.00 202.27 32.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ 2598.97

RE

500.50 206.70 480.00 0.00 0.00 $ 32.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ 1219.20

AE

05-06

61.14 36.26 3.22 0.00 0.00 14.50 15.85 $ $ $ $ $ $ 130.97

BE

1062.00 206.70 600.00 0.00 0.00 156.30 109.75 219.50 32.00 360.00 102.00 180.00 532.56 3560.81

RE 618.00 10.50 840.00 568.00 120.00 0.00 109.75 219.50 32.00 360.00 102.00 180.00 532.56 3692.31

AE

06-07

218.47 142.83 235.42 448.98 0.00 54.95 0.00 0.00 14.35 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1115.00

BE 221.00 175.39 240.00 432.00 0.00 0.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1068.39

RE

221.00 175.39 240.00 432.00 0.00 0.00 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1068.39

AE

07-08 62.12 4.93 34.51 95.09 6.00 10.82 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 213.47

Source: Annual Report, Department of Health, Government of Himachal Pradesh

If we take in account to the allocation made for the programmes which is not reflected in the budget document (see Table 9), than the share of child health is 0.37 per cent to 0.42 per cent of total state budget. This also shows a decline in 2007-08.

The main schemes of National Rural Health Mission and RCH in Himachal Pradesh are Janani Suraksha Yojana, Gender- PCPNDT Act, Maternal Health care, New Born and Child Health Care, Adolescents reproductive Health and UIP.

Table 10: Health Sector, BfC in HP Budget 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Health Programme in HP (Rs. In Lakh)

BE RE BE RE BE RE BE Budget documents 65.70 65.70 59.80 59.00 62.10 62.10 67.02Other schemes NA NA 2598.97 1219.20 3560.81 3692.31 1068.39Total Allocation in State NA NA 2658.77 1278.00 3622.91 3754.40 1135.40State Budget 618982 714758.00 868704.00 968415.00

Share of State Budget (in per cent) NA 0.37 0.42 0.12

BfC In HP- Education Sector Education is the key instrument for developing human capacity. The state is committed to provide education to all. The concerted efforts of the government have put Himachal Pradesh as one of the leading State in literacy. According to 2001 census HP has a literacy rate of 76.5 per cent. Male to female literacy rate differs considerably in the state as against 85 per cent literacy rate for females. HP has good track record of development in the field of Education, particularly in elementary education & education of girls. HP is the only state in the country to spend Rs 1.03 per capita on education, against Kerala’s 68 paise and neighbouring Punjab’s 58 paise. Significantly, its per capita expenditure on education is almost twice the national average. The teacher child ratio is also higher, about twice as high in HP compared to India as a whole. The average share of child education in the state during 2004-05 to 2007-08 reflects that Himachal Pradesh government has allocated 14.3 per cent of total state budget for child education. The average allocation on child education in BfC is 95.3 per cent for the same period.

BE, RE and AE in Education Sector, BfC in HP Budget

0

500

1000

1500

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Years

Rs.

in c

rore BE

RE

A E

Elementary education has been given priority over the secondary education in state. On an average elementary education have received 63 per cent while secondary education 37 per cent (2004-05 to 2007-08). Allocation on elementary education has increased upto 62 per cent while secondary education has increased upto 30 per cent during this period. This year finance minister has promised for providing better technical education facilities in state with linking internet facilities in all government colleges. This is very important that we provide platform for children to excel in their career after achieving secondary education but at the same time immediate need is to bring out of school children in school.

Average Share of Child Education in State Budget -BE (2004-05 to 2007-08)

14.3

85.7

Education

Other State Budget

Average Share of Allocation on the Education sector of BfC in Himachal Pradesh (2004-05 to 2007-08)

95.3

4.7

Education

Other BfC

“To promote computer literacy at the higher education levels, the information Technology Department of the State Government shall ensure that within the next financial year all Universities & Government colleges will be equipped with suitable computer laboratories which shall also have internet connectivity………..” Budget Speech 2007-08, Finance Minister, HP

The two most important programmes for elementary education is Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan. This has regularly increased during 2004-05 to 2007-08. DIET is also a part of SSA and it provides training support to teachers and other stakeholders. The allocation on DIET has also increased in 2007-08 budgets. However the other important programme to retain children in school is Mid Day Meal which has surprisingly declined from the revised estimates stage in 2007-08.

Table 11: BE and RE of Schemes and Programmes for Elementary Education in Himachal Pradesh

Schemes and Programmes on Elementary Education

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

(Rs. In Lakh) BE RE BE RE BE RE BE Directorate of Elementary Education 450.26 450.26 443.16 448.16 530.36 530.41 1460.73 Expenditure on Education 32205.72 32205.72 33072.30 33235.30 34989.38 34989.38 34874.53 Expenditure on Education 376.50 376.50 500.00 500.00 1077.00 1077.00 0.00 Expenditure on Education 186.81 186.81 232.32 232.32 217.97 217.97 160.00 Total 33219.29 33219.29 34247.78 34415.78 36814.71 36814.76 36495.26 Grant in Aid Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 50.00 50.00 0.00 Grant in Aid SSA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4200.00 Grant in Aid Under SSA 0.01 0.01 0.00 50.96 0.00 0.00 0.04 SSA - Schools 10.94 10.94 10.94 10.94 12.76 12.76 12.76 SSA (Exp, DEO Office) 129.74 129.74 126.30 126.30 99.49 99.49 136.94 Total 140.69 140.69 137.24 188.20 162.25 162.25 4349.74 Primary Education 7.50 7.50 7.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Primary Education 2.60 2.60 2.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Exp. On Primary Education 175.90 190.71 16.40 16.40 16.44 14.36 11.93 Exp. On primary schools 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.00 Exp. On Primary Schools 1622.72 1628.97 1771.90 1872.21 2055.66 1893.54 1995.42 Exp. On Primary Schools 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Construction of Primary School Buildings 0.00 31.68 31.68 31.68 221.00 221.00 86.00 Opening of New Primary School 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 50.00 50.00 0.00 Non Government Primary school 159.46 159.46 159.46 159.46 159.46 159.46 159.46 Exp. On provididing of drining Water Facility in Primary School 0.00 0.00 22.64 14.00 36.11 38.30 23.60 Total 1968.18 2020.92 2012.18 2093.75 2538.67 2376.66 2281.41 Block Primary Education Officer 554.63 554.63 570.84 601.84 651.18 651.18 4304.28 Block Primary Education Officer 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

Rs.

in C

rore

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Budgeting Years

Allocation on Elementary, Secondary and Child Education in Himachal Pradesh BfC

Elementary Education

Secondary Education

Child Education

Exp. On District Primary Education Officers and Staff 35.51 35.51 35.67 35.67 26.45 26.45 64.98 Exp. On block Primary Education Officers and Salary 65.24 65.24 66.53 66.53 74.25 74.25 348.35 Total 655.39 655.39 673.05 704.05 751.89 751.89 4717.62 Elementary Education Pre-Matric Scholarship 7.20 7.20 7.20 7.20 7.20 7.20 7.20 Elementary Education Pre-Matric Scholarship 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.05 0.05 0.05 Total 7.95 7.95 7.95 7.95 7.25 7.25 7.25 Middle Schools 19541.32 19541.32 19789.53 22693.38 25317.55 25375.42 40806.94 Middle Schools 74.61 74.61 200.00 200.00 1603.00 1603.00 0.00 Middle Schools 170.53 170.53 248.57 248.57 223.76 223.76 229.00 Opening of New Middle School 16.50 16.50 16.50 33.85 16.50 16.50 16.50 Building 62.18 62.18 33.90 67.53 137.30 137.30 80.00 Non Government Middle School (District Primary education officer) 231.80 231.80 239.42 241.57 269.00 269.00 662.70 Total 20096.94 20096.94 20527.92 23484.90 27567.11 27624.98 41795.14 Saraswati Bal Vidya Sankalp Yojana 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.59 0.00 0.00 0.00 Saraswati Bal Vidya Sankalp Yojana 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3000.00 3000.00 0.00 Total 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.59 3000.00 3000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Edu. Tech. Prog (DIETS) 404.82 404.82 547.30 547.30 472.16 472.16 472.16 SCERT Solan 57.80 57.80 59.38 66.38 68.53 68.53 74.10 SCERT Solan 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 Exp.on DIETS 870.00 1255.00 1020.00 1141.70 1000.00 1332.40 1470.00 Exp.on DIETS 45.40 45.40 48.40 48.40 51.82 51.82 51.15 Total 1382.82 1767.82 1679.88 1808.58 1597.31 1929.71 2072.21 Hot Cooked Meal, Mid day meal 0.00 0.00 120.00 80.77 117.50 91.45 76.00 Hot Cooked Meal, MDM 0.00 0.00 55.00 55.00 40.00 33.00 300.00 Mid Day Meal 0.00 0.00 368.00 368.00 900.00 900.00 1007.60 Mid Day Meal 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 Mid Day Meal 0.00 0.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 400.00 0.00 Mid Day Meal 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 MidDay Meal (Upper Primary) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 150.00 150.00 Total 0.00 0.00 943.01 903.79 1457.51 1574.45 1533.60 Total Elementary Education 57471.26 57909.00 60229.01 63621.59 73896.70 74241.95 93252.23

The brief description of education programmes and schemes being implemented in Himachal Pradesh are as follows. Middle schools • During the year 2006-2007 (upto January, 2007), 4106 Middle Schools were functioning in the state. the

following incentives have been provided during the year 2006-2007. o Middle school Merit scholarship for 4 topper students of 5th class examination in each education Block of the

state @ of Rs 40/- and Rs 80/- per month for Rs 10 academic months per boy and girl respectively. o Scholarships to IRDP families children @ Rs 25/ - and Rs 50/ - per boy and girl respectively for 10 academic

months. o Pre matric scholarships for the children of those parents who are engaged in unclean occupation @ Rs 60/ - per

month along with the adhoc grant of 550/- per month. o Similar scholarships are also given to children of military personnel and children of OBC families.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) The state adopted SSA in 2001. SSA is a scheme where the 75% allocation is Centrally Sponsored and 25 % is state sponsored under the 10th plan. But as per SSA guidelines it has been proposed that the funding pattern for SSA during 2007-2012 will be 50:50 percent in place of 75:25 percent. Sports activities A budgetary provision of Rs 95.00 lakh was made for the year 2006-07 for carrying out the sports activities of children of Primary Schools at centre, Block, District and state levels. Free Text Books The state government is providing free text books to the students belonging to SC, ST, OBC & IRDP families. An expenditure of Rs 1,169.00 lakh was incurred during the year on 4, 25,250 students during the academic session 2006-07. Teachers Training To acquaint the in-service teachers with the latest techniques/teaching methods, seminar/ reorientation courses are organized in SCERT Solan, HIPA Fairlawn, Shimla/ NIEPA new Delhi/CCRT/NCERT/RIE, Ajmer. In addition to this training is being organized for principals/teachers under SAEP by the state AIDS control Society. Expansion of Sanskrit Education Efforts have been made to promote Sanskrit Education with the centrally sponsored programme. The programme award scholarship to students of High and Senior secondary schools studying Sanskrit. To modernize Sanskrit Pathshalas and grant for salary of Sanskrit lecturers teaching Sanskrit in secondary schools. Expenditure on District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Central assistance for the DIET under 7th,8th,9th,10th five year plans was provided on 100% basis. But from 11th Five Year Plan (2007-12) the said scheme will be subsumed in SSA and will be eligible for Central assistance on SSA pattern i.e 50:50. MDM Scheme Mid Day Meal scheme is being implemented in all the government and government aided Primary schools in the state. Under this scheme each student is being provided hot cooked meal on each day of the school w.e.f 1st September 2004. Handicapped scholarships The main purpose of this scheme is to encourage handicapped children for education. Scholarships are given to these children under this scheme. During 2006-2007, Rs. 41.97 lakh were allocated for this scheme and Rs 19.26 lakh were spent upto December, 2006 benefiting 943 handicapped children.

Table 12: BE and RE of Schemes and Programmes for Secondary Education in Himachal Pradesh Schemes and Programmes on Secondary Education

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

(Rs. In Lakh) BE RE BE RE BE RE BE SECONDARY EDUCATION Directorate Secondary Education 407.79 407.79 418.41 498.91 556.34 556.34 437.36 Inspectorate (Directorate) 400.09 400.09 504.09 509.02 464.83 464.83 484.76 Directorate Secondary Education 2075.00 2075.00 2000.00 3354.41 0.00 0.00 0.00 Total 2882.88 2882.88 2922.50 4362.34 1021.17 1021.17 922.12 Secondary Schools 29493.93 29093.93 29473.67 35165.85 38078.05 38078.05 38701.30 Secondary Schools 146.00 146.00 221.00 221.00 340.00 345.00 0.00 Secondary Schools 389.76 379.76 248.16 1278.36 256.34 256.14 3143.98 Secondary Schools 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

Non Government Secondary School 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 450.00 450.00 Opening of new High/Senior Secondary School 390.78 390.78 390.78 390.78 390.78 390.78 390.78 Expenditure on Sainik Schools 40.00 40.00 40.00 53.00 40.00 40.00 40.00 Total 30460.48 30050.48 30373.62 37109.00 39105.18 39559.98 42726.07 Exp. On Middles School under M.N.P. 935.65 928.65 1008.12 1052.42 1101.48 814.10 1715.34 Exp. On High School Under M.N.P. 2063.48 2063.87 2145.30 2291.01 2601.19 2529.41 2129.26 Exp. On High School Under M.N.P. 15.00 8.40 21.65 8.42 14.50 14.50 9.00 Total 3014.13 3000.92 3175.07 3351.85 3717.17 3358.01 3853.60 NCC Annual Camp. 58.68 58.68 53.73 58.73 54.40 54.40 55.45 NCC Annual Camp (other) 2.38 2.38 2.01 2.01 2.78 2.78 1.28 G.I.A.to Sports Association - National Disc. Scheme 0.04 0.04 0.04 1.69 0.04 0.04 0.04 Total 61.10 61.10 55.78 62.43 57.22 57.22 56.77 Modernisation of Sanskrit Pathshalas – GIA 0.02 0.02 0.02 108.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Modernisation of Sanskrit Pathshalas 106.45 106.45 108.23 140.10 116.96 116.96 156.78 Modernisation of Sanskrit Pathshalas 11.57 11.57 11.57 11.57 11.57 11.57 11.57 G.I.A.to non govt.Sanskrit Pathshalas 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Total 118.05 118.05 119.83 259.70 128.56 128.56 168.38 National Scholarship Scheme 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 National Scholarship Scheme 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18 Grant of Sanskrit scholarship to Sceondary Schools 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Expenditure onSainik School Scholardhip 44.00 44.00 48.00 48.00 48.00 48.00 49.00 Expenditure onSainik School Scholardhip 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Post Matric Scholarshipp For S/C&ST Students 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Scheme for Upgrdtion the Merit of SC/ST Students - NCC 253.25 253.25 254.56 267.56 285.72 285.72 298.88 Secondary EducationPre-Matric Scholarship 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.01 0.01 0.01 Secondary EducationPre-Matric Scholarship (Wel. PH Child) 14.48 14.48 14.48 14.48 22.41 22.41 22.41 Total 313.14 313.14 318.45 331.45 356.85 356.85 371.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Exp. On Providing of Drinking Water Facility in Middles Schools 15.00 9.00 26.05 16.05 2.00 2.00 4.85 Exp.onConstrution of Girls Toilet 8.74 8.74 8.92 8.92 5.85 5.85 4.46 Promotion of science education 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 100.00 300.00 Expenditure on Educational Programme 2.99 2.99 10.79 13.99 15.00 16.50 10.00 Environmental Orientation to School Education 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 3.06 Total 29.79 23.79 48.82 42.02 125.91 127.41 322.37 School Bldg. 184.50 184.50 0.00 0.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Building 43.39 43.39 63.00 63.00 50.00 50.00 0.00 Building 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 Building 119.00 119.00 179.00 179.00 100.00 157.00 0.00 Building 255.51 255.51 203.04 225.09 209.00 209.00 196.75 Total 602.41 602.41 445.05 467.10 459.00 516.00 296.75 Total Secondary Education 37481.98 37052.77 37459.12 45985.89 44971.06 45125.20 48717.07

BfC In HP- Protection Sector

As Himachal is opening up to the outside forces our children have not stayed untouched. The issues of Beggary, trafficking, child labour, paedophilia, prostitution, crime by children is no longer unheard. Everyday we are witnessing to this changing scenario, which makes us question that is our child safe? The budget allocation reflects that government has taken the changing scenario in account and priority of government is shifting towards child protection. However the priority was not visible till the 2006-07. The allocation on child protection from 2004-05 to 2006-07 reflects decline of 5 per cent but in 2007-08 the allocation has increased to 40 per cent.

BE, RE and AE in Protection Sector, BfC in HP Budget

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

Years

Rs.

in C

rore BE

RE

AE

Out of every Rs. 100 allocated to the state budget, on an average child protection has received only 7 paisa. The share of children in BfC is 44 paisa. The trend of expenditure reflects that in all years, the revised estimates are more than the budget estimates (2004-05 to 2006-07), while there is under spending in both the years for which actual expenditure figures are available. The analysis shows that the estimates were not sufficient during last 3 years and government decided to increase the allocation at revised estimates stage. This a welcome move but it would have better if the situation could have been analysed and well planned in advance, so that policy, planning and allocation of budget supplement each other.

Table 13: BE and RE of Schemes and Programmes for Protection Sector, BfC in HP Budget

Schemes and Programmes on Child Protection

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008

(Rs. In Lakh) BE RE BE RE BE RE BE

Children Home 180.01 180.01 180.27 198.85 187.92 191.42 406.54

Upliftment of children 54.50 54.50 56.50 56.50 43.50 43.50 39.50

Other voluntary organization 224.51 224.51 228.01 254.33 224.00 224.00 118.50

Expenditure on Social welfare 26.33 26.79 24.08 26.53 6.08 9.78 80.39

Total Child Protection 485.35 485.81 488.86 536.21 461.50 468.70 644.93

Average Share of Allocation on the Protection sector of BfC in Himachal Pradesh (2004-05 to 2007-08)

0.44

99.56

Protection

Other BfC

Mukhaya Mantri Bal Uddhar Yojana The three schemes running of Bal ashrams, Rehabalitation grant to the inmates of Bal/Balika Ashrams, after care services have now been reconstructed into “Mukhaya Mantri Bal Uddhar Yojana”. Under this scheme the ashrams have been restructured according to the age group of children and restricted the admission to the children from BPL families only. There have been also the establishment of specially designated institutions for providing senior education. Provisions for Higher education, professional education, carrier guidance and job orientated vocational training and rehabilitation by way of placement and self-employment have been included in the scheme.

BfC in HP - Key Findings

• On an average of 15.01 per cent (BE) of the total HP budget has been allocated to children’s programmes and schemes. • While there is an overall increase of 56 per cent (2004-05 to 2007-08) in the HP Budget, BfC in the HP Budget has shown an

increase 51.88 per cent in the same period. • More importantly, BfC (in per cent) has declined from 15.89 per cent in 2004-05 to 15.43 per cent in 2007-08.

Against the allocation of 15.89 in BE stage, it has gone down to 14 per cent at RE stage and 10.03 per cent at AE stage in 2004-05 and in 2005-06 BE was 14.25, RE was 13.01 and AE declined to 12.99 per cent.

• BfC constitutes, an average of 49 per cent (2004-05 to 2007-08) of social sector allocation. Therefore any change in social sector allocation or expenditure affects BfC. In this context it is important to note that, in 2004-05, the actual expenditure on social sector programmes is only 22.44 per cent against the promised 33.11 per cent, which is an under spending of 32 percent.

• More than 95 per cent of the BfC is for education. In contrast to health sector received 0.05 per cent, development 4.21 and protection 0.44 per cent during 2004-05 to 2007-08

Development

• The development sector of BfC has received 0.63 per cent on an average of total state budget during 2004-05 to 2007-08. • Development sector in BfC is the only sector which has shown an increase in allocation between 2004-05 to 2006-07 • Almost 99 per cent of the total allocation on child development is for the ICDS schemes. The budget for ICDS has

declined by 2.25 per cent in 2007-08 over the budget of 2006-07. It is clear that the government will not be able to realise its promise made for establishing 10894 additional Anganwari centres in state.

Health

• On an average only 0.07 per cent of the total state budget and 0.5 per cent has been allocated for child health during

2004-05 to 2007-08. The allocation in 2005-06 and 2006-07 was less than what was allocated in 2004-05. • If we take in account to the allocation made for the programmes which are not reflected in the budget document (see

Table 9), then the share of child health is 0.37 per cent to 0.42 per cent of total state budget. This also shows a decline in 2007-08.

• This fall in allocation clearly reflects a dilution of government’s commitment. Education

• The government of HP has allocated an average of 14.3 per cent of total state budget towards education (elementary and secondary). The average allocation to education within BfC is 95.3 per cent during 2004-05 to 2007-08

• On an average elementary education have received 63 per cent while secondary education 37 per cent (2004-05 to 2007-08) of total education sector budget.

• Budget has increased to 62 per cent for elementary education while 30 per cent for elementary education during this period.

• Mid Day Meal which has surprisingly declined from the revised estimates stage in 2007-08. Protection

• Out of every Rs 100 allocated to the state budget, on an average protection sector has received only 7 paisa. Within the BfC, protection sector has received 44 paisa

• The allocation on the protection from 2004-05 to 2006-07 reflects decline of 5 per cent. However, in 2007-08 the allocation has increased to 40 per cent.

• The analysis shows that the estimates were not sufficient during last 3 years and government decide d to increase the allocation at revised estimates stage. The sudden increase of 40 per cent in 2007 -08 seems an initiative to fill this gap.

*************

ABOUT US Himachal Pradesh Voluntary Health Association (HPVHA), Shimla Himachal Pradesh Voluntary Health Association (HPVHA) is a state chapter of Voluntary Health Association of India, Delhi and is a network of more than 60 NGO’s engaged in health and development activities all over the State. HPVHA is working on the various issues and concerns of the health since 1987. HPVHA is a registered non- – profit-making society having a secular constitution which aims at improving the health of the people irrespective of the caste, creed, sex and religion. It assists in making health a reality for the people of Himachal Pradesh with their involvement and participation. The organization works in the field of community health and helps the grass root level member voluntary organizations to plan, implement and evaluate their development programmes. Another important role that the organization performs is liasoning for the grass root non-profit organizations with the State Govt., the Central Govt. and the International Agencies. The organization is committed to promote Social Justice in the provision and distribution of health services in Himachal Pradesh. Presently HPVHA is involved in health related projects such as Women & Reproductive Health, Promotion of cultivation and conservation of the medicinal plants, Prevention and Control of STD / HIV /AIDS, Disability, Reproductive & child health, Training / Capacity building of NGOs Advocacy and Information Dissemination, Conducting Studies and Surveys, Research and Development. HAQ: Centre for Child Rights, New Delhi

HAQ: Centre for Child Rights works towards the recognition, promotion and protection of rights of all children. It aims to look at the child in an integrated manner within the framework of the Constitution of India, and the Convention of the Rights of the Child, which India ratified in 1992, and contribute to the building of an environment where every child’s rights are recognised and promoted without discrimination. At HAQ we believe that child rights and children’s concerns have to be mainstreamed into all developmental planning and action, and must also become a core developmental indicator.

To carry forward its mandate HAQ undertakes research and documentation. It is actively engaged in public education and advocacy on children’s rights. It also seeks to serve as a resource and support base for individuals and groups dealing with children at every level. It not only provides information and referral

service but also training and capacity building of all those working with children or on issues concerning them, and the children themselves.

Over the last nine years HAQ has been working on areas children and governance, violence and abuse of children, child trafficking and juvenile justice. HAQ provides of legal support to children in need, particularly those who are victims of abuse or are in conflict with law. Besides developing skills for quick and incisive scanning of policy documents, commenting on them, creating database through documentation and research, this has necessitated working with existing networks, building of alliances, building partnership with other actors/stakeholders such as the bureaucrats, parliamentarians, judges and lawyers, police and media.