X - Department of Planning Plan2008-09/Write up... · Web viewPresidency College is the first college in West Bengal declared as a college with potential for excellence by UGC. Three

Chapter – Ten : Social Services

X. SOCIAL SERVICES

10.1 GENERAL EDUCATION

10.1.1 Programme of the Higher Education DepartmentDuring the 11th Plan period efforts would be made to ensure a balanced growth in higher education facilities. Special emphasis was given to extend these facilities to relatively backward and remote areas and bring more and more students belonging to scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, other backward classes and minorities within our higher education system. Another important area of special emphasis is to bridge the gender gap so far as the enrolment of female students and their empowerment are concerned.

The priority areas during 2008-09 Efforts will be made to increase enrolment by extending the facilities of Distance Education and setting up of new degree colleges in economically backward areas. One or two colleges offering B.E./B.Tech. degrees may be set up exclusively for girl students. Priority will be given to establishment of new and strengthening of existing colleges offering technical and professional courses in private-public partnership. Development and extension of infrastructural facilities and recreational opportunities would be accorded priority following the guidelines of NAAC.

UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONThere are 15 universities in West Bengal out of which 10 universities come under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Higher Education.

Calcutta University celebrated its 150th year during 2005-2006; UGC awarded this University the status of “a University with potential for excellence”. It has introduced P.G.Diploma courses in Media Studies – Film & Television, Sports & Communication Management, Psychological Management and Counseling, Medical Instrumentation and Applied Economics and Information Management.

Jadavpur University has set up a new Department viz. “Department of Applied Optics and Phonetics”.

MOU has been signed for Indo-Italian Academic collaboration jointly by Calcutta University, Jadavpur University and Rabindra Bharati University with four reputed Italian Universities.

Burdwan University (Bengali Department) has earned the distinction of “Centre of Advanced Studies” (CAS) of U.G.C. This is the only such centre in India.

North Bengal University has signed an MOU with Bashkir State Pedagogical University, Russia.

West Bengal University of Technology has introduced M.Tech. in Bio-Informatics in collaboration with Jadavpur University.

Ramkrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute has been established as a private self-financing “deemed to be University”.

Netaji Subhas Open University has extended its activities in different areas of studies.

129


COLLEGE EDUCATIONPresidency College is the first college in West Bengal declared as a college with potential for excellence by UGC. Three other colleges have also received such distinction. Two hundred and twenty five years old Calcutta Madrasah College has been given the status of a college, at par with other general degree colleges.

Rate of remuneration of the part-time teachers has been increased to Rs.4,000/- per month.

1000 new teaching posts have been created for the non-Govt. general degree and training colleges under Pay Packet scheme. Nine new degree colleges have been approved with provision for full financial assistance under Pay Packet scheme. Colleges have also been approved to be established on self-financing basis.

Out of the 375 general degree colleges 106 colleges have been so far accredited by NAAC.

SOCIAL EDUCATION AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENTThe Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata is devoted to advanced academic research in different areas of Social Sciences. The institute is also committed to dissemination of its research findings through workshops, seminars, publications etc. A plot of land has been allotted to the institute at Salt Lake for construction of its own buildings. Plots of land have been allotted to, Ramkrishna Mission, Belur Math for establishing a new self financing deemed to be University, R.K.Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute”, and to Sri Sitaram Vaidic Adarsha Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya for shifting their existing college.

STATE ARCHIVESWest Bengal State Archive continues its activities in the field of preservation of old valuable records. It took initiatives for making a documentary film and bringing out publications on selected documents from the records relating to the anti-partition movement. It also organised exhibition on anti-partition movement in Bengal in collaboration with Asiatic Society, Kolkata and Bangiya Sahitya Parishad.

WEST BENGAL DISTRICT GAZETTEERSThe State Editor, District Gazetteers has been engaged in (i) publication and completion of Gazetteers in English, (ii) reprint of old Gazetteers and statistical account and rare documents of importance, (iii) Publication of District Gazetteers in Bengali. They have published two publications i.e. (i) Rivers of Bengal – Vol. IV and (ii) Revenue history of Sunderbans – Part II.

N.S.S.During 2006-2007 sufficient amount of fund has been released for organising various N.S.S. activities in State. N.S.S. activities in the State are being conducted in 270 colleges and a large nuber of institutions under H.S. Council of the State. The enrolment strength of the N.S.S. volunteers in the State during 2006-2007 wais 77,880.

SPORTS & YOUTH SERVICES

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONFacilities 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. With this view sufficient fund has been provided to Government and Non-Govt. Colleges and Universities like

130


previous years. “Inter-Govt. Colleges Athletic Meet” and Football Championship” and “Football Tournament and Athletic Meet” for the student of Non-Government colleges have also been organised with financial assistance of Higher Education Department.

10.1.2 Programme of the Mass Education DepartmentThe Mass Education Extension Department has under its control the following major sections:-

1) Social Welfare Homes;2) Education for the Handicapped;3) Continuing Education Programme;4) Audio Visual Education;5) Scholarships to the Handicapped Students;6) Adult High Schools;7) Strengthening of Administrative Structure; Social Welfare HomesThe Mass Education Extension Department has under its administrative control 11 State Welfare Homes, One sponsored Welfare Home, 35 Aided Welfare Homes (all for boys & girls) and 5 Aided Welfare Homes for the destitute women i. e. a total of 52 Social Welfare Homes. The purpose of Welfare Homes is to provide social security and education to its inmates who come form the deprived section of the Society and who are unable to arrange for their minimum basic needs. In the homes for boys and girls, education is imparted to the inmates upto Madhyamik level and an inmate is allowed to stay at homes upto his / her attaining 18 years of age or Madhyamik pass whichever is earlier. In the Annual Plan 2007-08 an amount of Rs. 400 lac had been proposed for the expenditure under this Section. It has also been decided to open one new State Welfare Home, one new Aided Welfare Home during the year 2008-09. The proposed fund will also be used for maintenance of inmates of 52 existing homes as well as the new ones also for repair / renovation of the buildings of Social Welfare Homes.

Education for the HandicappedThere are 128 institutions for the physically challenged students such as visually impaired, hearing impaired, mentally retarded and students with multiple disabilities for whom special education is provided to those institutions. It has been decided to sponsor four new institutions. Fund will also be spent for renovation of the buildings, purchase the furniture/equipments, organize felicitations programme for the students who excel in Madhyamik/ Higher Secondary Examinations, to organize Annual Sports, rehabilitation congress etc.

Continuing Education Programme At present, 17 out of 19 districts in West Bengal are implementing Continuing Education Programme-the last phase of literacy programmes formulated by the National Literacy Mission Authority.Moreover, project for eradication of residual illiteracy (PRI), has also been started in 8 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. The fund provided for literacy programmes and the allied activities like organization of Annual Sports and Cultural meet for the learners and neo-literates of such programmes, observance of International Literacy Day at the State and District levels.

131


Audio-Visual Education There is one Audio-Visual Unit at the State Level and ten aided units in different districts of the state. Such Audio-Visual units provide necessary support for the environment, building for the literacy programmes through film shows on social issues, organization of exhibition etc.

Scholarship to the handicapped students On an average around 3000 handicapped students from class IX onwards are awarded scholarships every year.

Adult High SchoolsThe Adult High Schools provide facilities to the Adult learners upto Madhyamik level. Such Adult High schools are normally located in the premises of the recognised high schools and thereby utilizing the available infrastructure. Under this Section we have proposed a fund of Rs. 8 lac for expenditure.

Library ServicesIntroductionThe following programmes will be taken up by this Department in the Annual Plan 2008-09.a) Continuation of the schemes and programmes taken up during the 10th five year plan

period;b) Strengthening of the thrust areas as indicated by the Planning Commission:c) Strengthening of Human Development initiatives.

2. Ongoing Schemes2.1 Special grant to Govt. and Govt. Sponsored Public Libraries towards construction of

buildings for Public Libraries, book and furniture and contingency grant as per special requirement (beside usual recurring grant).

2.2 Creation of posts in District Libraries, State Central Library, offices of the District Library officers and This Department.

2.3 Creation of Community Library Cum Information Centres in those Gram Panchayat areas, where no Public Library is there.

2.4 Preservation of rare books and manuscripts in Public Libraries.2.5 Capital expenditure for construction and expansion of buildings of Govt. Libraries.2.6 Implementation of matching schemes of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (an

autonomous body established by Govt. of India for the benefit of Public Libraries). These include

a) modernization of Public Libraries, b) building grant, c) purchase of books and furniture for public libraries, d) mobile library services, e) organization of training seminars, book fairs, f) special grant for children, women, senior citizen, g) grant for audio-visual materials etc.

2.7 Special grant for Public Libraries situated in areas mostly populated with Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe people.

132


3. Strengthening of the thrust areas as indicated by the Planning Commission3.1 This Department is to monitor, supervise and strengthen the Public Library System of the State in the jurisdiction of West Bengal Public Libraries Act, 1979 (as amended from time to time) under Mass Education Extension Department. The goal of the Department is to improve the service delivery to the mass both in terms of quality and quantity. To attain this goal, following three areas have been indicated: a) To improve the quality of the existing services of different categories of Libraries;b) To continue development of infrastructures of the Libraries. c) To provide information to people related to their lives and livelihood.

3.2 SCP, TSP, Women and Children components The following measures will be taken for more effective services during the financial year 2008-09:a) Identification of Public Libraries in backward areas and providing special grants towards improvement of infrastructure of those Public Libraries and providing special services. b) Identification of scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, female readers and readers of economically weak status and providing special services to them according to their need for better upliftment of their lives. Also, special drive will be taken for increasing three types of readers as above.c) The Section for Children in Govt. and Govt. Sponsored Library will be strengthened.

Measures to be taken for Human DevelopmentThe following programmes will be taken towards Human Development:

(a)Every Public Library will be entrusted with the work of providing, i. information services to people relating to their lives and livelihoods,

ii. services to neo literates towards upholding their newly gained literacy and, iii. to render services to school children by encouraging their reading habits by providing

books for home-lending and reference books to the school children.

(b) For the purpose of providing information the Electronic Information Kiosk in State Central Library (the apex Library of the State) will be constantly updated. Also by installing a Terabyte Server and through the website of the Directorate every District Library (26 in number) will be provided with the information relating to the lives and livelihoods of the people and bibliographic information. Also Librarians will be trained up in this respect. 10.1.3 Programme of School Education DepartmentDemographical featuresWest Bengal occupies 4th position among the States in India with a projected population of 877.17 lakh as on 2007 with 51.70 % male 47.30% female. 73% of the total population lives in rural areas.

SC and ST population constitute 23.62% and 5.59% respectively. The population density is 9.88 per Sq. Km.

Literacy Status of the State as per 2001 Census

Male 77.58%Female 60.22%

133


The literacy rate in the State has improved as the NER (Net enrolment ratio) has increased to 98.85% at the Primary level and to 74.60% at the Upper Primary level.

Academic Scenario:a) No. of Schools:

b) Age group population in lakh:

Age Group 5+ to 8+ 9+ to 12+ 13+ to 14+ 15+ to 16+Boys 51.73 48.28 14.38 12.29Girls 47.26 44.70 13.33 11.38Total 98.99 92.98 27.71 23.67

c) Stage-wise Gross enrolment in lakh:

Age Group Class I-IV Class V-VIII Class IX-X Class XI-XIIBoys 54.62 39.60 9.92 5.98Girls 50.27 37.57 8.78 4.83Total 104.89 77.17 18.70 10.81

d) Stage-wise Net enrolment in lakh:

Age Group Class I-IV Class V-VIII Class IX-X Class XI-XIIBoys 50.64 37.23 9.89 5.40Girls 46.40 35.98 8.68 5.27Total 97.04 73.21 18.57 10.67

e) Stage-wise Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER):

Class PercentageI-IV 105.96V-VIII 83.00IX-X 67.48XI-XII 45.67

Primary 49986Jr. High 1582Secondary 4326Higher Secondary 3770PTTI 138DIET 16SSK 16054SSP 1066NGO run EGS Centre 352Bridge Course Centre 2146Open School (RMV) Centre 1489MSK 1752

134


f) Stage-wise Net Enrolment Ratio (NER):

Class PercentageI-IV 98.03V-VIII 78.74IX-X 67.02XI-XII 45.08

Strategies of the School Education Department in order to Universalize the School Education from Primary to H.S. level are as follows :-

Towards ensuring Rights to Education Universal access. To ensure universalisation of elementary education and secondary education for all age

group children. To ensure enrolment at the higher secondary level of all students who pass secondary level. To ensure enrolment of the 100% girls students specially the girls coming from backward,

reserved and minority communities. Increase the number of lady teachers in Primary & Upper Primary Schools. To reduce drop out rates by improving retention rate. To ensure separate toilets for girls and boys. To ensure drinking water facility and water for other use. To ensure quality of education with the help of teaching, learning materials and aids. Recruitment of trained teachers and arrangement for training of all the existing teachers. To ensure proper training of teachers in regard to child centric and participative teaching. To ensure 40:1 pupil-teacher ratio at elementary level. Computer Education through ICT@ School scheme. To expand the intake capacity of the schools by providing additional class room in the

existing schools. Infrastructural Development of schools. To equip all the Secondary, Higher Secondary Schools with Library and Laboratory. To make all out efforts to eliminate existing social and gender gaps and to increase

enrolment of girl students specially from the backward and minority community.

Proposed Plan of action for the year 2008-09:

Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA): The main objectives of SSA under PBSSM are as mentioned below :

1. The children of 5+ -13+ years age group not enrolled in any school or any alternative system will be enrolled. Number of out of school children comprising never enrolled and dropouts of the said age group as per child census as on 01.10.2007 was 7,05,723.

2. Necessary steps will be taken to reduce this figure. New primary schools will be set up in the mapped out unschooled areas.

3. Increase of annual enrolment for the age group 5+ - 13+ is 7.7%. As per the report of the NUEPA, drop out rate in average primary grades (I-V) was 11.55%. As per the trend, a decline of 5% in the drop out rate is expected during the plan period of 2008-09.

135


4. In moving towards UEE, reducing out of school children and increase of enrolment, construction of 78.91% class rooms has been taken up against sanctioned target, 80.64% of para teachers were appointed against sanctioned post, 77.69% of children have been enrolled in EGS/AS in comparison to target.

5. To reduce existing gender and social gaps 46863 Mother Teacher Associations have been formed. 28.71% of female teachers have been serving the school system. Steps have been taken to form MTA in all schools and to recruit female teachers.

6. Provision of quality inputs to improve learning PTR has been reduced to 43.59 in Elementary Education. 87.03% of in-service teachers have been trained keeping pace with modern system of teaching – learning process. Training of 2,73,536 in service teachers for 10 days has been proposed in 2008-09 with different modules.

7. Civil works as on 31.08.2007 in regard to cumulative physical target are that 65.84% New School Building, 58.41% Additional Class-Rooms, 78.66% of Drinking Water, 85.33% of Toilet, 71.88% of Boundary Wall, 14.54% of Cluster Resource Centres, 98.62% of Circle Resource Centres have been completed and the rest are expected to be completed by December, 2007. During 2008-09, it has been proposed to construct 29603 units of ACRs in Primary level and 77798 units of ACRs in Secondary level.

8. 44,955 VECs (Village Education Committees) and 2696 WECs have been framed in 341 blocks and 127 Municipalities respectively. All the VECs have been framed and rest (2837 – 2696) i.e. 141 WECs will be formed during the plan period 2008-09.

9. 19,362 para teachers (out of 25,782 sanctioned posts in Primary level) and 34,540 (out of 37,006 sanctioned posts in Upper Primary level) have been engaged and the rest will be engaged shortly.

10. Under EGS, SSKs of the P & RD Deptt. at Primary level are operating 16,054 centres with 14,88,107 learners, SSP of the Municipal affairs deptt. at primary level are operating 1067 centres with 73,793 learners. NGOs operate 269 centres with 7,013 learners and 538 DUC. Centres with 29,686 learners. There are 2754 Bridge Course Centres (Primary) with 71,084 students, 1198 (U/P) Bridge course centers with 22,863 students. 1752 MSKs operated by P & RD Deptt. with 2,85,006 students.

11. NPEGEL : Total clusters covered in 59 educationally backward Blocks (covering 11 districts) is 1064. 344 cluster Co-ordinators have been engaged. Orientation of 2436 Head of the Institutions including Asst. teachers have been accomplished. The programme will continue in 2008-09.

12. KGBV (Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya): Under the scheme 46 hostels are operational with enrolment 2018 (491 – SC, 592-ST, 156-OBC, 157-Minority Communities and 105 belong to BPL). 37 Hostel buildings have been completed and 13 are in progress. 22 more KGBVs have been proposed in areas predominantly occupied by minority population. The programme will continue in 2008-09.

13. IED : 1,63,342 out of 1,91,444 identified children with special needs (CWSN) have been enrolled. 34,707 no. of aids and appliances have been provided, 46,421 no. of ramps have been constructed. 1,40,343 no. of CWSN have been benefited with IEDC scheme. 709 no. of special educators are working under 196 DLRO units to provide resource support. 1,48,117 no. of teachers have been trained on IED issues. The programme will continue in 2008-09.

136


Nationalised Text Books: About 6.42 crore of Text-books consisting of 150 titles and comprising eight languages: viz Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Santhali, Arabic, Oriya and Telegu have been distributed free of cost among the students reading in Classes I to V on 3rd May, 2007 for the academic session 2007-08. In the ensuing academic session, the number of titles may increase to 161 so that 6.6 Crore text books will be distributed free of cost amongst the students within 6 th May 2008. Santhali Language (Olchiki Script) Books would be provided to all the students (Class I-V) studying in this language.

The proposed plan outlay for ‘General Education’ during 2008-09 is Rs.72510.60 Lakh.

10.2 TECHNICAL EDUCATION

10.2.1 Programme of the Higher Education DepartmentThe West Bengal University of Technology, established at the end of the 9th Plan period has come into shape within a span of few years. In addition to performing its role as the Coordinating University for the majority of the engineering and professional colleges in our State, it has been able to initiate its own Post Graduate Programme in Biotechnology, Information Technology, Software Engineering, and Integrated Ph.D Programmes etc. The erstwhile Bengal Engineering College, Shibpur, which had been accorded a Deemed University, status has been upgraded to a full-fledged University, renamed as Bengal Engineering and Science University. A new institution, Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata has also been set up. Several new and emerging subjects, like Biotechnology, Microbiology, Computer Science etc. have been introduced in several colleges, some of them situated in remote areas. Special emphasis has been given to reorient and expand the Career Oriented prograrnrnes in the colleges and to establish closer link between the Universities / Colleges with the community at large. Special efforts have also been made for transferring technology from the laboratory to the grass root level and to forge a meaningful partnership between Academician and the Industry.

Two new Engineering & Technical Colleges have been set up on self-financing basis, one Engineering and the other for Pharmaceutical Technology. Besides that, Pharmaceutical Technological Course has been introduced in two more colleges. Total number of Engineering & Technological Institutes in the State is now 54. Eleven courses in 6 Government Engineering and Technical Colleges and 12 courses in 4 self-financing colleges have been accredited by the National Board of Accreditation, New Delhi.

A P.G. Course in Leather Technology (M.Tech.) has been introduced in Government College of Engineering & Leather Technology – the second such college in India.

Under Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP), lifetime allocation under the Project, as approved by GOI is Rs.154.80 crore, to be utilized over a period of 4 years ending in 2008.

10.2.2 Programme of the Technical Education & Training DepartmentThe Technical Education and Training Department is entrusted with the responsibility of imparting Technical Education at Diploma level through 47 Polytechnics (including 9 private polytechnics), Craftsman Training through 31 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), 20 Government sponsored Industrial Training Centres (ITCs ) and 22 Private Industrial Trg. Institutes and conducting Vocational Education and Training ( VE & T) programme through Vocational Training Centres under the affiliation of West Bengal State Council of Vocational Education and Training. 1535 number of centres have so far been affiliated by the council out of which 1267 centres have

137


started their academic activities and financial assistance is being extended to these institutions out of State Plan fund.

Specific priority areas in each sector are given below:-Polytechnic Education:

Expansion of Polytechnic Education by opening new Polytechnics. Following the guideline of planning commission, new polytechnics are to be set up under Public Private partnership (PPP). Steps are to be taken to evolve the model of PPP and also to attract private entrepreneurs in setting up of polytechnics;

Augmentation of intake capacity in various streams in the existing polytechnics in keeping with the local/market demand. Steps are being taken to increase intake in 10 polytechnics by a total number of 350 during the next academic year;

Introduction of new disciplines in 8 existing polytechnics is under active consideration which is likely to increase the intake capacity by 350 during 2008-09 academic session;

In every polytechnic of the State Training and Placement cell has been developed fortracer study of the polytechnic pass out students and also for career guidance and entrepreneurshipdevelopment. Steps are to be taken for strengthening those cells;

Emphasis is being laid for upgradation of laboratories, workshops and libraries of theexisting polytechnics.

Vocational Education A Vocational Education and Training Directorate alongiwth district level set up in 19

districts of West Bengal will beset up for effective implementation of V.E. &T Programme in the State.

Mechanism for proper monitoring system should be evolved to ensure quality of V E & Tprogramme.

Industrial Training institutes (ITIs) and Industrial Trg. Centres ( ITCs ) Replacement of old and obsolete machinery and special repairing of dilapidated/damaged

workshops, buildings; Infrastructure facilities and functions of ITCs are to be improved so that they can function at

par with ITIs ; New trade units to be upgraded by diversifying obsolete/unpopular/less popular trades; Restructuring of State Council of Vocational Training (SCVT) for making it an autonomous

body; Following guideline of Govt. of India Ills in W.B are being upgraded into "Centres of

Excellence". New ITIs are to be set up in uncovered areas to extend the scope of technical Education to the people of those areas.

Training and placement cell already set up in the ITIs are to be strengthened.

The proposed plan outlay for ‘Technical Education’ during 2008-09 is Rs. 13446.70 Lakh.

10.3 SPORTS

10.3.1 Programme of the Higher Education Department

Physical EducationAs a part of all round development of the students, facilities of Physical Education are being extended in different colleges of the State. With this view sufficient fund is being provided to non-

138


Government and Government Colleges to enable them to motivate larger number of students to enrol under physical education. ‘Inter Govt. College Athletic Meet’ and ‘Football Championship’ have also been organized by the Higher Education Department.

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. The programme will continue in 2008-09.

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.

Development of Kshudiram Stadium and Ranji Stadium During the Annual Plan period, thorough renovation of Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra is likely to be taken up.

Expansion of Sports & Games for women As a part of the gender component under the 11th Five Year Plan funding support is proposed for participation of women in sports and games. Women organizations and individuals will be assisted from this fund. To increase participation of more and more women in sports and games, allocation under this scheme may considerably be increased during the 11th. Five Year Plan period.

The proposed plan outlay for ‘Sports’ during 2008-09 is Rs. 3638.00 Lakh.

10.4 YOUTH SERVICES10.4.1 Programme of the Youth Services DepartmentThe Youth Services Deptt 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.

The following schemes would be continued during 2008-09.

Youth Computer Training Centers: 39 new YCTC have been set up during the year 2006-2007 making the total of such centers to 135. Apart from imparting training on computer & IT education, both software and hardware, a good amount of revenue is collected from these YCTC for the Government.

Vocational Training Centers5 no of V.T.C have been set up during the year 2006-2007 making the total of such centers to 15. Financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 5 lac were spent for smooth implementation of the courses.

139


New proposals for organizing training for physical fitness, for entry into Police/Defence/Para-military Services are under process along with training for Motor Driving, Repairing & Maintenance of Automobiles, Tractors etc.

Youth Hostels17 youth hostels are running including one each at Chennai and Rajgir. An amount of 45 lac has been released earlier in favour of WB Forest Dev.Corpn for construction of new Youth Hostel at Madarihat, Jalpaiguri. Proposal for extension of Bolpur Youth Hostel and proposals for construction of new Youth Hostels, inside & outside of the State, are under consideration of the Deptt.

Youth FestivalThis is the largest cultural initiative of WB organized in a regular manner. The West Bengal State Students & Youth Festival, 2006 was successfully organized. A State Level Festival was also held at Tamluk, Purba Medinipur. About 6 to 7 lac student/youths participated in various competitive events including Quiz on HIV/AIDS followed by cultural programmes. The World AIDS Day was observed on 1st December’06 as a part of the student/youth festival. In the 12th National Student Youth Festival held at Pune during 12th to 16th January’07, our State participated and scored highest position securing 6 Medals (Gold-4, Silver-1 & Bronze-1) in 6 events.

Promotion of Mountaineering and Adventure SportsThe West Bengal Mountaineering & Adventure Sports Foundation has been formed. The said body will organize mountaineering and adventure activities for which necessary provision has been made during 2008-2009.

Promotion of Science Club ActivitiesGrants are sanctioned to BITM, Kolkata, District Science Centers at Purulia, Burdwan and Siliguri and other districts, Youth offices for organizing Science Fairs & Science Seminars etc. Necessary fund has been provided in the year 2008-09 for the said purpose.

Grants to N.G.OsGrants are sanctioned to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, Sea-Explorer’s Institute, Kolkata, Bharat Scouts & Guides etc. from the State budget. For Golden Jubilee Celebration of H.M.I, special grant was also released.

Aid to Coaching CentersProposals are under consideration for giving financial assistance to Centers to impart training for the W.B.C.S & I.A.S coaching. Fund has been proposed in the Annual plan 2008-09.

Reward for BraveryA new scheme is being taken up during 2008-09.

Observance of days of National & International importanceA new scheme is being taken up during 2008-09.

The proposed plan outlay for ‘Youth Services’ during 2008-09 is Rs. 1400.00 Lakh.

10.5 ART & CULTURE

10.5.1 Programme of the Higher Education Department.Museum The Netaji Museum and Centre for studies in Himalayan Languages, Society & Culture that was established at the acquired house of Netaji’s family at Kurseong has been fully renovated. A

140


pictorial gallery on Netaji’s life, freedom movement and role of INA has been set up there with the assistance of the India Museum. J B N S T S which is an aided institution of this department has been sanctioned a grant towards construction of its own building.

Gavesana KendraBankim Bhavan Gavesana Kendra, which is assisted by this Department has undertaken the work of restoration of the Bankim Chandra’s ancestral house at Naihati with a grant from the central Govternment. Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata, a newly established centre for excellence in social science has already organised 3 international seminars on very topical subjects and has published 4 research papers.

State ArchivesThe West Bengal State Archives continues its activities in the field of preservation of old valuable records. Preliminary work for the digitalisation of Reference media and publication of select documents are two major projects undertaken by the State Archives. The State Archives haspublished the first issue of its journal “The State Archives Review” and also a volume containing select documents on Midnapore, 1788-1952.

A permanent photo gallery with exhibits of important milestones of Indian Freedom Struggle during the period 1905-1945 is maintained in the State Archives Buildings at 43, Shakespeare Sarani.

A project under Central Assistance Scheme “Digitalisation of reference media of records” is likely to be implemented shortly. Installation of a Digital Imaging Unit is going to be made soon.

10.5.2 Programme of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department

Culture The 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.

141


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.

Proposal for New Schemes Setting up of one folk museum at Jhargam; Setting up of one Shishu Kishor Akademy in Kolkata for cultural development of the

children; Setting up of theatres at different schools in West Bengal under the scheme of “Theatre in

Education”;

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 documentationiii) 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 proposed to be taken up.

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.

142


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.

The proposed plan outlay for ‘Art & Culture’ during 2008-09 is Rs. 2624.47 Lakh.

10.6 MEDICAL & PUBLIC HEALTH

10.6.1 Programme of the Municipal Affairs DepartmentComprehensive Strategy for Better HealthCommunity Based Health Care Services is one of the priority areas, where attention is given by the Urban Local Bodies in close collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare Department. A Community Based Primary Health Care Services has been taken up in 63 urban local bodies covering 34 Lakh urban population which includes 11.23 Lakh BPL population. In other Urban Local Bodies normal health programmes under various schemes are in vogue to provide primary health care services with facilities of OPD, Maternity Home, Health Posts and Honorary Health Workers and also with the facility of referral system to the nearest State Government Hospitals.

10.6.2 Programme of the Labour DepartmentInprovement of ESI (MB) Scheme

The Scheme comprises Extension of E.S.I. Scheme to Siliguri, Kharagpur, Murshidabad and other areas. Furtther expansion of the Scheme at Haldia, Durgapur, Singur, Ranigunj, Burnpur, Polba. Opening of 10 Service Dispensaries. Upgradation of Service Dispensaries (by providing Specialists’’ Service and X-ray

arrangement at remote places from Hospitals) To strengthen office of the A.M.O. and C.M.O S. by creation of posts. Improvement of drug storage method and inventory control method. Arrangement of Computer Net work for proper management of I.P. Cards and medical

records on Hospital, A.M.O.’s office and Directorate. Besides, installation of connectivity with E.S.I. Corporation and all 13 E.S.I. hospitals and other offices, providing Internet and Facilities, purchase of office equipment etc.

Opening of a Law Cell with creation of required post. Other Cell should be strengthened by providing addl. Staff for tiding over the increased load of work.

143


HOSPITAL COST FOR THE INSURED WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

This Scheme includes the following Sub-schemes: Switch over from Health norm to E.S.I. norm for all the remaining E.S.I. Hospitals. Increase in of beds in the E.S.I. Hospital. Construction of an Annex building at Belur E.S.I. Hospital; setting up T.B. Unit on 2nd

floor at E.S.I. Hospital at Baltikuri. Modernised kitchen and mechanized laundry in all Hospitals. Setting up Blood bank, Upgradation of Pathological laboratory and purchase of

sophisticated machineries(purchase of O.T. machine, C.T. Scan, MRI and E.E.G. etc). Setting up of 15 bedded I.T.U and 6 bedded I.C.C.U. Setting up of Oncology deptt. for cancer with Nuclear medicine deptt. Creation of posts. Opening of Dialysis Unit, up gradation of physiotherapy.

IMPROVEMENT OF NURSES TRAINING CENTRE AT MANICKTALATo ensure continuous availability for qualified Nurses for the E.S.I.(M.B) Scheme, a Nurses Training Centre for General Nurses Midwifery Training (GNM) diploma course was opened in the E.S.I. Hospital, Manicktala in 1984. For the above training, construction of an independent building has already been completed. It is proposed to upgrade the Nurses’ Training College from the existing training centre into a college of Nursing with the approval of Indian Nursing Council so that this college may run three years’ Degree Course under the auspices of West Bengal University of Medical Sciences. A few posts of Vice-Principal and other faculty members are required to be created along with purchase of furniture and equipments.

STRENGTHENING OF THE FLEET OF VEHICLES UNDER THE ESI(MB) SCHEME a) Acquisition of at least two more ambulances for each E.S.I. Hospitals.b) Replacement of old ones already condemned.c) Purchase of one small car for each hospital for administrative purposes.

COST OF EQUIPMENTS USED IN E.S.I. HOSPITALS A Super Speciality hospital with multidisciplinary facilities is proposed to be set up. For this purpose high cost sophisticated medical equipments are to be procured. To upgrade the present status of 13 E.S.I. hospitals and dispensaries, medical equipments and infrastructure are proposed to be upgraded.

EXPENDITURE ON INSURED PEROSNS FOR THE AREAS WHERE ESI SCHEME FACILITIES HAVE NEWLY BEEN IMPLEMENTED

For meeting the diverse health needs of the insured persons the following Schemes are likely to be undertaken during the Plan period.

1) Promotion and development of ISM facilities including Ayurveda and Homoeopathy in the existing E.S.I. hospitals and dispensaries in W.B.

2) Setting up of new hospitals in newly implemented areas like Siliguri and Haldia to meet the demand of the beneficiaries to be covered under the Scheme.

144


3) Extension of the facilities to cover the unorganized sectors like bidi workers, workers of the co-operatives, transport workers etc.

4) It is proposed to bring all the E.S.I. hospitals, dispensaries, central medical store, Office of the A.M.O. under local area network with the Directorate of E.S.I. with a centralized Data Processing Centre and development of Customized Software for all the institution for better and efficient administration keeping E-Governance in mind.

10.6.3 Programme of the Health & Family Welfare DepartmentThe mission of Government of West Bengal is to improve health status of all the people of West Bengal, especially, the poorest and those in greatest need. To achieve this goal the Department of Health & Family Welfare has initiated a Health Sector Reform Programme to upgrade physical infrastructure in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. Panchayati Raj Institutions have also been involved in health matter. Public Private Partnership Policy has been adopted to consolidate the strength of public sector as well as private sector. Government of West Bengal has arranged for financial and technical support from external development partners in addition to support from the State Budget and National Programmes.

Primary Health CareThe Department has now focused its attention in improving primary health sector by channelizing adequate financial and manpower resources for making the health services more accessible and affordable to the rural poor.

a) RuralThe rural infrastructure consists of a network of 10,356 Sub-Centres, 922 Primary Health Centres or PHCs (having 5247 beds) 251 Block Primary Health Centres or BPHCs (having 4699 beds), 95 Rural Hospitals (having 3418 beds).

Re-organisation & constructions of Sub-CentresSHCs are the cutting edge of primary health care services. A policy decision has been taken to integrate the primary health services with the Panchayats at the ground level. As part of this effort the boundaries of the sub-centres have been realigned so that no SC has any area falling into more than one G.P. area. In the second stage, the location of Hq. Sub-centre in the G.P.S have been brought to G.P. Office or closer to that. The Health Supervisors of ANMs of sub-centres are now stationed in the concerned Gram Panchayat Offices. To give further impetus to these efforts construction of Hq. SHC building, on the basis of a model plan has been taken up. The construction work is being done by the G.P.s. These buildings will have electricity, toilet, and drinking water facilities as well as provision for examination of women and working space for the staff. These Sub-Centres will have infrastructure for conducting institutional deliveries and would also have residential quarters for the ANM also. The available funds would permit construction of 3354 GP Hq. Sub-centres. Cost of construction of each sub-centre, as per model plan and estimate is Rs 8.50 lakh.

For the construction of 2073 Gram Panchayat Hq. SHCs an allotment of Rs 1,65,64,50,000/- has been made till date since beginning of this programme in 2005-06, civil works have been completed for 359 sub-centres and construction work for 418 GP Hq. Sub-centres have been completed and those SHCs have also started functioning.

An allotment of Rs 14.07 crore has also been made for construction of 377 non GP Hq. Sub-centres during this year under HSDI.

145


Construction of 682 non-GPHQ Sub-CentresIt has also been decided to construct 682 non-GPHQ Sub-Centres (2 Sub-Centres in each of 341 Blocks) under NRHM and like last year, balance funds to complete construction of all these 682 Sub-Centres will be made available from HSDI Programme. Up to 30.09.2007, an amount of Rs. 6,41,78,400/- has been released for construction of 130 Sub-Centres in different districts under NRHM.

Operationalization of 341 PHCs into 10-bedded 24 hour round the clock facilitiesThere are 922 PHCs in the State and a majority of them provide only outdoor services. The department has decided to upgrade at least one PHC to the Indian Public Health Standards in each Block to a 10-bedded round the clock 24 hour facility. Upgradation of 134 PHCs has already been completed under SHSDP-II, Basic Health Project, RIDF-IX and State Plan. An amount of Rs. 1,35,84,195.00 has been released for upgradation of the selected PHCs. Estimate has also been asked for upgradation of 178 PHCs. Some of these upgraded PHCs have already been operationalised. Steps are also being initiated to operationalise other PHCs by engaging Medical Officers, Nursing and other Para-Medical Staff to these upgraded PHCs.

As physical infrastructure of a large no. of PHCs are to be taken up to reach the initial target of 341 PHCs, it has been decided to take up physical upgradation work at the cost of about Rs. 55.00 lakh for each PHCs by effecting a convergence of fund available from NRHM and other Externally Aided Programme.

Upgradation of Block Primary Health Centres to 30-40 bedded facilities:Out of 342 Block Primary Health Centres, 95 BPHCs have already been functioning as Rural Hospitals as well as BPHCs under World Bank assisted State Health Systems Development Project (SHSDP-II). These 30/60 bedded facilities are better equipped in terms of equipment, and manpower and provide a wider range of services. In addition to these, 82 more BPHCs have also been upgraded under BHP-I, RIDF-IX and SHSDP-II. 97 BPHCs are also being upgraded under BHP-II, NRHM and HSDI. Upgradation work will include creation of additional space, construction of labour rooms, Eclamsia rooms, Stabilization Centres for neo-natal services and deployment of additional medical and para-medical manpower.

Selection and training of second ANM for the Sub-Centres:One ANM per Sub-Centre has been found to be inadequate with respect to attending to the complete needs of Maternal and Child Care in a village. NRHM proposes to extend financial support from the Government of India for 2 ANMs per Sub-Centre. This support for the second ANM would be extended up to a ceiling of Rs. 7,000/- per month subject to the condition that the State agrees to appoint them on contract basis as a part of the Block Cadre under the control of the District Health Mission. Training programmes will be of 18 month duration.

3512 ANMs are undergoing training since 16.04.2007. Additional 900 ANMs will start undergoing training with effect from 01.01.2008.

b) UrbanUrban Health CareAccording to 2001 Census, the urban population constituting the 126 ULBs stands at 19.3 million accounting for 24.06% of its total population of 80.2 million. Even though the health parameters in

146


urban areas in West Bengal are very good, about 50% of the urban bodies do not have preventive primary health coverage. The State Government aims at contributing to the overall improvement of the health status of West Bengal population living in urban areas, with particular emphasis on poorer sections of urban municipalities.

Aim of the urban health activities proposed under the WBHSDPThe aim of the proposed project is to provide support to the Government of West Bengal's comprehensive urban health programme to all sections of the urban community with emphasis on the poor, in 63 municipalities which has no dedicated health programme currently, and assist in integrating public health interventions in all the 126 municipalities through a decentralized health care delivery system and thereby contribute to the improved health status of the State.

The following objectives are as follows :i. To decrease maternal, child and infant mortality rates by providing better and consistent

quality services to families in urban areas impacting on the MMR and IMR.ii. To reduce the prevalence of communicable diseases currently covered by the national

health programmes and reduce the risk of epidemic outbreaks by reducing exposure to health risk factors.

iii. To improve the quality of basic health Services by providing supervisory, managerial, technical and interpersonal skills to all levels of health functionaries.

iv. To reduce crude birth rate by facilitating informed choice and providing services for eligible couples.

v. To create awareness generation and enhance community mobilization through IEC to supplement and make the above interventions effective.

Components of the Urban Health Programme:The above objectives would be achieved by undertaking activities in six broad areas:

i. Development of Comprehensive Urban Health Strategy to provide logical framework and rationalize decision-making and achieve optimal potentials of the urban health initiatives.

ii. Provision of community based primary health care services in 63 uncovered municipalities. Through this subcomponent 63 uncovered municipalities will be strengthened (a) to deliver health services including public health services and national health programmes, with particular focus on women and child health, (b) to perform outreach activities to urban populations based on honorary health workers selected from the community, (c) to have a system of referral facilities in place, (d) to increase awareness generation and enhance community mobilization through IEC to supplement and make the above interventions effective.

iii. Strengthening of Public Health Services in 63 covered municipalities to include public health preparedness of the municipalities during disease outbreaks and improve routine public health measures at population level.

iv. Setting up appropriate and effective institutional mechanisms and arrangements to manage the programme and address the partnership issues in urban environment.

v. Public Private Partnerships to leverage benefits.vi. Specific and special efforts on public health challenges.

Role of Municipal Affairs DepartmentThe Municipal Affairs Department will be responsible for implementation of the programme through the 126 municipalities. It will be responsible for the overall execution of the programme

147


and will provide management support. It has identified SUDA to provide technical backup, capacity building and monitoring / supervision support to the implementation efforts.

SECONDARY HEALTH CARE:There are 44 Sub-district hospitals, namely, sub-divisional, 36 State General Hospitals, and 16 District Hospitals (including Siliguri) which constitute the higher referral facilities in the districts of West Bengal. These hospitals were upgraded under concluded SHSDP-II wherein additional bed capacity and facilities were created in these secondary level hospitals. However, still a mismatch exists between the patients load due to growth in population and the carrying capacity of some of these hospitals. The department intends to further enhance the capacity of those hospitals where the patients load is high and the Bed Occupancy Rate has been consistently above 100% over the years.

At present, the following services are provided to the people mainly in Secondary Hospitals: i) Ultra Sonography up to the level of S.G. Hospitals.ii) 300 M.A. X-Ray services up to the level of District Hospitals and Sub-Divisional

Hospitals.iii) Dental X-Ray services up to the level of State General Hospitals.iv) Dental units established up to the level of State General Hospitals. v) Physiotherapy clinics have been started up to the level of State General Hospitals.vi) Laboratory facility developed up to State General Hospitals.vii) E.C.G. Services rendered up to Rural Hospitals. Colour Doppler up to District

Hospitals.viii) Operating Microscope & Endoscope supplied up to Sub-Divisional level Hospitals.ix) ICCU / ITU started in District Hospitals of Uttar Dinajpur and Howrah,

M.R.Bangur Hospital, South 24 Parganas and Chinsurah District Hospital, Hooghly. Proposal for ICCU / ITU in respect of Jalpaiguri District Hospital is in process.

x) Audiometric and E.N.T Microscope supplied up to District Hospital.

The following important works are to be done in 2008-2009:i) Repair, renovation of existing facilities as per need.ii) Replacement of equipments which are beyond economic repair.iii) Upgradation of BPHC/RH/SGH to S.D. Hospital on creation of new administrative

Sub-Division.iv) Creation of posts for upgraded health institutions.v) Continuation of Services of Mobile Health Care, E-Governance, Medical Waste

management, Security Scavenging etc., operation and maintenance of generators etc.

TERTIARY HEALTH CARE / SUPER SPECIALTY SERVICES:The infrastructure of State Health and Medical tertiary level institutions have been developed through commissioning of high end facilities in the medical teaching institutions, to name a few:

i. High-end C-Arm Image intensifiers, Digital X-Rays, Multichannel monitors, operating laparoscopes, operating ENT microscopes, arthroscopes, ventilators, Hemodialysis machines, Operating Microscopes, ICCU Ventilators, Anesthetic ventilators, Pulse oxymeter, Auto-analyzers blood gas analyzers, automated cell counters, NICU & PICU equipment etc.

ii. New CT Scan Machine has been commissioned at BIN, Kolkata.

148


iii. Commissioning HDR Brachytherapy machine at IPGME&R, Kolkata, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, Medical College, Kolkata, R. G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata.

iv. Commissioning State of art Cath Lab facilities with state of art equipment for invasive and non-invasive Cardiac Diagnostic & management facilities at NRS Medical College & Hospital and setting up a new Cath Lab at IPGME&R, Kolkata.

v. Centralized pipeline oxygen supply facilities have been started at several medical colleges (R G Kar Medical College, BSMC, Dr B C Roy Memorial Hospital, CNMC, Medical College, Kolkata) and would cover other ones in a phased manner.

Setting up / improving new super-specialty departments: Rheumatology Center has been set up in IPGME&R, Kolkata. Two exclusive Institutes of Cardiovascular Sciences have been set up at IPGME&R

and R. G. Kar Medical College Hospital. IHTM has been set up at Medical College, Kolkata. The RIO has been upgraded as a Center of Excellence. Full fledged department of Neonatology has been upgraded at SSKM Hospital. In Dr B C Roy Memorial Hospital for Children, a new 110 bedded facility has been

newly created with NICU & PICU. It has been declared as a Center of Excellence. A Minimal Invasive Surgery Unit has been started at R. G. Kar Medical College,

Kolkata. A new Orthopedics OT complex and Plasma component separation unit have been set

up at Bankura Sammillani Medical College, Bankura. Internal communication system (Centrex system with 100 portals) is being commissioned.

School of Digestive and liver diseases is being set up at IPGME&R, Kolkata. The Bangur Institute of Neurology has been integrated with the Institute of

Psychiatry, Kolkata and has been developed into the Bangur Institute of Neurosciences and Psychiatry. New OTs, new wards and a 10 bedded Neuro-ICCU have been set up there.

A 30 bedded cardiology ICCU and a 10 bedded post-operative recovery room has been set up at the new building of the Institute of Cardio-vascular sciences, IPGME&R, Kolkata.

A new Cath Lab is going to be commissioned at Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan. Advanced exclusive basic research oriented departments like Bio-technology &

biochemistry, Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology and Laboratory Medicine & Serology have been created in the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata while Live Research Center has been set up at IPGME&R, Kolkata to facilitate high end research through Teachers and scientists (research fellows / research associates) from the pure science disciplines. The posts created for such purpose are being filled up.

The departments of Medical & Surgical Gastroenterology have being upgraded at Medical College and IPGME&R respectively. New Surgical Gastroenterology unit and Minimal Invasive Surgery Unit have been developed at R G Kar Medical College.

Libraries have been upgraded in different Medical College through procurement of new books and computer facilities.

Augmentations of water supply and facilities for uninterrupted power supply have been provided in several Medical Colleges.

Round the clock pathology facilities have been started at MC, NRSMC, RGKMC etc.

149


Names of Government Hospitals which have facilities for CT Scanning and MRI

Nature of

facility

Names of Institutions where commissioned under Public-

Private-Partnership endeavor

Names of Institutions where commissioned with

Government funding

Names of institutions where proposed to be

commissioned under PPP(1) (2) (3) (4)

CT Scan

1. Medical College, Kolkata

2. NRS Medical College, Kolkata

3. R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata

4. Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata

5. SSKM Hospital, Kolkata.

6. Bankura Sammillani Medical College, Bankura

1. Bangur Institute of Neurology, Kolkata.

2. Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan

3. North Bengal Medical College, Susratnagar, Darjeeling.

4. M. R. Bangur Hospital, South 24 Parganas district.

5. Malda District Hospital, Maldah

1. Midnapore Medical College, Paschim Medinipur

MRI Scan

1. Medical College, Kolkata 1. Bangur Institute of Neurology, Kolkata

MEDICAL EDUCATION, DENTAL EDUCATION, NURSING EDUCATION: MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT:

Two new Medical Colleges have been set up during the last five years. One new Medical College with an annual student intake of 100 will be set up at Kalyani:

Planning for construction works are underway. Rs 4.5 Crores has been released already for such purpose.

Student intake capacity in Medical Colleges has been enhanced by 300 during this period. The number of postgraduate Medical & Dental seats has been also increased from 286

diploma and 231 degree seats in 2005 to 383 diploma and 304 degree seats at present (?). During the last five years student intake capacity of B.Sc Nursing has been increased from

50 to 100. M.Sc nursing course has been introduced. A new College of Nursing has been opened at Medical College, Kolkata. Two other Colleges of Nursing are envisaged to be set up at NRS Medical College and

Burdwan Medical College. The annual student intake capacity (BDS) has been increased from 50 to 100 in Dr R

Ahmed Dental College. Application has been made to GOI for increasing the student intake capacity at NBDC from 20 to 50.

Applications have been made to the Central Government for enhancing the MDS student intake capacity at Dr R Ahmed Dental College, Kolkata from 14 at present to 30.

New Para-medical technical courses have been started in different State Medical Colleges under the affiliation of the State Medical Faculty.

150


An exclusive university, the West Bengal University of Health Sciences has been created and has started functioning since the last five years. The Infrastructure is being further developed.

Permission from Government of India has been received for starting DNB Courses in Pediatric Medicine (5 seats) at Dr B C Roy Memorial Hospital for Children and for DNB courses in Obstetrics and Gynecology (5 seats), Ophthalmology (2 seats), Anesthesiology (2 seats) and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (4 seats) at Sambhunath Pandit Hospital.

Creation of posts: The State Government has created more than 250 teaching and managerial posts for manning the specialized departments of Medical teaching institutions. 200 posts of senior residents have been created in different medical teaching institutions and other hospitals.

More than 300 Doctors were offered appointments through direct recruitments as Basic Teachers. Several senior teaching posts have been filled through direct recruitments.

Some senior Associate Professor has been re-designated as Additional Professors.

YearRecruitment of basic

teachers (Offered appointments)

Recruitment of Assistant Professor

Recruitment of Associate Professor

Recruitment of Professors

2003 108 58 0 02004 73 35 5 02005 284 20 3 02006 175 0 0 22007 123 37 0 1

763 150 8 3

Steps are being taken to upgrade the Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata to a super-specialty Medical Institute of the status of AIIMS under PMSSY with support from Government of India.

A second campus of the Chittaranjan National Caner Institute is to be set up at New Town, Rajarhat. The State Government has provided 5 cares of land free of cost and another 5 acres of land at 50% rate.

In line with the policy of decentralization of authorities, Governing Bodies have been established in all Medical Colleges of the state. These bodies have a broad based representation from peoples’ representatives, government officials University officials.

Rogi Kalyan Samitis have been constituted in each of the Medical Teaching Institutions as a part of the Governing Body, which have been authorized to retain 40% of all the user charges collected and spend the same for benefit of the same institution.

TRAINING:

Nursing, Training & Education:200 Nurses who had duly been qualified in the General Nurse Midwifery (GNM) from Government Nurses School and about 400 Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) have been recruited. 804 candidates and 520 candidates are selected for General nursing Midwifery Course and Auxiliary Nursing Course respectively. Advertisement is given for admission to ANM(R) course for 520 seats for the session 07-08. Training of nurses for Nursing Education and M. Sc in Nursing is continuing. 80 posts of Nurses have been created to handle the super-specialty areas in Medical College & Hospitals.

There are 25 GNM Training School and 18 ANM(R) Nursing Training School.

151


No. of GNM Training Students 691No. of ANM(R) Trainee Students 820No. of Generic B. Sc (N) Trainee Students 25 +No. of Condensed B. Sc (H) Ng. trainee students 85 (Session 2006 2008)No. of Condensed B.Sc (H) Ng. Trainee students 92 (Session 2007-09)

Beside the above thee are 17 B.Sc (H) Nursing Staff, studying M. Sc (Nursing), 9 Nos. are in Government College and 8 Nos. in Private College Session 2006-2008 & 11 B. Sc (H) Ng. Staff studying M. Sc (N) in the Session 2007-09.

Regarding infrastructural development, the following measures have been introduced: Twenty four Nurses Training Schools have been set up during the year 2007-08. Out of

these, 11(eleven) Nos. NTS is being conducted by various NGOs. At present there are 2 (Two) College of Nursing, one attached to SSKM Hospital and

another attached to Calcutta Medical College & Hospital started ruing the year 2006-2007. A new college of Nursing will be set up in the NRS Medical College during the year 2007-2008.

Regarding Appointment: 53 Nursing Personnel of WBNS Cadre of Gr. I (ii) have been promoted to the post of

Deputy Nursing Superintendent by virtue of their seniority. Another 35 will be promoted during the current Financial year (Proposed).

21 Nursing Personnel of WBNS Cadre of Gr. II promoted to Gr. II promoted to Gr. I (ii) post.

1012 GNM trained candidates were given appointment as Gr. II (S/N) in the Financial year 2006-2007. 302 GNM trained candidates have been appointed as (S/N)Gr. II dated 16.04.07.

2494 Trainee Nurses have been appointed in the post of Health Assistant (Female). 316 ANM candidates are waiting for appointment.

133 Health Assistant (F) will be promoted to the post of HS (F) and 3 HS(F) will be promoted to the post of HS(F) after modified order & 140 HA(F) candidate have been promoted as HS(F) dated 19.09.07.

12 Sister Tutor appointed on contract basis during the year 2006-07. Above all, 301 (Three hundred one) GNM Trained candidates have already been given

appointment as Gr. II (S/N) and 100 more such appointment will made out of the student passed from the private Nursing Schools.

AYUSH

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

The total Annual Budget provision only for Ayurveda is Rs.49.00 lakh in this financial year, out of which till date Rs.9,95,566/- was sanctioned. The rest of the amount will be sanctioned within the current financial year.

152


For repair of J.B.Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College & Hospital Rs.1,81,766/, for annual renewal fee of CCIM Rs.2,00,000/-, for internet connection for Shyamadas Vaidya Shastrapith Rs.13,800/- & grants-in-aid in favour of BIPS amounting to Rs.6.00 lakh was already sanctioned.

Besides this all the SADs and the 200 part-time Ayurvedic Dispensaries are running successfully. Allotment was made in favour of part-time Ayurvedic Dispensaries.

Unani:The total Budget provision in this financial year only in the field of Unani is Rs.24.75 lakh from which expenditure approximately Rs.6.00 lakh is in progress. The rest of the amount will be sanctioned within the current financial year.

There are three State-run Unani Dispensaries which are situated at Kolkata, Howrah & Asansol. One Unani Dispensary will be opened shortly at Murshidabad. There are one special officer for looking after Unani. There are State Council of Unani Medicine. There are one private Unani College at Kolkata. A one year certificate course in Unani will be in Unani will be introduced with 20 seats under the State Council of Unani Medicine.

Acupuncture:The total Budget provision in this financial year only in the field of Acupuncture is Rs.51.00 lakh from which an amount of Rs.26,16,500/- was already sanctioned, out of which for the 22 Acupuncture clinics, equipment amounting to Rs.3,66,000/- was purchased. The rest of the amount will be sanctioned within the current financial year.

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: There are 545 SHD are functioning at present, of which 105 are functioning at BPHCs, 135 SHDs are functioning at PHCs while 305 SHDs are functioning independently.

In this financial year the total budget provision only in the field of Homoeopathy is Rs. 98.00 lakh out of which Rs. 11,83,095/- was already sanctioned for purchase of books, purchase of furniture, purchase of equipments for all the 4 state run Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital. The rest of the amount will be sanctioned within the current financial year.

Apart form this the programme to introduce Post Graduate course in the state run Homoeopathic Medical Colleges, to introduce uniform staffing pattern for all State run Homoeopathic Medical College & hospitals Development and upgradation of State Colleges and creation of more Homoeopathic Dispensaries at Gram Panchayat level are in progress.

For setting up State Medicinal Plants Board grants-in-aid of Rs. 4.5 lakh was also sanctioned.

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMME

CONTROL OFa.Communicable diseases:

National Vector Borne Disease Control ProgrammeMalariaOverall incidence of total and PF malaria cases during January to July 2007 show substantial decline compared to that of the corresponding period of (Total case declined by 38% and PF case by 39%). Overall BER is low, 3.18% (Expected 6%). Slide positivity has decreased by 1% and PF proportion

153


remained almost same . Number of death is 65 , which is much less than that of 2006 (n=117), a decline by 44%. However, the six districts (Jalpaiguri, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Coochbehar and Darjeeling) contributed 62% of total cases, 95% of PF malaria cases and 71% of deaths. Apart from these six districts, Kolkata contributed 31% of total and 2.5% of PF malaria cases Murshidabad and Malda had considerable rise in total and PF cases. The present strategy is early diagnosis and complete treatment along with integrated vector control measures.

i. 39 blocks of seven districts have been identified as high risk blocks. A special programme has been designed to reduce morbidity and mortality in those areas.

ii. GIS mapping of morbidity has been done in all the districts to identify the priority area for focused attention.

iii. The School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata is conducting a drug efficacy study in Jalpaiguri district. It is likely to be completed within first quarter of 2008.

iv. Rapid diagnostic kits have been distributed for diagnosing PE cases in remote and inaccessible areas of the high endemic districts.

v. Insecticide treated bed nets have been distributed to people of below poverty line in seven districts (Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Purulia, Bankura, Paschim Medinipur, Birbhum and Kolkata).

vi. Larvivorous fish culture is ongoing in Jalpaiguri district.vii. Third line drugs (Artemisinine combined therapy) have been initiated in high risk

blocks of Jalpaiguri and Purulia districts.viii. Behavioural Change Communication activities for the community with active

cooperation and participation of Panchayati Raj bodies and NGOs.ix. The goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality by 50% within 2010.

Kala-AzarKala-Azar is endemic in eleven districts of the state- Darjeeling, Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, Hooghly, Burdwan, Birbhum and North and South 24 Parganas. Overall incidence of disease during January to July 2006 indicates 80% of cases and 50% of deaths occurred in three districts, Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad. Reported case incidence and death during January to July 2007 indicate marginal change compared to that of the corresponding period of 2006. Department is going to initiate use of rk 39 rapid diagnostic kits for case search in two highly endemic districts, south 24 Parganas and Murshidabad. The case search will be followed by treatment with oral Miltefosine in those districts.

DenguFrom January to September, 2007 only 65 cases of dengue were reported, out of that no death was occrued during the year 2007. Total cases diagnosed as suffering from Dengue fever were 1064 out of which death was reported in 8 cases. Timely intervention and wide surveillance led to the number of death to the minimum which occurred in terminal cases. Epidemiological report of Dengue fever for the last three years preceding 2007 are as follows :-

Year Attack Death2004 70 02005 6375 342006 1064 8

FilariaIn 2007-08 Rs.11.00 lakh has been available out of State Budget Plan provision. The fund is being utilized for night blood survey. Additional fund is required for carrying out those activities in wide scale.

154


Integrated Disease Surveillance ProgrammeOne State Surveillance Unit. 18 district Surveillance Unit and 341 Peripheral Surveillance Units have been set up under the Integrated Diseases Surveillance Programme. Rapid Response Teams have been formed and trained up in all the districts along with the State Head Quarters, Laboratory network in all the districts is being improved to increase capacity to provide diagnostic services at the district level for prompt identification and control of outbreaks.

Weekly Surveillance reports along with outbreak reports are being collected from the periphery and analysed at the district and state levels and follow up action suggested. The reports are then transmitted to the Central Surveillance Unit at NICD Delhi

Revised National Tuberculosis Control ProgrammeGovernment of West Bengal is committed towards control of Tuberculosis through DOTS strategy of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme. Accessibility of the service to the total population of the state was established in 2003. RNTCP in the state has been able to maintain a steady cure rate though the number of TB patients reporting to RNTCP system is increasing every year.

Easy accessibility to DOTS service has always remained a big challenge to RNTCP. Government is encouraging participation of private sector and NGOs in the programme to ensure easy accessibility. 859 designated microscopy centers (DMC) are functioning in the state for early detection of infectious cases of TB. 9 DMCs are in private sector and 66 are run by NGOs. State is trying to involve the private sector in a big way with active support from Indian Medical Association. The response so far has been very positive. 5,60,008 TB suspects underwent sputum examination in 2006 as against 5,25,218 in 2005.

As per DOTS strategy State is giving top priority to diagnose TB cases as early as possible and giving them effective short course intermittent chemotherapy under direct observation of the health staff/trained community volunteers. As a result of this strategy demand for TB beds in the State has gone down by nearly 60%. There are nearly 11,000 DOT provision centers where DOT providers administer anti TB drugs under their direct observation. State is trying to engage more volunteers for the purpose for ease of the TB patients.

RNTCP performance of the State during the last two years based on the key indicators is given below:-

Indicators 2005 2006 2007(upto Q-II)

Suspects examined for TB 5,25,218 5,60,008 2,74,896New sputum positive cases put on DOTS 48,880 50,436 26,477Total TB cases put on DOTS treatment 1,07,741 1,09,327 56,543

Cure rate of new sputum positive cases 86.3% 86%(QI’06 & QII Not yet due

Early diagnosis and treatment under observation has resulted in reduction in number of deaths due to TB. While the death rate prior to DOTS was above 20%, it has now come down to below 4% for new sputum positive cases. RNTCP has saved nearly 87,000 lives in West Bengal since inception.

State Tuberculosis Control Cell which was formed towards monitoring and supervision of the programme has been strengthened recently with the posting of one DDHS and one ADHS. Intensified supervision from State is likely to improve the quality of service in the State.

155


b. Non-Communicable diseases:

Control of Gastroenteritis, Diarrheal Diseases and other diseases.In 2007-08, Rs. 40.00 lakh is available. Fund is being utilized for purchase of medicine, equipments opening of clinics, training, IEC activities etc. Diarrheal disease is a major public health problem in the State. It is responsible for greatest morbidity of the population in the State in general and rural areas in particular. The following data obtained from different districts reveals that the episodes of diarrheal diseases in West Bengal is increasing though the case fatality has been declining. It indicates that surveillance system has become more efficient for which more number of cases is detected. Simultaneously, it also indicates significant improvement in clinical management of the case.

Sl. No. From Total no. of cases reported Death

1. From 01.01.2006 to 31.12.2006 26,07,530 8512. From 01.01.2007 to 31.07.2007 15,78,841 360

It is found that number of episodes is relatively higher in Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Burdwan and Hooghly in comparison to other districts of the State.We undertook extensive IEC on personal hygiene and food keeping habit. Supply of disinfectants, ORS and drugs has also been improved. Action has also been taken for early detection of cases, quick investigation and rapid response to control localized epidemics.

Arsenic Control Programme:Arsenic contamination is another area where at present great attention is being paid by this State so that Arsenic-free drinking water could be supplied to the people in the affected areas. At present eight districts of this State i.e. Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas,Howrah, Hooghly and Burdwan(partly) have been affected with this problem. To tackle the problem an arsenic clinic at S.S.K.M. Hospital as well as 75 Arsenic Clinics in different districts of this State have been opened in addition to the existing facilities available in the School of Tropical Medicine. Necessary drugs are being supplied regularly to those clinics and paramedical staff have been deployed for door to door survey. IEC activities has been intensified with the help of UNICEF to make the people aware of the problem. The State Government allotted Rs.25.00 lakh for this programme during 2006-07 and Rs.18.75 lakh has so far been allotted during 2007-08.

National Mental Health Programme:Under the National Mental Health Scheme, the Government of India is providing fund for infrastructural development for the up-gradation of 3 Mental Hospitals namely, Calcutta Pavlov Hospital, Institute of Mental Care, Purulia and Berhampore Mental Hospital as well as for up-gradation of 7 Medical College and Hospitals, viz. Kolkata Medical College Hospital, Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital, N.R.S. Medical College & Hospital, R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Burdwan Medical College & Hospital, Bankura Sammilani Medical College & Hospital and North Bengal Medical College & Hospital with the establishment of 20 bedded separate Psychiatry Ward in each of the said 7 Hospitals. There is also provision of funds available from the Government of India for establishment of 20 bedded separate Psychiatry Ward in each District Hospital of this State. So far, the State Government has been able to start Psychiatry O.P.D. at the 14 District Hospitals and separate Psychiatry Ward in 8 District Hospitals. At present there are

156


6 State-run Mental Hospitals with a total number of beds of 1050 which are functioning satisfactorily with full manpower. The District Mental Board is functioning at 15 District Hospitals with co-option of Clinical Psychologist from Private Sector for examination of mental patients and distribution of disability certificates. State Government is also providing fund from State budget for infrastructural development of different Mental Hospitals and Psychiatric Wards of different Medical College & Hospitals and District Hospitals. Other ProgrammesNational Programme for Control of Blindness:National Programme for Control of Blindness is a 100% centrally assisted scheme. This programme is being implemented through the District Health & Family Welfare Samiti in the District level and West Bengal State Health & Family Welfare Samiti at the headquarter. The entire fund for implementation of the programme is released by the Government of India directly in favour of West Bengal State Health & Family Welfare Samiti which, in turn, re-allots the fund to the different District Samiti according to their requirement. The programme was launched in the State in the year 1980-81.

National Cancer Control Programme:The State Government has recently opened Oncology Unit at each District Hospital of this State for treatment of cancer patients in addition to the existing facilities available in the teaching Institute and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute which is being run under financial support of State Government and the Central Government. The State Government in the Department of Health & Family Welfare is sanctioning fund towards purchasing various equipments for improvement of the Oncology Unit.

National Leprosy Eradication Programme:Leprosy was a major Public Health Programme in India. West Bengal is one of the 7 major endemic states in the country. In the year 1993-94 the Prevalence Rate was 16.98 per 10,000 population which has gradually came down to 0.99 in March 2007. The two main indicator of Leprosy are Prevalence Rate(PR) and another is Annual New Case Detection Rate (ANCDR) which has also declined from 1.81 (2005-06) to 1.54 during (2006-07). National Leprosy Eradication Programme is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme. The entire fund is released by the Government of India in favour of West Bengal State Health & Family Welfare Samiti which in turn, re-allots the fund to different District Samities for implementation of the programme. There is no high endemic district at present in this State. There are only 3 medium endemic district with PR between 2-5 (Dinajpur North, Bankura & Purulia). Six (6) districts including Kolkata are low endemic districts and 10 districts are having PR less than 1 per 10,000 population. As per national Health Policy, Government of India has fixed target to achieve the goal of elimination of Leprosy at National level i.e. to reduce the number of case to less than 1 in 10,000 population.

In the coming year higher attention is given where more cases are still being detected for having improvement in the quality services and sustenance of the level of intensity of NLEP activities. The following activities will be carried out over and above the normal activities in order to reach the goal as fixed by the Government of India:

i. Situational Analysis to be carried out in 65 blocks of 8 districts where Prevalence Rate is more than 2-5 per 10,000 population.

ii. Block Leprosy Awareness Campaign to be carried out for 15 days during the period of November, 2007 in the identified blocks with suggested activities like IEC Orientation Training, Maintenance of Records and Procedure of Sending Reports in

157


this respect. 14 urban areas (Municipalities) of 7 districts having PR more than 2-5 have been identified for Urban Leprosy Sensitization & Awarness Campaign.

Prevention of Food Adulteration:Prevention of food adulteration scheme is functioning in the State under close coordination of two wings, namely enforcement and analytical. Local Health Authority i.e., A.C.M.O.H. of a Sub-Division and the Sub-Divisional Food Inspectors at the Sub-Divisional level are assigned with the job of enforcement part whereas West Bengal Public Health Laboratory plays the role of latter part. Director of Health Services, West Bengal is the Food (H) Authority of this State. A PFA Cell is functioning under supervision of ADHS(PFA) to look after the scheme. State Government provides fund for generating public awareness on PFA through IEC Programmes.

Improvement of West Bengal Public Health Laboratory:West Bengal Public Health Laboratory is working the role of analytical part of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act and the Rules made thereunder. Improvement of this Laboratory has now come under the World Bank assisted Public Health Project on Food Safety. Under the assistance of the said project a Microbiology Unit has been established in the said Laboratory with the post of one Microbiologist, one Analyst and one Laboratory Attendant.

Funds are released by the Government of India to the West Bengal State AIDS Control Society for implementation of the project in the State. West Bengal State AIDS Control Society has to submit to the Government of India a Financial Management Report on a quarterly basis for claiming further disbursement in respect of the next quarterly expenditure. In addition, furniture, chemicals, reagents, improvement of infrastructure. Tools and equipments are also being provided. Total Project Cost stands Rs.344.88 lakh. The State Government also provides fund from the State Budget (Plan Sector) for its improvement. During 2006-07 fund for Rs.6,05,000/- was sanctioned for this purpose. Sanction of fund for Rs.7,77,000/- towards repairing and renovation of the Laboratory is under process during the current financial year. NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH MISSION:The Government of India has launched the National Rural Health Mission (2005-2012) on 12 th

April, 2005 for providing integrated primary health care services, specially the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. West Bengal, owing to better health indicators, has been categorized as a low-focus State under NRHM alongwith other States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat and hence all the interventions under NRHM are not applicable to the State. During 2007-08, the following activities were undertaken in the State under the NRHM:

i) Untied grants to 28770 Village Health and Sanitation Committees @ Rs. 10,000/- per VH&S Committee (additional 12,000 Gram Unnayan Samitis during this year).

ii) Upgradation of 33 Block Primary Health Centres to Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS)

iii) Annual Grant for the Rogi Kalyan Samitis –Medical College and Hospital(6), District Hospital (19) @ Rs. 5.00 lakh & Sub-divisional Hospital (45), State General Hospital (35), Community Health Centres (251), Rural Hospitals (95) @ Rs. 1.00 lakh respectively.

iv) System of retention of User Charges at the facilities is being continued.v) Untied Fund to all the Sub-Centres (10,356) of the State @ Rs. 10,000/- per Sub-

centre.

158


vi) Untied grant for all the PHCs (922) of the State @ Rs. 25,000/- per PHC.vii) Untied grant for 346 CHCs (251 BPHCs + 95 RHs) of the State @ Rs. 50,000/- per

CHC.viii) Engagement of Lab. Technicians on contractual basis @ Rs. 6,000/- per month for

100 PHCs which would be operationalized for rendering 24-hours round-the-clock services.

ix) Capacity building of the NGOs.x) Operationalization of 100 PHCs in the State into 10-bedded 24-hours round-the-

clock facility.xi) Selection of 941 second ANMs in the second phase for the Sub-centres of the

selected 31 blocks of the State.xii) Enhancement of Training Capacities of the existing Government Nursing Training

Schools and establishment of 10 Nursing Training Schools in Government sector.xiii) Engagement of 10,880 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in 64 ITDP

Blocks of the State as honorary link worker in each village.xiv) Preparation of District Health Plan for the year 2007-08 with bottom-up approach.xv) Establishment of Block Management Unit with engagement of Block Accounts

Managers and Data Entry Operators for all the Blocks of the State.xvi) Procurement of Drugs for First Referral Units as per IPH Standard. xvii) Procurement of 170 Ambulances for ensuring quick referral services from PHC to

higher level health facilities through local NGOs / CBOs / Trusts on PPP basis.xviii) Annual Maintenance Grant to all the Sub-centres (10,356)) of the State @ Rs.

10,000/- per Sub-centre for making provisions of water, toilets and their maintenance.

xix) Annual Maintenance Grant to all the PHCs (922) of the State @ Rs. 50,000/- per PHC.

xx) Operationalization of 82 BPHCs in the State with at least three specialist doctors and required paramedical staff.

xxi) Annual Maintenance Grant for 346 CHCs (251 BPHCs + 95 RHs) of the State @ Rs. 1.00 lakh per CHC.

xxii) Hiring of Medical Officers by Gram Panchayats for 300 Gram Panchayats in priority blocks (additional 200 during this year).

xxiii) Support to P & RD Department for conducting orientation programme for members of Gram Panchayats and Gram Unnayan Samitis.

xxiv) Additional nutrition package for children uncovered / drop outs of ICDS programme – on pilot basis for malnourished children in 23 selected blocks of 2 districts.

xxv) Special programme to improve Health and Nutritional status of the Tea Garden workers / non-workers of the district of Jalpaiguri.

xxvi) “Health Awarness Programme” through out the State.xxvii) Construction of 1023 non-GP Headquarter Sub-centres (682 from NRHM & HSDI

and 341 from NRHM State Plan).xxviii) Upgradation of 42 PHCs to 10-bedded 24-hours round-the-clock facilities.xxix) Improvement of Physical infrastructure of ANM Training schools.xxx) Quality testing of Drinking water in the rural areas from NRHM State Plan.xxxi) Screening programme of patients in the age group of 50+ for Blindness control from

NRHM State Plan.

159


xxxii) Special drive for issue of Disability Certificate by organizing Certification Camps at Block and GP levels.

All these activities will be continued during the year 2008-09 also.

OTHER PROGRAMMES:KfW funded Basic Health Project:KfW funded Basic Health Project (BHP), West Bengal, has been under implementation since May 2001 in 8 districts of the State i.e. Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur & Purba Medinipur. The project estimated at Rs 203.25 (at current exchange rate) has the provision for repair, rehabilitation & construction of facilities, procurement of medical and other equipment, ambulance as well as NGO & Private Sector initiatives. 80% of the total project cost will be available in the form of Grant from Federal Republic of Germany through German Development Bank (KfW) and 20% will be provided by Government of West Bengal. The project is scheduled to close on April 30, 2008, but is expected to be further extended. Till August 2007, a total amount of Rs 93.66 crore has been spent in the project.

In Phase-I of the Project, Civil Works for rehabilitation of 38 BPHCs & 91 PHCs and construction of 86 Sub-Centres have been completed. Steps have also been taken to fully equip these rehabilitated facilities with General and Medical equipment including Furniture & Office Equipment so as to fully operationalize these upgraded facilities during the financial year 2007-08.

Rehabilitation / Renovation of further 25 BPHCs with enhanced outlay of about Rs 2 crore per BPHC has been taken up in the current year in Phase-II of the Project which is expected to be completed in 2009.

An innovative Scheme of providing Ambulance services under the management of NGO/CBO/ Trusts etc. under Public Private Partnerships (PPP), at the basic health care level was introduced under the Project by providing 133 ambulances to the selected NGOs in 8 Project districts. Based on extremely positive outcome of the scheme, the Government has rolled out the Scheme through out the State under DFID assisted HSDI.

Apart from involvement of NGOs in the new Scheme of Ambulance services, a Scheme of providing certain essential Diagnostic Services in Rural Hospitals under PPP is also being implemented by the Project. In the meantime, Diagnostic units have been established under PPP in 35 Rural Hospitals and another 42 are in the pipeline. Based on the positive impact of this initiative, Govt. has decided to establish Diagnostic units under PPP 74 upgraded BPHCs during the current year.

Health Systems Development Initiative (HSDI):GoWB launched a programme titled "Health System Development Initiative (HSDI)" on August 16, 2005. HSDI aims at operationalising the 10-year Health Sector Strategy (2004-2013). The purpose of the HSDI programme is "enhanced and equitable utilization of quality health services by the poorest and those in greatest need". The programme is expected to contribute directly to the achievement of some key outcomes: significant reduction in the IMR and MMR rates; increase in the proportion of institutional deliveries, especially in the six poor performing districts; significant increase in the coverage of child immunisation; and, reduction in the share of burden of disease from communicable / maternal / neonatal factors. The programme would also help direct additional financial resources to the priority areas specially in Primary Sector and non-wage recurrent expenditures like drugs. The programme will address different areas and aspects under eight key issues of the Sector Strategy, which are (i) additional measures to meet Health Sector Strategy

160


targets and Millennium Development Goals, (ii) Strategic & Policy Framework (iii) Organization & Management Systems – HMIS, HRM/D and Decentralization (iv) Health Financing (v) Access & Demand for Services (vi) Private Sector (vii) Assets & Supplies Management (viii) Procurement & Financial Management System. During current financial year the Department proposes to utilise the DFID Grant for following activities / programmes:

i. Up-gradation of 38 BPHCs & 296 PHCs.ii.Construction of 285 GPHQ Sub-Centre buildings.iii. Construction of 3 Non-GPHQ Sub-Centre per Block.iv. Establishment of Neonatal Care Centre in Nadia district and Stabilisation Centres in

blocks of each districts.v.Procurement of drugs for Primary Health Care.vi. Camp based outdoor services mainly in remote and tribal areas.vii. Filling the critical gaps in equipment and furniture and stationary in the rural areas.viii. Mobile Health Care Services in Sunderbans and innovative health programmes for

difficult areas.ix. Delivery of RCH Services through Social Franchising by a private sector partner in

underserved areas.x.Training of Health Supervisors, ANMs, Anganwadi Workers, Trained Birth Attendants

and other health care providers.xi. Up-gradation of training infrastructure.xii. Logistics, manpower and mobility support to District Health and Family Welfare

Samities.xiii. Infrastructure and manpower support to Block Health and Family Welfare Samities.xiv. Flexi funds for District Health and Family Welfare Samiti & Block Health and

Family Welfare Samiti.xv. Strengthening of Health Management Information System.xvi. Community Health Care Management Initiative.xvii. Support to Municipalities in health infrastructure.xviii. Honorary Health Worker Schemes in 11 Non-KMA Urban Bodies of the State.xix. Support for rolling out of Diagnostics/NGO Managed Ambulance Services in PPPs

in 10 districts.xx. Internal Audit of Hospitals and District Health and Family Welfare Samitis.xxi. Mobility support to ACMOH, BMOH & District Administration.

Grants to Non-Governmental Medical Institutions:

Institute of Health and Family Welfare:Actually the Institute of Health & Family Welfare is an autonomous Institute registered by West Bengal Societies Registration Act 1961 established with the Financial Assistance from World Bank. Since inception from 1995 the Institute is performing its activities towards various Trainings and Workshops on the purview of Health Care of the Society. It was appointed as collaborating Training Institute (CTI) of National Institute of Health & F.W., New Delhi for Reproductive Child Health (RCH) Programme. After successful completion of RCH – I, this CTI has started the Training Programmes under RCH–II. Short term Training Programme for the Service Health Care Providers on various Projects under different funding authorities are organized and conducted at this Institute.

161


During last six years every step has been taken to develop the infrastructural facilities of the Institute which includes Class Room facilities, Teaching Aids, Modern sophisticated Equipments and also the Library. It has been decided to keep all Periodicals / Books from WHO, Medical Books directly from the Publishers and in the ensuing year, more Books will be purchased about Rs. 1.17 lacs. The Institute has the Hostel Facilities for the participants and it is now renovated replacing Old Materials.

During 2006 – 07, a large numbers of Trainings and Workshops of different categories of Health Services related to Community Medicine, Pediatrics and also towards Reproductive Child Health were organized with the assistance of In-Service Officers like Medical Officers, Gynaecologist & Obstetricians , Sister Tutors, P.H. MOs’, Staff Nurse, the MOs’ in Administrative positions.

The Institute took the active part for implementing Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Programme and successfully vaccinated 85% children in between 1 – 15 years of age and acquired appreciation of MoH,GoI.

The Institute has become suitable for full time Training Programmes and also acquired appreciation from UNICEF and NIHFW New Delhi for conduction of their RCH & NRHM programmes throughout this state.

Family WelfareThere has been remarkable progress in implementing Family Welfare Programme in our State. Reduction of infant mortality as well as maternal mortality has been one of the important objectives of the Family Welfare activities in the health sector strategy. Under the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH-II) Programme, a major flagship programme under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), thrust has been given on schemes related to Institutional Deliveries, Safe Motherhood, Strengthening of Referral System, Strengthening of Routine Immunization etc. Polio eradication programme has been intensively continuing in our State through F.W. Programme. Some initiative for simplification of the procedure of registration of Birth and Death have been taken to ensure the cent percent registration of birth and deaths.

For the month of April-December 2007, fund released in different areas of the Family Welfare Programme under State Plan is given below:-

(Rs. in lakh) Sl

No. Name of the Scheme Fund released for the month of April – December 2007

1. Maintenance of Rural Family Welfare Centre 611.702. Maintenance of P. P. Unit 2784.183. Community Health Guide Scheme 150.41

In addition to Establishment / Maintenance of Post Partum Unit other activities were carried out particularly Family Welfare activities (for example Vasectomy, Tubectomy), total No. of Sterilization Cases is 72988 (April 2007 to August 2007).

Transport Drugs & Equipment:With a view to streamline procurement and distribution, computerized management of drugs in Central Medical Stores, Kolkata and District Reserve Stores is being introduced for monitoring procurement, quality control, supplies and inventory of drugs etc. Also the scheme devised for better quality control of drugs supplied to various Govt. hospitals through utilization of services of some approved laboratories in addition to the services of the State Drug Control & Research Laboratory

162


has been continuing. Medicines/ equipments are purchased from the GMP certified manufacturers only.

Annual Maintenance Contract for effective functioning of the sophisticated and valuable equipments already installed in various hospitals and institutions of the State have been made with the accredited companies.

Directorate of Drugs Control, West Bengal keeps strong vigil in production and marketing of sub-standard, spurious and adulterated drugs and also monitors the Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and blood-banking system in the State. Statutory action is taken against the manufacturers and marketing of such spurious drugs by enforcement of provision of Drugs & Cosmetics Acts and Rules.

The Government has also taken up implementation of the Capacity Building Project for infrastructure development of Drug Sector as well as Food Sector of the State with the financial assistance of the World Bank. Construction of Drug Testing Laboratory at Sector III under Bidhannagar Municipal area will be taken up by HSCC(I) Ltd. after obtaining necessary statutory clearances from concerned authorities.

As per recommendation of WHO, Inj. ARV (NTV) has been phased out in the country by GOI and replaced by TCARV (Tissue Culture Ante Rabies Vaccine). The supply of Inj. ARV (TCV) to the patients visiting Govt. hospitals/health units has been introduced in the State and dog- bites patients belonging to poor and BPL category visiting Govt. hospitals are treated with TCARV free of cost. Multicentric Feasibility Study on the use of Intra dermal Administration of TCARV Project under Indian Council of Medical Research undertaken to reduce the cost of Ante Rabies vaccines, has been successfully conducted at the Pasteur Institute, Kolkata Required approval has been received from the Govt. of India. Application of Inj.TCARV intra dermally has already been introduced at ARV Clinic of Pasteur Institute, Kolkata in post exposure treatment of patients. Such introduction will reduce the consumption of vaccines as well as the cost of treatment.

Programmes proposed to be undertaken during 2008-09.

Statutory Drug Testing Laboratories have been proposed to be set up at the Drugs Control Headquarters as well as at the regional levels i.e. at the campuses of Burdwan Medical College, Banckura Sammilani Medical College, North Bengal Medical College and the other at Berhampore under the supervision of Director of Drugs Control, West Bengal for effective surveillance over the quality of drugs.

Introduction of Inj. TCARV in post exposure treatment of patients in different district health units will be implemented soon which will reduce the consumption of vaccines as well as the cost substantially.

Blood Transfusion Service:The State Blood Transfusion Council is a registered Institution. The Principal object of the Council is to promote voluntary non-remunerable blood donation and the elimination of professional Blood donors as well as rational Blood use and training for medical personnel of Blood.

163


The State Blood Transfusion Council has through its functioning increased the voluntary Blood Donation tremendously and presently West Bengal ranks foremost in the filed of Blood Donation.

The fund is mainly utilised for purchasing of reagents, glassware, Test Tube Serum and other chemicals and some equipments for maintenance of day care centre for Thalassaemia and Hemophillia and other dis-related blood disorder and for other day to day activities of the Council. In the current financial year, the provision for this purpose is Rs 70,00,000/-. There is also a provision of Rs 15,00,000/- towards cost of meeting the expenditure for refreshment to Voluntary Blood Donors.

Telemedicine Project in State Government Hospitals:Telemedicine Project was funded by Dep’t of IT, Min. of Communications & IT, Govt. of India and implemented by Webel ECS Ltd, Kolkata (Dep’t of IT, Govt. West Bengal) and its usage of facilities were provided by the Dept. of Health & FW, Govt. of West Bengal.

Provision of Telemedicine is directed towards the specialized health care consultation to patients and health care personnel in remote locations. It will beneficiate the patient by significant reduction in unnecessary visits & hospitalization for specialized care at tertiary hospitals, earlier discharge leading to shorter length of stay in hospitals. At the same time the Department will be benefited by increase the scope of services without creating physical infrastructure in remote hospitals.

The third phase of the Telemedicine project is in progress. In Phase –I it was implemented in one referral center in School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata and two nodal centers in Habra SGH, 24 Parganas (North) and MJN Hospital, Coochbehar. In Phase-II it connected NRS Medical Collages and Burdwan Medical collages as referral centers and Suri, Purulia, Berhampur District Hospitals and Midnapur Medical Collage as nodal centers. The ongoing Phase –III is under the process of implementation of Telemedicine project in Calcutta Medical College, North Bengal Medical College and Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata as referral centers and Darjeeling, Raigunj & Tamluk District Hospitals Arambag Sub. Div. Hospital, Hoogly as nodal centers.

The proposed plan outlay for ‘Medical & Public Health’ during 2008-09 is Rs. 50414.90 Lakh.

10.7 WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

10.7.1 Programme of the Public Health Engineering Department

Urban Water SupplyAll the 85 Non CMD Municipal Towns have got piped water supply facility. Total population of these Municipalities is about 70.00 lakh as per 2001 Census.

(a) Municipal Towns having Population 20,000 or moreAbout 25% 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

164


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 the end of 2004-05 to start a new programme in the name of Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT). Presently under Central Share a sum of Rs. 186.01 lakh remaining to be utilized at the beginning of financial year 2006-07 under this programme and as such the remaining works committed under this progamme are likely to be continued during 2007-08.

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.

Rural Water Supply:

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

i) State Plan (MNP) [15% utilizable for maintenance] – To match Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP)

ii) Centrally Sponsored ARWSP (maximum 15% permitted to be diverted for Arsenic Mitigation Schemes) [15% 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.

Presently, water supply in rural areas of the State is being implemented as per ARWSP guidelines under Bharat Nirman. Bharat Nirman envisages covering (i) all rural Non Covered (NC) and

165


Partially Covered (PC) habitations by 31st March 2009 starting from 1st April 2005 and (ii) all quality affected habitations by 31st March 2009 starting from 1st April 2005.

Under the component of drinking water supply, Bharat Nirman envisages:

a) Coverage of uncovered habitations of Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) 1999 by 2008-09As per 1992 habitation survey there were 79036 habitations in the State and during the year 1999, a target was set to cover all the remaining Not Covered (NC) and Partially Covered (PC) habitations with 40 lpcd service level by March 2004. The State could achieve the target and at present there is no such habitation remaining to be covered under CAP 1999.

b) Tackling of Water Quality Problem in affected habitations by 2008-09At the beginning of 10th Plan, afresh habitation survey was undertaken result of which shows that there are large number of quality affected habitations in the State. Out of the above, 8153 arsenic affected habitations, 663 fluoride affected habitations and 811 habitations affected by Salinity are of prime concern. To combat the menace of quality problem in drinking water, the State Government has prepared an Action Plan and approximately a sum of Rs. 2400.00 crore would be required for this purpose.

Since the problem is extensive in nature requiring huge sum to surmount the menace, the State Govt. approached XII th Finance Commission for assistance towards implementation quality mitigation schemes. An award of Rs. 600.00 crore has been made and it is being utilised for the purpose for which it has been sanctioned.

c) Coverage of all rural schools by 2006-07Though the School Education Department in the State Government is the nodal department for this work, the PHE Department takes up coverage of rural schools with water supply as a part of rural water supply programme to supplement the effort of the nodal department. PHE Department shall continue its effort towards achievement of the target.

d) Consolidation of Coverage by providing drinking water facilities in slipped back habitations by 2008-09The fresh habitation survey conducted at the beginning of 10th Plan (2003) and provisional results were published in 2004. As per this survey, there are 96020 habitations in the State. As on 1.4.2006, there are 11769 slipped back habitations in the State which require consolidation of coverage. Duepriority is attached to these habitations as well for coverage with at least up to 40 lpcd water service level.

Besides the above, there are several other programmes through which coverage of rural water supply are being made:

a) Externally Aided Project (EAP)b) Grants to Zilla Parishads-RIDFc) PMGY- though the programme has been wound up from 2005-06, there are still some

unfinished schemes which are now proposed to be funded out of State Plan (MNP).d) Grants to Local Bodiese) Swajaldhara-embracing earlier programme of Sector Reforms – with 10% contribution

towards Capital Cost from the Beneficiaries and the Beneficiaries shouldering the responsibility for O&M-balance 90% of Capital Cost coming from Govt. of India. The draft of the MOU to be signed between State Government and Government of India for Swajaldhara implementation shall be ready by March 2005 for approval of the State Cabinet.

166


During 2006-07, a target was set to cover 3900 habitations (2700 slipped back and 1200 quality affected habitations) fully.

PHED has taken a move to hand over all the 938 Commissioned (532 Completed, 337 Fully Commissioned and 69 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 69 Partially Commissioned and 195 Ongoing Rural Piped Water Supply Schemes is Rs.290.00 Crore. Besides rejuvenation of old schemes are required to be undertaken before those become operationally viable for extending house to house connection. Estimated cost for such rejuvenation is Rs.102.00 Crore.

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 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

Arsenic contamination of ground water in West Bengal was being tackled through all the ongoing Programmes of Rural Water Supply. On the basis of recommendation of Task Force, the strategy of the State Govt. to tackle arsenic menace has been to implement following types of water supply schemes in a phased manner graded on the basis of sustainability:

a) Short term measures like hand pump fitted tubewells at deeper aquifers and ring wells.b) Medium term measures like Deeper Aquifer based Big Diameter Tubewells/Arsenic

Removal Plants for Big Diameter Tubewells/Hand Pump Fitted Tubewells.c) Long term measures like Surface Water Projects in the district of Malda, South 24-

Parganas and North 24 Parganas

Presently about 58% 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 been prepared 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.

167


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.

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.

Decentralized PlanningDistrict Sector Schemes

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.

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.

State Sector Schemes

(i) Schemes that cover more than one districtAll such schemes have been retained at the State Sector.

168


(ii) Externally Aided ProjectsNo such project under PHE Department at present.

(iii) 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.

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.

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 Swajaldhara, 90% of the hardware component will be borne by Govt. of India and balance 10% to be borne by the beneficiaries. This is not within the Plan Budget of Public Health Engg. Department. The entire fund from Govt. of India for Swajaldhara Schemes goes to the bank account of District Water & Sanitation Mission directly specially opened for this purpose.

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.

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 ARWSP 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 ARWSP also.

169


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.

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 Department

Water Supply & SanitationPlan 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.

The total estimate of demand for water within KMA at the end of 2025 is 697.35 mgd. whereas the present generation capacity is 421.60 mgd. indicating a shortfall of 275.75 mgd., which is to be generated in phases. The proposals in the Plan included the proposed sources of water, the reservoirs-cum-boosting stations to maintain adequate pressures at the delivery ends. It has also taken into consideration arsenic zones in ground water within KMA and the required action. The proposals in the Plan include the construction of new water treatment plants, augmentation of existing water treatment plans, the rehabilitation works of the existing water works and scheme for extension of water supply to uncovered urban and rural pockets within KMA. Proposals for 2008-09 :

i) Improvement of existing drainage channels and canals.ii) Renovation/augmentation and construction of pump houses, pumping stations.iii) Improvement of internal drainage networks.

The proposed plan outlay for ‘Water Supply and Sanitation’ during 2008-09 is Rs. 36570.00 Lakh.

170


10.8 HOUSING (INCLUDING POLICE HOUSING)

RURAL HOUSING

10.8.1 Programme of the Panchayat & Rural Development Department Indications from the household survey taken up during the last Economic Census, result of which is being compiled, is that around 5% of the rural household do not even have their own house sites.

Thus there will be nearly six lakh such households, who need to be provided with their own house along with homestead land. They are staying on other’s land without permission and are the most vulnerable section of the society. The Indira Awas Yojana is being implemented for construction of houses for the homeless people living below the poverty line. In the year 2006-07, till February, 2007, as many as 66993 numbers of new houses have been constructed and 34,358 numbers of houses have been upgraded under the programme, involving a total expenditure of Rs.224.94 crore. The scheme will continue during 2008-09.

URBAN HOUSING

10.8.2 Programme of the Housing Department

State 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 flats at New Town, Kolkata with project cost of Rs. 34.21crore for which State Government provided subsidy of Rs. 400.40 lakh.

Subsidy to W. B. Housing Board & W.B. HIDCO towards construction of Ownership EWS Housing Scheme is proposed to be made @ Rs.20,000/- per dwelling unit.

10th Plan Spill over Rental EWS Housing Scheme at Patulia Phase-I, North 24 Parganas (96 flats SC-18, ST-6, General- 72) could not be implemented in the 10 th Plan and will be continued in the 11th Plan with project cost of Rs. 214.55 Lakh(flow to SCSP – Rs. 33.41 Lakh and TASP – Rs 11.14 Lakh .

Physical target during 2008-09 is : - a) Construction of 48 Rental EWS flats (SC-9, ST-3, General- 36) at Patulia Phase-III,

North 24 Parganas by State Government through Housing Directorate b) Construction of 100 ownership flats by Housing Board with their own resources.c) Construction of 400 ownership flats by WBHIDCO with their own resources.

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.

171


This Department has so far constructed 5674 LIG flats on Rental basis in between 1964 to 2006 which are being maintained by Estate Directorate of this Department. West Bengal Housing Board so far constructed 4878 LIG dwelling units on Ownership basis and under PPP five Joint Venture Companies so far constructed 1100 LIG Ownership flats up to March, 2007.

Budgetary outcome for Tenth Plan (2002-07) Housing Board is now constructing 832 LIG dwelling units and under PPP eight JVCs are engaged in construction of 645 LIG dwelling units at present and more schemes are in the planning stage for construction . One company named as Shapoorji Pallonji Ltd has started construction of 12000 LIG flats at New Town, Kolkata for which WBHIDCO provided 150 acres of land .

In the Annual Plan 2007-08 Physical target is as follows :-i. 500 ownership LIG flats (SC-96, ST-24) by WB Housing Board with their own

resources having state subsidy @ Rs. 10,000/-per flat.ii. 1000 ownership LIG flats under PPP by 8 Joint Venture Companies and 9 Assisted

Sector Companies with their own resourcesiii. Construction of Community Hall within Kustia L.I.G. Govt. Housing Estate by State

Government as continuing scheme of 10th Plan.

In the Annual Plan 2008-09 Physical target is :i) 250 ownership LIG flats (SC- 48, ST- 12) by WB Housing Board with their own

resources having state subsidy @ Rs. 10,000/-per flat .ii) 1000 ownership LIG flats by Joint Venture Companies and Assisted Sector Companies

under PPP with their own resources.iii) 192 LIG flats (rental) by State Government.

MIG Housing SchemeThe main objective of this scheme is to provide dwelling units to Middle Income Group People (MIG) in Urban and Semi-Urban areas. This Department has so far constructed 769 MIG flats on Rental basis in between 1964 to 1985 in Kolkata, Howrah and Siliguri which are being maintained by Estate Directorate of this Department. West Bengal Housing Board so far constructed 12955 MIG dwelling units on ownership basis and five Joint Venture Companies so far constructed 2837 MIG dwelling units on ownership basis up to March, 2007.

It may be mentioned that W.B. Housing Board and 8 (eight) Joint Venture Companies of the Housing Board under PPP are constructing MIG Housing flats at different locations in urban areas of the State. W. B. Housing Board is constructing 680 MIG dwelling units and eight Joint Venture Companies under PPP are constructing 2413 MIG dwelling units.

Considerable amounts are being invested both by Joint Venture Companies and W.B. Housing Board to safeguard the interest of the people belonging to MIG of this State. One company named as Shapoorji Pallonji Ltd. has started construction 8000 MIG flats in New Town, Kolkata for which WBHIDCO allotted land of 150 acres.

172


Physical target during 2008-09 is i) 250 MIG Rental flats by State Government , ii) 500 MIG Ownership flats by Housing Board iii) 1000 MIG Ownership flats under PPP .

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

10th Plan spill over Scheme is as follows :-

This Department has under taken a project for construction of a Multistoried Office Building of Housing Department at New Town (Rajarhat), Kolkata to locate all the offices in and around Kolkata, including the Secretariat Establishment of this Department, in one complex with project cost of Rs.1556.00 lakh, the administrative approval for which accorded during 2006-07. Tender has been floated. This project is expected to be started soon and focused to be completed in 11 th Plan Period by March, 2011.

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.

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. 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 said Company. At present the State Government has share worth Rs. 12.85 crore in this company

Improvement and Expansion of Mechanised Brick Factory at Palta The Mechanised Brick factory at Palta was established in the year 1966 to utilize the readily available Gangetic silt from pre-settling tank of nearby Palta Water Works of Kolkata Municipal Corporation and to produce quality bricks mechanically. The plant has outlived its life for continuous operation of more than 41 years. This scheme is to provide fund for effecting improvement and expansion including replacement of old machinery of this Mechanised Brick Factory. During 2007-08 a sum of Rs. 10 lakh was provided as part investment by this Govt.

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

173


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. This Department released Rs.358.00 lakh during 2004-05 for completion of 8 km. stretch of the Canal on re-excavation.

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. 25 lakh was released during the 10th Plan period.

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 SCHEMES

Construction 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 12190 Rental Housing Estate (RHE) flats constructed by this Department under the scheme from 1955 onwards throughout West Bengal. .

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 462 seats.

10th Plan Spill over Schemes are as follows :-

Construction of Working Women’s Hostels at i) Salt Lake, Kolkata (Ph-II) with 122 seats of accommodation (Project cost Rs.177.30 Lakh). The

project started during 2006-07 will continue in the 11th Plan.ii) Barapathar, Midnapore with 40 seats of accommodation(SC-10,ST-10) (Project cost Rs. 95

Lakh) for which administrative approval accorded during 2006 - 07. This project started during 2006-07 will continue in the 11th Plan.iii) Durgapur with 40 seats of accommodation(SC-10,ST-10) (Project cost Rs. 95 Lakh) for which

administrative approval accorded during 2006 - 07. This project is expected started during 2007-08 will continue in the 11th Plan.

Land acquisition and Development Schemes

Implementation 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.

It is expected that the tenth plan spill over schemes for land acquisition for setting up of RHE at Ghatal & Setting up Office Complex at New Town, Kolkata will be completed soon.

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. .

174


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 SCHEMES

Night 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.

PRIVATE PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP IN URBAN HOUSING

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

Joint Venture Companies :

Eight 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.

Out of such eight Joint Venture Companies five Joint Venture Companies have already completed 18 Projects comprising 8260 dwelling units (LIG – 1100, MIG – 2837, HIG – 2592, Plots / Plots with Houses – 1731) with total project cost of Rs. 662.61 crore .

Further eight such Joint Venture Companies are constructing 5521 dwelling units (LIG – 645, MIG – 2413, HIG – 2273, Plots / Plots with Houses – 190) and Commercial Complexes, Bus Stand with total project cost of Rs. 1215.79 crore .

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.

175


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 .

Activities of Public Sector Enterprise namely West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBHIDCO) & Statutory Organisation namely West Bengal Housing Board

Brief Survey of the existing Schemes, Projects & Programmes : A) West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (WBHIDCO)WBHIDCO was setup in April, 1999 as a Government Company under the Companies Act , 1956. Total authorized capital of this company is Rs. 50 crore . This Company is developing “ New Town, Kolkata” Project at Rajarhat covering 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 7 years an expenditure of Rs. 1227.76 crore has been incurred towards Infrastructure Development for setting up of this Township. So far, 2805.91 hectares out of 3779 hectares of land acquired with expenditure of Rs. 488.65 crore

So far 1551 hectares of land already developed by earth filling with total cost of Rs. 223.40 crore. Development of area covering 677 hectares is almost complete in all respect excepting of internal roads (18.25 Kms complete and 44 Kms under construction ).

Infrastructure Development in other areas are going on in full-swing and expected to be completed during 11th Plan Period . WBHIDCO so far sold 758 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 is 7836 covering area of 33770.75 cottah Some major infrastructure development works such as construction of bridge, major arterial road, flyover, 33/11 KV substation, deep tube wells, reservoirs, intermediate sewage lifting stations, drainage pumping stations, 452 flats by Housing Board, 2061 flats by Joint Venture companies under the PPP, 1664 EWS flats by WBHIDCO have been completed at New Town, Kolkata.

Other ongoing infrastructure development Projects are as follows : i) 5.75 Km long Arterial Road (North South Corridor) with 6-lane carriage way & ii) 6.5 K.m long Arterial Road (East West Corridor) with 6-lane carriage way, iii) 2nd BRIDGE (6-LANE DIVIDED CARRAIGEWAY) OVER BAGJOLA CANAL are in progress, iv) Southern Extension of Major Arterial Road with 6 lane carriage way . Further one road schemes viz 5 Km long Arterial Road with 6-lane carriage way from Basanti Road near Leather Complex to East West corridor is in planning stage and is proposed to be constructed in the 11th Plan Period .

Surface water supply scheme for providing 100 MGD capacity by drawing river water from the river Hoogly through Chitpur Lock gate via Krishnapur Canal is expected to be taken up by HIDCO in the 11th Five year Plan Period .

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

176


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 :-

a) Construction of 1808 flats (L.I.G – 688, M.I.G – 680, H.I.G – 440 ) by Housing Board and 4287 flats (L.I.G – 581, M.I.G – 1631, H.I.G – 2075 ) under PPP.

b) Setting up of one International Convention Centre by Bengal Unitech. c) Construction of 20000 dwelling units (MIG- 8000 and LIG- 12000) by Shapoorji Pallonji

Ltd.

It may also be mentioned that WBHIDCO has allotted 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 .

WBHIDCO also taken up different welfare activities for the project effected people and also taken up neighbourhood development schemes with project cost of Rs. 75.96 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 2000 (SC -480, ST- 120). WBHIDCO prepared 11th Five year Plan for an estimated amount of Rs.194210 Lakh for Infrastructure Development of New Town, Kolkata .

WEST BENGAL HOUSING BOARD The West Bengal Housing Board, a major Public Sector Statutory Organisation establish under the Act XXXII, 1972 has been constructing flats for more than three decades for different categories of people of the State to meet the increasing demand for dwelling units.

The West Bengal Housing Board so far constructed a total of 35211 dwelling units (E.W.S – 1151, L.I.G – 4878, M.I.G – 12955, H.I.G – 16227) for different categories of people upto March, 2007. Further 2609 dwelling units under construction ( L.I.G – 832, M.I.G - 680, H.I.G – 836 & plots with Houses - 261) with project cost of Rs. 220.34 crore. In the Annual Plan 2007-08 the projected outlays by Housing Board is Rs. 8640.00 lakh .

In the Annual Plan 2008-09 targets for construction of flats by Housing Board are as follows:-EWS – 100, LIG – 250, MIG – 500, HIG – 600..10.8.3 Programme of the Home (P&AR) DepartmentAlthough Housing Estates have come-up in Kolkata and in few districts, the housing problem is very acute in the outlying sub-divisions. Setting up of Estates may not he justified in view of number of officers posted in the sub-divisions. The Department therefore has to formulate, schemes for construction of Residential quarters for different category of officers posted there to provide suitable accommodation for them in the interest of smooth functioning of administration. Furthermore, the Department has to undertake minor repair and renovations of age-old office complexes and bungalows in the districts and sub-divisions. Providing fund in emergent situation viz. for starting execution of die new schemes after administrative approval and meeting the cost of land acquired

177


for the purpose of construction of administrative buildings and residential quarters in the different places of districts and sub-divisions is another important aspect for operation of this budget head. Since, 1996, one new district, viz. Purba Medinipur and Eleven new Sub-divisions, viz, Egra, Chanchal, Mal, Domkol, Canning, Kakdwip, Baruipur, Bidhannagar, Kharagpur, Gangarampur (with its HQ. At Buniadpur) and Tehatta were created. For development of basic infrastructure for these administrative units, huge fund is required.

In 2007-08, Rs. 650 lakhs were allocated. The break-up for general pool component was Rs. 500 Lakhs, S.C.Component is Rs. 100 lakhs and ST component is Rs. 50 lakhs only.

10.8.4 Programme of the Judicial DepartmentConsidering the acute housing problem in different Districts and Subdivisions this Deptt. has taken up the programme for construction of residential quarters for Judicial Officers within the vicinity of the Court Complex in the interest of the smooth functioning of the Judiciary in this state. During the recent past several subdivisions have been created for decentralisation of the Administrative set up.This Deptt.have already taken up steps towards construction of Court Buildings in such places, eg. Egra,Chanchol, Mal, Domkol, Canning, Kakdwip, Kharagpur, Buniadpur, etc. As a result, construction of residential quarters for Judicial Officers have cropped up besides renovation/repair of the existing residential quarters in different places. This Deptt. envisages that 250 qtrs. for Judicial Officers and 600 qtrs. for staff of the Courts will be constructed in various places in the state. Moreover, 12 units of residential qtrs. for the Hon'ble Judges of the Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court at Jalpaiguri and construction of the Chief Justice's Bunglow are under consideration of this Deptt.

Already Bijan Bhavan at Salt Lake City, Kolkata has been constructed for residential accommodation of the Hon'ble Judges of the Calcutta High Court.

10.8.5 Programme of the Labour DepartmentSubsidised housing scheme for bidi-workers : This was a continuing scheme, but to be dropped in view of the fact that the Government of India has initiated Integrated Housing Scheme for Beedi Workers; for which no separate allotment is provided.

10.8.6 Programme of the Parliamentary Affairs DepartmentThe following schemes have been proposed to be taken up during 2008-09 :

Horizontal and Vertical extension of State Guest House at 2, Kyd. Street, Kolkata. Construction of a new Assembly House (Millenium Buildings) of West Bengal Legislative

Assembly at assembly Complex. Construction of a new M.L.A. Hostel at a suitable place in Kolkata. Construction of an office building of west Bengal Legislative Assembly Secretariat within

the West Bengal Legislative Assembly Complex. Construction of 4 storied type IV (modified) with 2 units on each floor, Residential Quarter

at State Legislature Assembly House Init – II at 2, Kyd. Street, Kolkata – 16. Administration of Justice construction of Multistoried building at High Court Tram

Terminus for accommodation of MLAs and Group ‘D’ staff of W.B.L.A. Construction of 4 storied type IV (modified) with 2 units on each floor, Residential Quarter

at State Legislature Assembly House Unit-II at 2, Kyd Street, Kolkata.

The proposed plan outlay during 2008-09 under ‘ Housing (including Police Hopusing)’ is Rs. 13389.00 Lakh

178


10.9 URBAN DEVELOPMENT

10.9.1 Programme of the Municipal Affairs DepartmentThe urban scenario in this State has undergone a sea change in the recent years. The urban population stands at 28.03% of the State population while the urban area is only 2.93%. The rapid urbanization has thrown up challenges to the urban local bodies to speed up the creation of physical and social infrastructure in these areas not only to provide a better living environment for the citizens but also to make the urban areas focal point of growth and economic development and attract investment opportunities.

There are 116 Municipalities, 6 Municipal Corporations, 4 Notified Area Authorities and 1 Industrial Township in the State. The emphasis of the State Municipal Governance policy is to en-ate liveable, environmentally balanced, investment friendly cities with a dynamic municipal system that would provide an efficient service delivery system and also cater to the welfare and upliftment of the living standard of the citizens especially the urban poor. The focus, therefore, has been on development of both physical and infrastructure as well as social infrastructure services like health and employment in a holistic manner. Emphasis also has been laid on people's participation in the planning process and development to enhance sustainability of the developmental efforts. Effort has also been laid on involving women in the decision making process as women's empowerment as their active participation in the developmental efforts adds to the sustainability.

The urban local bodies are presently faced with problem of inadequate resources as well as inadequate capacity to confront the new challenges emerging from rapid urbanisation. While there is need to provide improved civic services in a sustainable manner, there is limited availability of resources, which has resulted in widening gap between the requirement and availability of infrastructure facilities. While efforts are being made to increase the resources available under various Central and State sector schemes, it has become imperative to look for alternative sources to finance infrastructure development outside the purview of budgetary allocation. The State Government has formulated policy to enlist private sector participation in development of urban infrastructure by way of evolving n new paradigm where the public and private sectors would work in partnership for creation and management of facilities in a sustainable manner.

Endeavour of the Department for the coming financial yearThe Department proposes to achieve a faster and inclusive growth in the urban sector through initiatives at the ULB level to encompass their functioning as envisaged in the 12th Schedule.

The main thrust areas shall be in the following sectors Urban Infrastructure Development Initiatives, Essential Services for the urban poor, Empowerment of urban environment, Comprehensive Strategy for Better Health, Employment Generation to ensure Socio-economic Upliftment, Gender Balancing and Empowerment of Weaker Sections of the Society, Planning at the Grass-root Level and Stakeholders participation in urban governance, Fiscal Discipline, Transparency and Accountability, Strengthening the financial health of the ULBs through resource mobilisation.

Urban Infrastructure Development Initiatives During the last financial year, creation of urban infrastructure and civic amenities were taken up by various urban local bodies under Central and State Sector Schemes such as 1DSMT, ILCS, as well as resources available under the 11th Finance Commission, 12th Finance Commission and State

179


Finance Commission Awards and Employment Generation fund. With the launching of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission the focus on infrastructure development will now be through Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) which will be supplemented by resources from other State Plan Funds and from the ULBs.. So far under UIDSSMT 8 projects have been sanctioned involving Rs 77.18 crores out of which 11.57 crores ill be made available from State Govt. and the rest Rs. 4.86 crores will be provided by the ULBs. In addition, projects would be taken up through externally aided projects.

A water supply project and SWM for 16 urban local bodies, would be implemented under the Italian assistance programme while the drainage problem of Kolkata Municipal Corporation is being addressed under the ADB assisted Kolkata Environmental Improvement Project. Under DFID assisted KUSP Project various trans-municipal schemes will also be taken up.

Essential services for the urban poorNearly 30% of the urban population in the State resides in slums. Besides infrastructure development in the slums such as provisioning of drinking water, drainage, sanitation, street lighting and road, emphasis will also be given on health care and employment generation activities so that the slum population becomes part of the mainstream of the city life. The development of housing and infrastructure in slum areas will be taken up mainly under the scheme for Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme, which is a component of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission for the Non-Mission Cities and has replaced the existing schemes of National Slum Development Programme, VAMBAY and ILCS. So far under IHSDP (meant for Non-KMA ULBs), schemes for 16 towns have been sanctioned involving construction of housing and slum level infrastructure at a project cost of Rs 189.45 crores. Out of that, Rs.101.68 crores will be spent for 12824 houses while the remaining Rs. 87.77 crores are meant for improvement of slum Int.astructure. In the houses not covered under IHSDP the problems of slum infrastructure shall be addressed through the Basic Minimum Service programme. In the urban local bodies located in the Kolkata Metropolitan Area the efforts to improve the standard of living in the slums will be supplemented under the DFID assisted scheme of Kolkata Urban Services for the Poor (KUSP). Emphasis will also be given on identification of schemes as well as execution of work by the Community Development Societies (CDS) in the bustee areas so that the local inhabitants are fully involved not only in the formulation of schemes but also their implementation. This will facilitate proper operation and maintenance of the assets after they are created.

Improvement of Urban Environment Scientific disposal of the municipal solid wastes is one of the areas of concern and need to be addressed in an effective manner. Emphasis shall, therefore, be given on developing proper system for collection of solid wastes and its scientific disposal. Under the 12th Finance Commission Award, 50% of the funds allocated to urban local bodies are meant to be utilised for solid waste management. The improvement in solid waste management would encompass primary collection (door to door), secondary collection (at specified points) and disposal at sanitary landfill sites. Initiatives have been taken for treatment of the solid waste through vermiculture, composting, using modern techniques. Schemes have already been formulated for 23 urban local bodies in consultation with the West Bengal Pollution Control Board and schemes for other urban local bodies are in the process of realisation. Under Urban infrastructure and governance sub-mission under JNNURM a scheme for comprehensive solid waster management in 10 municipal towns has been approved by

180


the Ministry of Urban Development involving Rs. 56.58 crores. For Asansol Urban area a similar project has been sanctioned to the tune of 43.12 crores. Efforts would be made to involve

Community Development Societies in the primary collection of the solid waste and its segregation at source.

Employment Generation for ensuring Socio-economic Upliftment:To address the unemployment problem in the urban areas continued attention will be given to development of micro enterprises through Thrift and Credit Groups, credit linked DWCUA and micro enterprises through bank loan and subsidy. Under the SJSRY 19700 TCG involving 2.85 lakh women members have already been formed. Similarly 493 DWCUA groups have been provided out of which 148 have been credit linked. The programmes already taken up under SJSRY will be continued and further strengthened so as to improve the economic condition of the urban poor. The marketing of the products delivered/generated under various self-employment schemes shall be given due attention to ensure appropriate backward and forward linkages. It is proposed to undertake a market study in different urban areas to identify the viable trade on which attention will be given in future and based on the same, self-employment activities shall be re-organised. Market Survey Officers will be engaged to guide the small entrepreneurs in marketing of their products. Apart from this, appropriate market centres will be developed by the urban local bodies to facilitate sale of goods by the entrepreneurs as well as providing of support services.

Under the wage employment programme the existing schemes to create employment opportunities for at least 100 days in a year for the semi-skilled/un-skilled people to provide livelihood simultaneously will also be continued.

Gender Balancing and Empowerment of Weaker Sections of the Society Under SJSRY empowerment of women is done through formation of CDS, NHG and NHC. The Thrift and Credit Groups and DWCUA Groups are managed by the womenfolk entirely. The Rastriaya Mahila Kosh Scheme has been taken up for the women. Processes have been initiated.

Planning at the Grass-root Level The State Government has already introduced the concept of formulation of Draft Development Plan for all the urban areas. Such Draft Development Plan is being formulated by the urban local bodies taking into account the needs of the citizens and shall be discussed in each of Ward Committees and subsequently in the meeting of the Board of Councillors. All 40 KMA ULBs has taken up, to prepare the Plan and few have already completed. Such Draft Development Plan is envisioned to contain in a holistic manner the development perspective of the municipalities encompassing infrastructural, social and over all economic development including the socio-economic upliftment of both the economically and socially weaker section of the population including women.

To ensure greater citizens' participation in the municipal administration in a democratic and participatory manner, the State Government has made it mandatory, the constitution of Ward Committees in each Ward of all urban local bodies. In order to ensure the participation of the women of BPL families and representative of CDS in the municipal administration it has also been made mandatory to include women representatives of BPL families in the Ward Committees. The concept of Ward Committee has widened the scope of public interface and takes into account the views of the citizens in the matters related to development plan implemented or proposed to be

181


implemented by the urban local bodies. Another aspect of people's participation in urban governance is introduction of citizen's charter. The urban local bodies are now required to publish their citizen's charter, in order to provide adequate information to the general citizens on requirement of approval/ procedural matters etc. relating to various matters such as construction of buildings, starting of business, opening of manufacturing units, water connection, redressal of grievances relating to civic services etc. along with the time frame within which such works shall be done or such services shall be delivered by the urban local bodies.

Fiscal Discipline, Transparency and Accountability In order to bring clarity in the financial management system of the urban local bodies, the concept of Municipal Accounting Committee has already been introduced. Apart from this, the single entry system of accounting presently being practiced by the urban local bodies shall be replaced by double entry accrual based system. This new system shall assist the urban local bodies to maintain their accounts in a more scientific and transparent manner. Apart from this a system of Internal Audit of Accounts of municipal funds shall be introduced and auditors from the Directorate of Co-operative Audit would be deputed to the municipalities to assist them in preparation of accounts as well as conduct of internal audit. The annual financial system of urban local bodies shall have to be placed before the Ward Committees for examination and opinion. They shall also be published so that they can be accessed by any citizen. 'It is expected that it will be ensured transparency and accountability.

The system of e-governance in management of the municipal system has been given special attention. The Geographical Information System has already been introduced in a number of urban local bodies and it is expected to bring all the urban local bodies under the ambit of GIS based monitoring system. This will facilitate augmentation of the revenue of the local bodies through better collection of taxes as the system will provide status of arrears and non-tax locations. This will also facilitate better planning and monitoring with mapping of utility services and improve the service delivery system.

A decentralised ward level e-governance system of web based monitoring system is proposed to be developed in a gradual manner.

Strengthening the Financial Health of ULBs through resource mobilisation Improving the financial health of Municipal Bodies is an essential requirement not only to ensure proper management of the assets created under various programmes but also enable the local bodies to access market funds to take up the required infrastructure development. Hence, emphasis shall be given on augmentation of both tax and non-tax revenues by the urban local bodies. Besides, focusing on improving the collection of property taxes, it is now proposed to gradually switch over to the unit area based determination of property tax in place of present practice of determining property tax on the basis of annual ratable value of the premises. To begin with, the unit areas based property tax shall be introduced in the Kolkata Municipal area and thereafter it would be taken up in the remaining urban local bodies.

To enhance the non-tax revenue, the urban local bodies have been advised to impose Trade License, Advertisement Tax and Fees, Amusement Tax, Water Charges, Conservation Charges, etc. The collection of both tax and non-tax revenue by the urban local bodies will be closely monitored at the State level. The effort would be to bring down the dependency level of the urban local bodies on the State exchequer, which is presently in the range of 50-55%.

182


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.

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 Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, which was launched on 3rd December, 2005 includes Kolkata Metropolitan Area and Asansol Urban Area as Mission cities. Under the Sub-mission (1), namely Urban Infrastructure and Governance – 15 schemes have been sanctioned for Kolkata as well as Asansol with the projects cost of Rs.1073.30 crores. These include schemes relating to water supply, sewerage and drainage on which the State Government is laying emphasis. Under the Sub-mission (2) namely Basic Services for the Urban Poor, 28 schemes have been approved so far involving Rs.850.62 crores. Besides improving the infrastructure in the slums, this also involves construction of 41,424 houses for slum dwellers .Infrastructure development and services for urban poor in the non-Mission towns shall be covered under the schemes of Urban Infrastructure and Development Schemes for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) and Improvement of Housing and Slum Development Project (IHSDP). Under the UIDSSMT, 14 schemes involving Rs. 180.53 crores and under the IHSDP, 16 schemes involving Rs.189.45 crores have so far been sanctioned.

The infrastructural development in the urban areas will mostly be addressed under different components under JNNURM. Special emphasis shall be made for providing basic amenities to the urban poor.

183


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. Development of an integrated township over 4800 acres of land at Dankuni through Public Private Partnership model by KMDA is a landmark achievement to this effect. The 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 West Bengal Town & Country (Planning & Development) Act (WBT&CP Act) has been in operation within the whole of the state of West Bengal, excluding the area notified under Cantonment Act, 1924, since 11th June, 1974, when it was published in the Calcutta Gazette, Extraordinary. This Act was formulated with an intension to provide planned development of both urban and rural areas of the state by introducing statutory control over the uncontrolled spontaneous growth as well as new development projects within the planning areas notified under this Act. 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

184


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.

HousingIn 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. during 2005-06. 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. SCP & TASP Components

It will appear from the table below that the ratios of population of the Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes in urban areas of the state are very small.

Percentage of total SC population to total state population

Percentage of urban SC population to state urban population

Percentage of total ST population to total state population

Percentage of urban ST population to state urban population

23.02 13.05 5.50 1.21 It 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 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. Even during the current financial year a sum of Rs.11,05,00,000/- has been earmarked for SCP and TSP. Proper utilization of this fund is the major concern. However about 50% of the fund under the programme SCP & TASP have already been expended.

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.

185


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 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 thisjuncture, 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:-

186


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. The Plan addresses sector-wise projections. Total projected investment in the Plan amounts to Rs. 5669.08 crore. The sector-wise allocations of the projected investment is as follows:

Residential Rs. 1757.00 croreWater Supply Rs. 106.22 croreSewerage Rs. 83.40 croreSolid Waste Management Rs. 19.24 croreTraffic & Transportation Rs. 2549.02 croreEducation Rs. 849.00 croreHealth Rs. 305.20 crore

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. HDA has prepared a five years financial plan for the development projects proposed to be carried out in Haldia Planning Area estimated at Rs. 943 crore.

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. Elaborate provision for drainage, sewerage, drinking water augmentation etc. have also been provided in the plan. The total plan for the development of Jaigaon considered a project expenditure in the vicinity of around Rs.30.00 crore for five years.

187


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 AreaThe Perspective Plan prepared by the Digha Sankarpur Development Authority projects an investment potential of Rs. 197.81 crore upto spanning from Tenth to Thirteenth Plan period. During 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.

The proposed plan outlay under ‘Urban Development’ during 2008-09 is Rs. 200643.00 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.

188


d) To modernise the District/Sub-divisional 'Information Centres' with a view to disseminate messages of the government and getting feedback speedily and 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 Window1 with the help of G to C Portal.

The proposed plan outlay during 2008-09 under ‘Information & Publicity’ is Rs. 579.33 Lakh.

10.11 DEVELOPMENT OF SC, ST & OBCs

10.11.1 Programme of the Backward Classes Welfare DepartmentThe Backward Classes Welfare Department of this Government is entrusted with various welfare activities for the people of SC, ST and OBC communities. The main focus of this department is on educational upliftment of the people belonging to Backward Classes living in this state.

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. During 2007-2008 about 30 lakh SC ,ST and OBC students of classes v to x have been provided Book Grants. It is expected to cover about 35 lakh such students during 2008-2009. The rate of Book Grants have been revised effectively from this financial year.

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 and Maintenance charges are likely to be increased from the next financial year.

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. During this current financial year Hostel charges have been enhanced from Rs. 400/- p.m. to Rs. 600 p.m. The quota of School-attached hostellers is likely to be increased from 36000 to 45000 for SC beneficiaries and from 32000 to 40000 for ST beneficiaries from the next financial year.

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.During 2007-2008 the rate of scholarship admissible to the Hostellers of Group II,III,IV categories has been enhanced to Rs.600/- per month.

All the other educational schemes like payment of Compulsory charges to ST students, Tuition Fees, Merit Scholarship for girls, Up-gradation of merit etc. have been continued during 2007-2008 and will cover more SC,ST and OBC students during 2008-2009.It is proposed to increase the number of meritorious students of Backward Classes under the scheme 'Up-gradation of Merit’ during 2008-2009.

189


Emphasis has been given for construction of more Ashram Hostels, School-attached Hostels, Central Hostels for the benefit of SC,ST and OBC students. Five Ekalabya Model Residential Schools are at present running in this state. The schools are of English Medium and Computer Education has been introduced in all the schools. Establishment of 2 more EMR schools and 5 Raghunath Murmu Schools is in the offing. . Eleven English Medium Schools are also running as feeder to EMR schools. This Department proposes to earmark more funds for implementation of all the educational schemes during 2008-09 since education is an essential pre-requisite for economic and all-round development of the Backward Classes peoples.

Vocational training programmes in various trades have been taken by this Department for the benefit of SC, ST and OBC students during 2007-08. 45 TCPCs are at present functioning in this state. Passed out trainees are provided with loans from the corporations under this Department for self-employment of the trainees. Trainings have been imparted to Backward Classes Youths in Central Tool Rooms and Training Centre, ATDC, Electronics Corporation of India, National Small Industries and also in PTTI and ANM. Much impetus has been given for the economic development of the people belonging to SC/ ST and OBC communities.

Infrastructural development programmes have also been adopted in SC, ST dominated areas. 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 and infrastructural development schemes in this state. During 2007-08, we have received Rs. 29.043 crore under SCA to SCP, Rs. 25.07 crore under SCA to TSP and Rs.18.54 crore under Article 275(1) from the Government of India. These funds along with fund received form State Plan are being used in various income generation and infrastructural development activities for the people of SC, ST and OBC communities.

Mahila Samirdhi Yojana(MSY),Adibasi Mahila Swashaktikaran Yojana(AMSY),NationaI Schemes for Rehabilitation of Scavengers(NSLRS) are being implemented effectively in this state during 2007-2008 and will be implemented more extensively during 2008-2009 covering more SC,ST and OBC beneficiaries. In addition , schemes for providing Tractors, Auto Rickshaws, Power Trillers have been drawn up for SC/ST unemployed youths under NSFDC and NSTFDC programmes

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.

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,135 Grain Banks have already been established.. 170 more Grain Banks will be set up soon.

Comprehensive Tribal Development Programme known as WADI introduced in this state is being implemented on a pilot basis in two tribal dominated blocks. The scheme is proposed to be extended to other tribal dominated blocks in this state during 11th Plan Period. Steps have also been taken for the benefit of ST communities inhabiting the Forest-villages of Cooch-Behar, Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Baikunthapurand Buxa Tiger Reserve Forest. LED based solar lighting systems has been launched in tribal dominated Binpur-II block in Paschim Medinipur.

190


Schemes for Primitive Tribal Groups continued during 2007-2008 at a total expenditure of Rs. 2.00 crore. Income generation activities and Infrastructural Development programmes have been taken for the benefit of people of Primitive Tribal Groups.

Under Old Age Pension Scheme about 100000 old tribal persons of BPL families are supposed to be benefited during 2007-2008.Closed Tea Garden workers in North Bengal have also come under the purview of this scheme.

This department is exploring the possibility of introducing a Health Insurance Scheme for the poor SC/ST people and implementation of Health Infrastructural Development

Programmes in SC/ST dominated areas during 2008-2009.

Cultural Programmes: Various cultural activities have been undertaken during 2007-2008in order to promote and preserve the heritage of SC/ST people.

The ongoing project of Rajya Bhawaiya Sangeet Protiyogita will complete its Nineteenth year. The programme is dedicated to the memory of Raisahev Thakur Panchanan Barma,the eminent social reformer of Rajbanshi community and due tribute will in this regard be offered to him on 14th February,2008,his birthday.

The State Level Awards in the names of Sadhu Ramchand Murmu, Pandit Raghunath Murmu and Lalsukra Oraon were conferred on three eminent tribal personalities for extending their works in the fields of literature, art, craft and performing arts.

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 have been continued this year also.

Birthday of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, Sadhu Ramchand Murmu and 151st year of Santhal Rebellion have been observed with due reverence..

C.R.I conducts various ethnic identification studies and makes evaluation of different schemes run by this department apart from cultural activities. The periodical studies help not only asses the impact of the development schemes but also modification for better services to Backward Classes people.

Some Voluntary Organizations also work in this state for the benefit of SC and ST people.

Other schemes during the Annual Plan 2008-09

Construction of two Eklabya type Schools together with Feeder Schools

1 Construction of additional two Ekalabya Schools will be taken up in 2008-09 with funding by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India and the State Govt. Five Ekalabya Schools from class VI to class XII are already functioning.

In all the Ekalabya schools computer courses are being taught by DOEACC from Class VI to XII.

191


Play grounds for outdoor games will be constructed in all the Ekalabya Schools in 2008-09.

2. For income generation schemes trainings have been arranged in Central Tool Room for advanced Machinist Course Apparel Training Design Centre, Kolkata is also giving training to ST trainees for income generation.

The proposed plan outlay during 2008-09 under ‘Development of SC,ST & OBCs’ is Rs. 18892.00 Lakh.

10.12 LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

A. LABOUR WELFARE

10.12.1 Programme of the Labour Department

The following schemes will be continued:Strengthening of enforcement machinery of the Labour DirectorateWith the increased emphasis imposed by the Govt. to 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 to overcome the situations. 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.

Strengthening of Training Institute-cum-Central LibraryThe State Labour Institute is running perennially an advanced certificate Course in Personnel Management, Industrial Relations, and Labour Welfare for the prospective Labour Welfare Officers and also in Service Training Programme of Officers of the Labour Dte. And Others. Now, to cope up with the demand of the day, if is urgently required to introduce a three year whole time Degree Course in M. B.A instead of Certificate Course. Accordingly, it is proposed to renovate the Institute as per A. I. C. T. E norms. In addition to above, it is required to purchase books for the Library etc. It is proposed to set up integrated wing of the Statistical matters of the Labour Directorate, the Employment Directorate and all other Directorates. Moreover, a research cell is being proposed to set up to centre to the needs of the emerging Labour related matters. The Substantial monetary grants released so far may be proposed to be released for the development of the State Labour Institute.

Improvement of Labour Statistics The Labour Dte. 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. Besides, this Department publishes the books on “Labour in West Bengal” and “Labour Minister’s Budget Speech” every year for wide circulation.

Strengthening of the Research and Development Wing of the Factories DirectorateResearch and Development wing conducts multidisciplinary studies on safety and health problem 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 Dte, the R.D.

192


Wing is to be Strengthened. Moreover, it is imperative on the part of us, as per orders of the Govt. of India, to build up scientific database in order to avoid Bhopal like Gas disastrous in this State.

For the above purposes, installation/Procurement of Computers (for Factory License data-base), updatation of Factory information Systems installation of Water treatment system for operation of Atomic Absorption Spectro-Photometer, Setting up of connectivity system, construction of building is urgently required. Besides, some man powers (creation of posts) required.

Setting up of new Tribunals and Labour CourtsThere are at present 9 Industrial Tribunals and 2 Labour Courts in West Bengal. Out of these, 7 Industrial Tribunals and 2 Labour Courts are at Kolkata, while Jalpaiguri and Durgapur have one Tribunal each. Moreover, a huge No. of cases are pending and day after day these are being increased. For Speedy disposal of those pending cases and new cases, it is strongly felt for setting up of more Tribunals/Courts. In addition, the 1982. Amendment of Industrial Disputes Act has made it mandatory to dispose the cases within the time-bound period. In view of above, and for mitigating the sufferings facing the Union leaders, and the workmen who are to come from farthest corners of the district of Howrah and 24 Pgs(N) to the New Secretariat Buildings for disposal of disputes, it is proposed to set up 2 I.T.-one each at Howrah and Barrackpore alongwith creation of some posts.

Beedi Workers Welfare SchemeThe Govt. has already taken decision to improve the living conditions of the Beedi Workers by way of giving 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 infrastructures like approach road, water supply, sanitation in a group /

cluster housing.

Under the Revised Integrated Housing Scheme 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. In response to that, the State Government also pay an amount of Rs.10,000/- per tenement as uniform subsidy. Upto January 2008 an amount of Rs.246.10 lakh has already been released as state subsidy. Besides, the State Government also pay Rs.2,500/- per tenement for electrification of the Beedi Workers houses. During this current financial year a comprehensive “Beedi Workers’ Welfare Scheme” and “Revised Integrated Housing Scheme for Beedi Workers” have been implementing in the districts of Malda, Purulia and Murshidabad for the development of Beedi Workers.

Improvement of working conditions of Child and Women LabourWith a view to improving the working conditions of the Child and Women Labours in West Bengal, it is proposed for organisation of Vocational Training Camps.

Statewide survey to identify Child Labour in different employmentAs per order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, it was imperative on the part of this Deptt. to inspect and therefore identify the Child labour engaged in hazardous occupations, if any, and supervise the overall situations. The necessity of the above still exists. As the list of hazardous occupations is being increased from time to time as per Govt. Notification which is covering a large number of

193


child workers. So constant vigil and supervision is still necessary with a view to conducting state wide survey a large amount of fund is required for the State so that we may involve NGOs, the Panchayet and Municipal functionaries involving the infrastructure of the Labour Department and the District Administration.

It has been to take up the survey with the Statewide survey to identify the child labourers in different employments through District National Child Labour Project Society headed by the District Magistrate.

The Government of India has prohibited engagement of children as domestic workers and in dhabas, restaurants, hotels and recreation centres with effect from 10 th October 2006. Since then, the State Government has been contemplating to give some relief to this destitute children who are rescued from child labourers. As a commitment of a welfare state, the Government cannot remain idle where a child labour who do not have parents or whose parents are unable to work. With drawal of children from their working places would no doubt aggravate the survival of them and their families. Keeping in view of the above promise towards such children as orphans and destitutes, Labour Department is going to launch a new scheme under the name of ‘Residential Schools for child workers’.

Welfare of agricultural labourers and labourers in the unorganized sectorIn order to provide financial assistance in the form of premium of Group Insurance Scheme, Medical Expenses, Educational Expenses and also in case of accident etc. to the Agricultural Labours, Construction Labours and Unorganised Workers, this Welfare Scheme has been taken into account.

During the current financial year introduction of Building Construction Welfare Act and New scheme like Health Insurance Scheme, Pension Scheme for unorganised workers is to be introduced foe which a separate Board for unorganised workers is proposed to be set up.

The Labour Department is also going to launch Health Insurance Scheme for workers in the unorganized sector during 2008-09. The Ministry of Labour, 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 will be launched in 2008-09 and, in the first year, 3 districts are proposed to be covered. The entire State would be covered by 2012-13. 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 fee. All administrative costs will have to be borne by the State Government.

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 an employment potential scheme 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 different Non-destructions 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.

194


For the above purposes and for updating the welding Technology at par with similar training centres of national reputes some modern most machinery are to be procured. It is also proposed for creation of some posts and construction of buildings for the centre.

Detection and Rehabilitation of Bonded LaboursThe Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has also suggested to implement the laws for abolition of bonded labour system and connected matter 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 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 Governments on 50:50 basis shares to the expenditure. The migrant bonded labours as per guidelines, are to be rehabilitated at the place of his / her choice. And under this scheme, the State Governments shall provide Rs. 1000/- as substance allowances to a bonded labour immediately on his/her identification.

From the last year’s experience during which 121 bonded labourers were detected it is proposed for keeping an equivalent amount of budget provision as State share for the current financial year.

Strengthening of the Testing Laboratory for examination of boilersIn the Testing Laboratory under the Directorate of Boiler, 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 latest boiler technology and old one to be replaced for expansion of the existing set – up.

Extension of Employment ServicesTo 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 PH persons, with creation of posts.

During the current financial year two newly proposed Employment Exchanges – one at Mal S.D. in the district of Jalpaiguri and the other at Domkal S.D. in the district of Murshidabad got administrative approval and those will start function shortly. Besides, a new scheme called “Skill Development” has been taken up by this Department from the current financial year. Under the

195


scheme the employment exchanges should get involved in skill upgradation of the jobseekers. In doing what the Employment Exchanges are required to do are :

1) Counseling of individuals for assessment of his/her ability and advice him/her about the possible opportunities.

2) Organizing dummy tests for the individual job seekers and help them assess their shortcomings.

3) Sponsoring candidates for training programmes to selected institutions and by subsidizing the training cost required upgrade their skill.

Thus a job seeker who is unemployed must undergo such training in every five years and may have option to avail such training within three years.

Computerisation of Employment Exchanges41 No. Employment Exchanges out of 71 No. have been computerised. So it is proposed to Computerised the remaining number of Employment Exchanges during the next 5 years (2007-12) for smooth functioning and rendering employment services to the unemployed job seekers.

During this financial year 94 Computers are required to be purchased for 47 Employment Exchanges and back-log data of about

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. These large portions of the population has needed special care from this Department. Directorate of Employment is approaching to the 11th Planning Commission to create two Training-cum-Guidance Centres attached to the DEE Purulia, a tribal dominated districts and DEE Krishnanagar where Scheduled Caste population is high, to 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 examination. Directorate of Employment is also proposing for vocational training of the candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe through Community Polytechnic who are potentially aspirants for Self-employment.

Under the scheme this Department proposed 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.

10.12.2 Programme of the Self-Help Group and Self Employment DepartmentAs regards Self Employment Programme the BSKP(Bangla Swanirbhar Karmasansthan Prakalpa) has already come into the fold of the Department. The Society for Self Employment of Youths has since been reconstituted and the G.O. extending the benefits of the programme to rural areas has already been issued for setting up of Project Implementation Committee at the Panchayat Samity Level.. The Government will provide 20% of the project cost as subsidy subject to a maximum of Rs.1lakh (earlier 50 thousand) for individual cases and Rs.2.5 lakh (earlier1.25 lakh) for group through the schemes “Bangla Swanirbhar Karmasansthan Prakalpa” to set up tiny scale units in order to generate self employment in the urban and rural areas. During 07-08’ till December’2007, an amount of Rs.10.82 crores as subsidy in respect of 3314 cases has been released. During the same

196


period 4703 cases have been sponsored to banks. As the infrastructure at the districts and block level is yet to be set up, the programme could not progress satisfactorily.

For the Annual Plan 2008-09 under ‘Labour & Employment’ an amount of Rs. 6998.50 lakh has been proposed.

10.13 SOCIAL SECURITY & SOCIAL WELFARE

10.13.1 Programme of the Panchayat & RD Department

National Old Age PensionA section of the society will not be able to either participate in the wage-employment or the self-employment programme due to their old age or other disabilities. They will be required to be covered with the social security programmes. The scale of the National Old Age Pension has been augmented from Rs.100 per month to Rs.400 per month from 1st April of the year 2006-07. While the Government of India increased their share from Rs.75 to Rs.200 the State Government increased its contribution from Rs.25 to Rs.200 per person per month. As on February, 2007 as many as 4,67,846 numbers of persons from both rural and urban areas are receiving the benefit under the scheme. In order to reach the pension on time fund is now transferred directly to the bank account of the Gram Panchayats from the state level. Under the National Family benefit Scheme one time grant of Rs.10,000 is provided to a household on the event of death of the main earning member of the family living below the poverty line. During the year 2006-07, upto February, 2007 as many as 11,656 families were extended the benefit.

Provident Fund for Landless Agricultgural Labourers (PROFLAL)Under the programme 9,42,369 numbers of landless agricultural labourers have been registered upto February, 2007. Till the end of February, 2007, as many as 5567 claims under the scheme have been disposed and an amount of Rs.27.57 lakh has been disbursed to them.

10.13.2 Programme of the Food & Supplies DepartmentImplementation of Annapurna Scheme The scheme is aimed at providing food security to the indigent senior citizens who are aged 65 years and above and who are not been included under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS). Under the scheme 10 kg of rice is provided per month per head, free of cost to every beneficiary under this scheme who has been identified by the Panchayat and Municipal Bodies in the rural and urban areas respectively, under the supervision of the concerned District Magistrate.

On receipt of the lists of beneficiaries from the District Magistrate, ration cards are issued to them by the Department and the food grains are supplied through the PDS controlled by this Department. The target number of beneficiaries under this Scheme for 2005-06 was 80,020 in West Bengal.

For implementation of this Scheme, including door step delivery of the same to the aged beneficiaries Rs. 5.112 Crores, Rs. 1.584 Crores under SCP and Rs. 0.504 Crore under TSP have been earmarked for the year 2008-09.

10.13.3 Programme of the Women & Child Development and Social Welfare DepartmentThis Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare is entrusted with the various welfare activities for the weaker and vulnerable sections of the Society particularly for children,

197


women, persons with disabilities, old and infirm persons, vagrants and ex-servicemen and their families.

During 2006-2007, nearly 3127 nos. of disabled received Disability Pension, 5000 nos. handicapped students (below class IX ) received scholarship @ 60/-, 44 nos. of outstanding employer / employees have been awarded; 5480 nos. of destitute children were maintained in cottages with assistance from this deptt, 5180 nos. of Widows & 9115 Old Age Persons received widow pension and old age pension. 3127 nos of disabled received Disability Pension. 54600 Anganwadi Workers & 54600 Anganwadi Helper received additional honorarium @ Rs.400/- and 4500000 mother & children received nutritions food during 2006-07. Non-utilisation of a portion of fund under the scheme Additional Honorarium to the AWW & AWH and Supplementary Nutrition Programme were due to delay in implementation of some of the 58 new ICDS Projects for which allocation was made in the budget. It is expected that all the projects will start functioning in 2008-09. Therefore required fund have been proposed under these schemes for the year 2008-09.

The objective of this programme is the welfare of the handicapped through implementation of different State Plan Schemes namely –

Handicapped Welfare Prosthetic Aid to the Handicapped PersonThe scheme aims at the welfare of the handicapped person by providing them with fitting aids and appliances to the economically weaker section of the handicapped persons .BP and Expenditure for 2006-07 were Rs.15 lakh benefiting 881 P/H Persons.

Scholarship to the Handicapped Students 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 as will enable them to go to higher study with the intention of becoming useful citizen of the country. Last year BP and expenditure were 15 lakh benefiting 5000 PH. The proposal for enhancement of rate from Rs. 60/-per month to Rs. 100/-per month is under consideration. Therefore, a provision of Rs. 60 lakh has been made for 2007-08. An equal amount has been proposed for 2008-09.

Expansion of capacity and modernization of composite home for the Deaf and DumbA token amount of Rs 1.00 lakh have been approved for 2007-2008 as major part of expenditure. On this account is being meet from BADP and ACA .

Assistance to P/H in all districts.(Disability Pension The scheme is meant for providing financial assistance to the economically weaker section of PH & MR people @ Rs. 500 per month the no of beneficiaries at present is 3127. The total number of recipient of DP is much more.

Award to outstanding employer of Handicapped employee A lumpsum amount of Rs 4.00 lakh have been provided for 2007 – 08 for encouraging outstanding employer in absorbing handicapped employees.

198


Creation of Public Awareness against drug abuse GOI is assisting direct to the NGO’s for this work. A minimum of Rs. 2.00 lakh have been provided during 2007-08 to help KP & Dist. Police for such work.

Printing of Identity Card for the disabled:The scheme is for printing of Identity Card and to issue them to the Disabled Persons. It is the basic requirement to identity a persons for awarding various benefits for the disabled persons. The objective of this scheme is being made from a National scheme NPRPD. Nearly 25,950 persons received pension upto 2006-07.

10.13.4 Programme of the Mass Education & Extension DepartmentThe Mass Education Extension Department is in charge of the education and vocational training of the Physically Handicapped Children in the State. It is proposed that 20 new Institutions for the education of physically and mentally handicapped children would be sponsored during the period of 5 years at a rate of 4 institutions per year.

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 Children

Grant in-aid to NGO’s for welfare of children in need of care & protection (cottage) The scheme was earstwhile a centrally sponsored scheme but now it has become a state sector scheme since 1992. the scheme is meant for maintenance of destitute children of different homes grant by NGO’s with 90% grant from state. The revised rate of maintenance grant is Rs. 750/- per child per month w.e.f. 01.02.06. Introduction of Coaching system for destitute children in Govt. homes in primary & secondary level The inmates of the above standard are provided Tuition with the tutor who are paid by this Deptt. Welfare for Street ChildrenThis scheme aims at imparting education and training and nutrition to street children living in metropolis - Calcutta and Howrah. This is basically a Central scheme and fund is provided to the State recommended NGOs directly.

Scheme for prevention and control of juvenile social Mal-adjustmentThis is a centrally sponsored scheme 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 in the Home and maintenance of juvenile in different Homes under Juvenile Justice Act. 2000.

199


Others

10.13.6 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.

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; Holding of mock drills relating to natural calamities;

Gender componentThe Department is keen to maintain the gender equilibrium in the schemes under the Plan Heads as in all Non-Plan Heads. Though it is not specifically mentioned in the schemes to earmark certain quota for the women folk in the lists of beneficiaries, a sizeable number of women find place in the lists of beneficiaries. 30% representation to the women in the lists of beneficiaries may be stipulated.

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.

200


10.13.7 Programme of the Labour Department

Provident Fund Schemes for Unorganised workers in urban and rural areas (SASPFUW)The State Government have 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 55 with an average family income net more than Rs.3,500/- 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 P.F. 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 55 years or in the event of the account becoming in-operative due to death or other to his legal nominee or to him as the case may be. The scheme will be implemented in phases. This is an unique scheme and may be the first of its kind in the country. The scheme is in the process of implementation.

During this financial year 2007-08 a new enterprise was initiated to improve the living and working condition of labour through implementation of labour laws and welfare schemes, which call for a major agenda of the State Government. Important schemes in the unorganized sector include State Assisted Provident Fund Scheme for Unorganised Workers, welfare scheme for Construction Workers and welfare scheme for Beedi Workers.

Implementation of the scheme requires close contact with the workers in the unorganized sector. The State Government has a network of labour inspectors at the block and sub-divisional level, but the infrastructure is not adequate to provide efficient and effective services for the unorganized workers. In order to provide efficient and effective services for the unorganized workers, it has been decided to engage some self-employed labour organizers (SLOs) for providing services. This SLOs will be engaged for implementation of the welfare schemes for the unorganized workers and for complying with the legal requirements in respect of implementation of some labour laws as may be decided by the labour Department from time to time. They will work on commission basis for performing various activities as may be assigned to them in the following rate:

1) Commission for initial registration of beneficiary and data entry for subscribers of SASPFUW scheme and BOCW welfare scheme @Rs.5.00 per subscriber.

2) Collection of monthly P.F. subscription of BOCW welfare scheme contribution @Rs.1.00 per collection.

3) Data entry and preparation of annual statement for the P.F. subscribers and delivery of statements @Rs.1.00 per collection.

4) Collection of Subscription and data entry for construction workers under BOCW welfare scheme @Rs.1.00 per collection.

For this purpose a sum of Rs. 2860.00 lakh (including Rs.660.00 lakh for SCP and Rs.550.00 lakh for TASP) has been kept as budget provision for 2008-09.

For the Annual Plan 2008-09, an amount of Rs. 52219.60 lakh has been proposed under ‘Social Security & Social Welfare’.

201


10.14 EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN & DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN

10.14.2 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.

Integrated Child Development Services (Additional Honorarium ) The Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme and is being implemented by this Department.

The major objective of the scheme isa) To improve the nutritional and health status of Children of the age group of 0-6 years b) To lay the foundation for proper Psychological , physical and social development of

children c) To reduce the incidence of mortality, malnutrition and school drop-out d) To bring about effective coordination in the work of various agencies involved in child

welfare programmes. 358 projects and e) New projects offices have been made operationalised up to 2006-07 through 55064

Anganwadi centers.

During 2008-09 , the total number of 91000 Anganwadi centers will be made operationalised and the rate of additional Honorarium to 91000 AWW & AWH each need to be enhanced from Rs 400 per month to Rs 600 per month.

Development & welfare of women

Widow Pension The scheme is for providing the destitute widows with financial assistance at the revised rate of Rs. 500/- per head per month w.e.f. 01-01-03. Total number of beneficiaries under this plan schemes is 5810. Vocational Training of girl inmates of Govt. HomesAn amount of Rs. 4.5 lakh have been provided during 2007-08 towards imparting training to the destitute girl of Govt. homes. This training is also imparted by NGOs receiving grant-in-aid from state govt.

Establishment of W.B. Women Development UndertakingAn amount of Rs. 32.00 lakh have been provided for 2007-08 for meeting the establishment cost of WDU working for the empowerment through implementation of different scheme like Sayamsiddha, Swalamban and STEEP etc.

Assistance to W.B. Commission for Women: The W,B State Commission for Women is a statutory body constituted under W.B commission Act 1992. The commission is mandated to primarily look after the socio-legal aspect of different faced by Women in the state. Commission can recommend to the state Govt. for enactment of new Laws.

202


SWABALAMBAN (erstwhile NORAOD)

This Vocational training programme of GOI for empowerment of women was launched in the year –1882-83. The scheme was withdrawn by GOI w.e.f 01.04.2006.Since then State Govt has decided to continue the scheme. An amount of Rs 100 lakh have been provided in the State Budget for 2007-08.Nearly 31 projects for 1130 number of beneficiaries and 43 projects of 930 beneficiaries in the trade of community health worker, Leather Bag Zari Craft and Patch is being run by reputed NGOs like R.K.Mission,Malipukur Samaj Unnayan Samity.

NutritionSupplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP)S.N.P. is meant for children & expectant and nursing mother under ICDS Scheme. The scheme makes provision for the cost of food and other materials for the children upto 6 yearsof age of ICDS Projects and for pregnant and lactating mothers. They receive package of services like 1) Supplementary Nutrition, 2) Immunisation, 3) Health Check up, 4) Referal Services, 50 Nutrition & Health Edn. 6) Non formal pre-school education through the Anganwadi Centres.

At present 363 ICDS Project have been made operationalised and 53 more project will start functioning in this year, 40 lakhs children of (0-6) years & 5 lakhs mothers are getting supplementary nutrition through this programme.( 17100+ 17512) = 34612 new Anganwadi centers will be opened under these newly ICDS projects within 2007-08. PMGY scheme has been merged with this SNP. After full operanalisation of the total 416 ICDS Projects near about 58 lakh mother & child will get benefit under this scheme.

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 35 Kg and mother below 40 Kg. From 2006-07 mother have been excluded as they are enjoying S.N.P. the ACA is utilized for supply of food, procurement of Adult Weighing machine & material etc. an amount of Rs. 1695 lakh have been provided during 2007-08.

10.14.2 Programme of the School Education Department

Mid-day Meal Programme

National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary EducationNational Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education [commonly known as Mid-Day meal Scheme] was launched as a Centrally sponsored scheme on 15 th August, 1995 to boost universalisation of primary education by increasing retention of enrolment, and attendance and simultaneously have an impact on nutrition of students in primary schools. The programme originally covered children in primary stage (Class-I to V) in Government, Local Body and Government-aided schools and was extended in October, 2002 to cover children studying in Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS) and Alternative Innovative Education (AIE) Centres also.

In West Bengal the students were given dry rice @ 3 Kg. per month for 10 months in a year. Cooked Mid-Day Meal (CMDM) was started from January, 2003 in nine Districts of the State namely

203


Bankura, Birbhum, Jalpaiguri, Murshidabad, Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, Uttar Dinajpur Dakshin Dinajpur and Cooch Behar.

During 2002-03, the threshold year, 1100 schools with an enrolment of 1,76,495 students were covered.

During the year 2007-08, 67950 Institutes [Schools; EGS centres (SSK + MSK) & AIE centres] are being covered along with an enrolment of 90,02,537.

About 7.52 lakh students in Upper Primary Schools (Class VI – VIII) of 86 Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs), covering 13 Districts would be receiving Cooked Mid-Day Meal from October 2007 onwards.

Calorific/ protein value of the mid day meal provided520 Calories with 15 gms. of Protein.

System for procuring cooking ingredients (fuel, condiments, oil, etc.)Purchased by the members of the SHGs from the local market.

System for cooking, serving and supervising mid day meals in the schoolsIn most of schools of the State cooking and serving are done by the members of the SHGs, in DGHC areas by MTAs. The teachers of the school and panchayat members and mothers of the children supervise the meals.

Capacity building and training conducted for different categories of persons involved in the Mid Day meal Programme under programmes of SSA, DIETs, etc.Teachers’ Training is in progress through Primary Board, Secondary Board and DIETs. Training has also been imparted on Community mobilization. Training with special focus of Monitoring and Evaluation of MDM Programme is expected to start in Districts who have been provided funds and Guidelines for the same.

Systems to ensure transparency Instructions have been issued to display on weekly/monthly basis the quantity of foodgrains received, quantity of foodgrains utilized, other ingredients purchased and utilized, number of children given MDM, daily menu and roster of community members involved in the programme to ensure transparency and openness in all aspect of MDM. Accounts of MDM is placed in the meeting of the VEC/WEC meeting.

Overall assessment The Scheme is being implemented effectively with coordinated efforts of the Government officials, teachers, Panchyat functionaries, SHGs and the parents. Due to successful implementation of the programme, there has been an expected enhancement in attendance of students.

The following aspects have been observed from the impact study of Mid-Day Meal Scheme in this state :

Poor children have become benefited; Regular attendance has been ensured; Community participation has increased; Children have become more attentive than before; Drop out value has been lowered and retention has improved; The general health of the children has improved.

204


OTHER SERVICES

10.14.3 Programme of the Minorities’ Development & Welfare Department

Development 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.

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.

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.

In the wake of the findings of the Prime Minister High Power Committee on socio-economic and educational status of Muslims (Sachar Committee) there is renew thrust on taking up activities for development and welfare of the Muslim in this State.

205


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.

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 Education

Madrasahs 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

206


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.

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.

A total amount of Rs. 105.3 crore is envisaged during the Eleven Five Year Plan on madrasah education. Out of this Rs.26.7 crore is expected to be spent during this current year 2007-08 and Rs. 33.8 crore during the next year (2008-09). In addition the intervention under Sarba Siksha Abhijan and Mid Day Meal Scheme would continue to be implemented by the School Education Department in respect of the recognized Madrasahs. In addition the intervention under Sarba Siksha Abhijan and Mid Day Meal Scheme would continue to be implemented by the School Education Department in respect of the recognized Madrasahs.

The proposed plan outlay for 2008-09 under ‘ Empowerment of Women & Development of Children’ is Rs. 72265.40 Lakh.

The proposed plan outlay under ‘Social Services’ during 2008-09 is Rs. 545591.50 lakh.

207

Documents

X - Department of Planning Plan2008-09/Write up... · Web viewPresidency College is the first college in West Bengal declared as a college with potential for excellence by UGC. Three