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Chapter – Ten : Social Services

X. SOCIAL SERVICES

10.1 GENERAL EDUCATION

10.1.1 Programme of School Education Department

Vision

The vision of the School Education Sector is to ensure universalization of Primary, Elementary and to ensure quality education for Human Resource Development.

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

Universal access. To ensure enrolment of 100% girl students specially the girls coming from backward,

reserved and minority communities. 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 rationalize Pupil Teacher Ratio at the elementary level

SARVA SHIKSHA ABHIYANSarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) implemented under the rubrics of ‘Paschim Banga Sarva Shiksha Mission (PBSSM)’ in WEST BENGAL for achieving the goal and objective of universalisation of elementary education, will enter into its 9th year with wide coverage and commitment.

The major success so far observed was in the areas of enrolment. The Net Enrolment Rate (NER) is around 99.03% and 77.17% for primary and upper-primary levels respectively. Most of the out of school children, who were hardest to reach, are being addressed either through existing formal schools set up or through Alternative System of Schooling / Alternative Innovative Education. About 24453 EGS / AIE Centers with 2055513 learners are functional in different areas of the state .In addition, in 6 districts namely Kolkata , Dakshin Dinajpur, Cooch Behar , Purulia, South 24 Pgs and Birbhum , 48 AIE Centers are running on pilot basis with 1342 learners who are particularly over aged and never enrolled.

The most tangible success so far achieved under SSA intervention is in the area of civil works. For ensuring Universal Access to all eligible learners, 887 New School Building (NSB), 75228 Additional Class Room (ACR) have already been constructed. In case of non-school construction, 240 Circle Resource Centre (CLRC) buildings have been constructed which serve as the nodal resource center for elementary education at sub-district level in the state. Besides CLRCs, 1548 Cluster Resource Centres have been constructed for smooth functioning of the CRCs at Panchayet level. To ensure health and hygiene of the learners, 7839 units of Drinking Water and 10734 units of Toilet facility have already been provided to primary and upper primary schools, in addition to the efforts of PHE Deptt. & TSC. Moreover for the safety and security of the learners, 377 units of

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school boundary wall have been constructed. Construction of 143 New School Building (NSB), 28426 Additional Class Rooms (ACR), 44 Circle Resource Centre (CLRC), 937 Cluster Resource Centre (CRC), 71 units of boundary wall under SSA are in progress which will be completed soon. In case of provision for Drinking Water & Toilet facility to the schools, the work is going on for 367 and 3524 units respectively.

For addressing the adverse ratio of Upper Primary : Primary Schools in the districts there is a requirement of setting up of new Upper Primary Schools in each district for ensuring universal access for all children with a favorable ratio of about 1 Upper Primary School against 3 Primary Schools in the catchments area.

More over, another in-principle approval for setting up of 3300 units of New Upper Primary Schools in the entire state under SSA, 2008-09 has been received from MHRD GOI and the SED, GoWB. These are under various stages of progress. The department has recommended 846 ( upto 14.02.2009) schools.

In addition to ensuring access and enrolment, West Bengal SSA has also widened its activities extensively and intensively to address the problems of quality of learning. In order to develop a strong bondage between teachers and the learners for promoting activity based joyful child-centric learning, all primary schools have been covered through an intensive programme called Samanwita Sikhon Unnayane Uttaran. This had earlier been started in 5005 schools. It is being scaled up. On the other hand issues of remedial teaching and dropped out students are attempted to be addressed through the engagement of 20925 & 33070 Para-teachers in primary and upper primary sectors respectively . The pupil-teacher ratio at the primary level as per DISE-2008-09, 35.67 (with sanctioned teachers), 45.03 (only with working teachers) and 39.09 (with para-teachers).

The pupil-teacher ratio at the upper-primary level as per DISE-2008-09, 47.15 (with sanctioned teachers), 73.91 (only with working teachers)and 51.68 (with para-teachers).

It is also noteworthy to mention here that the proportion of enrolment of SC, ST and Muslim children at primary level are 28.51%, 7.13% and 30.30% respectively. Similarly at upper primary level, the proportion of enrolment for SC, ST& Muslim Children against the total enrolment are 26.83%, 5.08% and 22.42% respectively.

Education for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) is one of the most critical areas for addressing the children with disability in the existing setup. 1, 99,671 Children with Special Needs (CWSN) so far have been identified through Identification and Screening camps.

1, 66,416 CWSN have been enrolled either in existing formal schools or in Alternative Schooling System. Most of the nationalized text books from class I to class VIII have been published in the Braille form and 5 day residential orientation programme on ‘process of teaching of Braille’ is going on for the Special Educators under SSA.

The major thrust in implementing SSA is reducing the gender disparity. A significant performance on girls’ education has been noticed in the light of enrolment. It has been observed that 49.62% and 50.20 % of these enrolled are girl students in primary & upper primary levels respectively. Moreover, school based Mother Teacher Association (MTA) has been formed for mobilizing the parents particularly mothers for qualitative monitoring of Elementary Education in the localities.

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A special programme entitled National Programme of Education for Girls at Elementary Level (NPEGEL) is presently operational in 59 selected Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) covering 11 districts in West Bengal so as to intensify the need-based delivery mechanism for promoting the Girls’ Education and reducing the gender gap. 1064 schools have been identified as Model Cluster Resource School (MCRS) for NPEGEL. Joyful activities through sports and games are regularly arranged for those enrolled girls.

The programme Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme has been sanctioned in 62 Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) and 2 Educationally Backward Municipalities. This Scheme provides residential facility for the hardest to reach girl children belonging to SC/ST, Minority and also those belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. At present, 52 KGBVs are functional.

The Paschim Banga Sarva Shiksha Mission (PBSSM) will initiate following interventions in 2009-10 :

For Universal access to all eligible children, one of the prime objectives of SSA, the civil construction will be continued in XIth financial plan period. The major school related constructions like Additional Class Room (ACR) and other infrastructural facility would be carried out all through the year out of SSA fund. We have a vision to reach the student class room ratio of 1:40 at the end of 2009-10.

The teachers’ training is another area of concern, which will be addressed with immense importance. We have a plan to have a massive training on SSUU techniques & ADEPTS (Advancement of Educational Performance Through Teacher Support) at the cluster level. In addition training will be conducted on IED/ Gender sensitization and English teaching. The engagement of Para teachers will be the major concern for achieving the favourable Pupil-Teacher-Ratio (PTR) and child-centric classroom transaction. Learning Enhancement Programme (LEP) will be the area of focus for the gradual enhancement of quality education in both primary & upper primary sectors.

Reducing the gender gap and increasing the girls’ enrolment along with their quality learning particularly for SC/ST & Minority children will be given the top priority, for which the activities of special programme on girls’ education like National Programme of Education for Girls at Elementary Level (NPEGEL) will be intensively carried out at grass root level of Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs).

Moreover, the KGBV scheme will give the opportunity for addressing the girl children belonging to the backward classes such as SC/ST, Minorities and BPL.

NATIONALISED TEXT-BOOKS:

About 6.4532 crores of Text Books consisting 143 titles and in eight languages (viz. Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Nepali, Santali, Arabic, Oriya and Telegu) have been distributed free of cost among the

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students reading in Class I to V on 6th May 2008 for the academic session 2008-09 at the cost of nearly 50.00 crores. In the ensuing academic session, the number of titles may increase to 150 so that 6.60 crores text books will be distributed free of cost amongst the students in May 2009. In the academic session 2009-10 the English texts for Classes I & II has been prepared exclusively in English. Mathematics for Class I has been revised thoroughly; Santhali language (Olchiki scripts) Books have been provided to all primary level students studying in this medium.

NEW SET-UP UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOLS:

During the academic session 2007-08, 502 new Upper Primary Schools have been set up to address the access gap for the children who have completed Primary Education successfully and to rationalize the ratio of the Primary and Upper Primary Schools in the State. In 2008-09, the SED in principle has approved setting up of 3300 new setup Upper Primary level Schools in the State. The School Education Department has recommended 846 schools for recognition to the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education out of 3300 schools as sanctioned in 2008-09. In 2009-10, the SSM has projected for 776 primary schools to MHRD, GOI for approval.

Fiscal-Social Welfare Stimulus Package

The Government. has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the General Education sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provisions have been put in place. The special schemes and the provisions of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

a)Setting up new primary, upper primary schools : Part of Rs.100 crore

b) New recruitment of 50 thousand primary school teachers : Rs. 250 crore (Provisional)

c) Increase in monthly remuneration from Rs.2000 p.m. to Rs.4000 p.m. for para-teachers in the primary level and from Rs. 3,500 p.m. to Rs. 5,500 p.m. for para t-eachers in the upper primary level.

10.1.2 Programme of the Mass Education Department

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

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

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Literacy Programme : The Literacy Programme is in its third and final stage, i.e. in the Continuing Education Programme stage in the entire State excepting in the districts of Kolkata and Darjeeling. This beside, a separate scheme, named Project for (eradication of ) Residual Illiteracy is also going on in 9 districts of the State at present. Steps will be taken to improve the overall literacy scenario of the State during 2009-10 through better and effective implementation of those schemes. Districts like Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Uttar Dinajpur etc. with greater SC population density and West Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura etc. with higher ST population will be targeted with bigger financial outlay for increased literacy-related activities. Districts like Malda, Murshidabad, North and South 24 Paraganas etc. will also be targeted in the same manner. Also, rural libraries will be developed as Information Centres and will be integrated with adult education programme in the districts.

THRUST AREAS

o The present literacy situation which was stated to be about 74% approximately is to be improved.

o The importance of convergence, extension of audio visual facilities from urban to rural areas, expansion of rural libraries and application of electronic kiosks, facilities and special programmes for backward rural readers, training of librarians for making proper use of the electronic kiosks and provision of special books for neo-literates and facilities for mentally challenged children.

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

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

Audio-Visual Education : Steps have been taken to provide modern Audio-Visual Aids and equipments to Audio-Visual Units during the current financial year. We propose to strengthen further those Audio-Visual Units during 2009-10.

Adult High Schools : A tie-up of Adult High Schools with Rabindra Mukta Vidyalaya is under active consideration of the Mass Education Extension and Library Services Department. The proposal for opening of 15 new Adult High Schools during 2009-10, is under consideration.

Shramik Vidyapeeth, Kolkata :

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Shramik Vidyapeeth provides vocational training, free-of-charge to unskilled labourers, youths from labour families, neo-literates in different trades that may help them to be self-employed. This institution plans to run 48 Training Courses of different durations during 2009-10.

Peoples’ (Janata) Govt. College, Banipur, North 24 Paraganas : This college organizes training courses for the educated unemployed youths. This college plans to run a Certificate Course in Library Science and a few other training courses during 2009-10.

Library ServicesThere is a strong network of Public Library System comprising of 12 Government Libraries and 2461 sponsored public libraries which include 19 District Libraries, 230 Town / Sub-Divisional Libraries, 328 Primary Unit Libraries and 1885 Rural / Area Libraries. These apart, there are 7 other Govt. Aided Libraries run by voluntary organizations which get regular financial assistance from the Govt.

The following programmes will be taken up by this Department for the Annual Plan 2009-10.

Creation of Database regarding Library ServicesThis Department is now in a position to create different database about different aspects of libraries, their collection and employees in Library Services under the control of this Department.

Organisation of Book Fairs in the DistrictsBook fairs are organised in the districts every year under the supervision of Local Library Authorities. These fairs give an opportunity to the district level book lovers and libraries at the district level to have books of their choice at their door-steps.

Continuance of the Career Guidance Centres in different librariesIn 1998-99 Govt. has organised separate Career Guidance Centres in State Central Library, 26 Govt. and Govt. Sponsored District Libraries, 230 Town / Sub divisional Libraries and selected Rural Libraries.

Govt. is providing special grant to these libraries for running these centres.

Financial Assistance to Non-Govt. and Non-Sponsored LibrariesFrom 1999-2000 Govt. renders financial assistance to the age old Non-Govt. and Non-Sponsored Libraries in recognition of their services rendered to common people.

Establishment of Community Library cum Information Centres in the districts Community Library cum Information Centres are being established in those Gram Panchayats only where there is neither a Govt. nor a Govt. Sponsored Library. At the first phase, 319 CLICs have been established till date and further establishment of 200 CLICs are on contemplation during 2009-10.

Govt. provides one time ad-hoc grant of Rs. 9000/- for purchase of Books and Furniture, yearly recurring grant of Rs. 6400/- for purchase of Books, Periodicals / Newspapers and other reading materials and yearly recurring grant of Rs. 9600/- for payment of Honorarium @ Rs. 800/- per month to the Community Library Organiser.

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Implementation of the Matching Schemes of State Govt. and Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF)Since 1972, State Govt. is regularly participating with RRRLF towards implementation of the matching schemes of the Foundation funded equally by the State Govt. and the Central Govt.. These

include activities like construction of Library buildings, storage and display of books, purchase of books, mobile library services and organisation of conference / seminars, Book Fairs, computerisation of State Central Library and District Libraries etc.

Establishment of New Govt. Sponsored LibrariesState Govt. has planned to establish some new Primary Unit/Rural Libraries among which some libraries will be established in minority – inhabited areas, some will be established in Schedule Caste / Tribe – inhabited areas and some in general areas. Besides, during 2008-09 financial year special allotment has already been given to enrich text book section of Additional District Library, Siliguri in North Bengal.

Up-gradation of Libraries State Govt. is considering the proposal for upgradation of 70 Primary Unit / Rural Libraries into Town Library status so that even the new sub-division also gets one Town Library.

Human Resource DevelopmentThe State Govt. is also conducting a Certificate course in Library Science for the students of North Bengal at Peoples’ (Janata) College, Kalimpong. About 30 students complete the Certificate course in Library Science from this institution every year. Till date 15 courses has been conducted from this Institution.

So far as students of South Bengal is concerned, in the financial year 2007-08 one Certificate Course in Librarianship has been completed at People’s (Janata) College, Banipur and in 2008-09 another course has already been started in this centre. Besides that State Govt. has also given affiliation to another Certificate Course in Library Science conducted by the Science Association of Bengal. This course has affiliation to National Council of Vocational Training, Ministry of Labour, Govt. of India.

In addition to above, the Department is contemplating to conduct a similar Certificate course for the participants of North Bengal in co-operation with any College / University of North Bengal.

Keeping in tune with the need of the time, this Department has also arranged Computer Training Programmes for 60 participants in four batches to train the staff of the libraries, office of the Library Services Directorate, offices of the District Library Officers. The Department is contemplating to arrange more computer training during financial year 2009-10.

For better implementation of Library Acts and Management rules awareness programme involving members of the managing committees of the Govt. Sponsored libraries under the guidance of the respective Local Library Authority of the district, are being organized.

Preservation of Documents with the assistance of National Mission for Manuscripts National Mission for Manuscripts (an autonomous body of the Central Govt.), in close liaison with the office of the Directorate of Library Services and other Govt. and Govt. Sponsored libraries under this Department has launched a statewide programme for creating awareness among various cross

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sections of the society and also conducting survey, to preserve and disseminate the manuscript wealth of the country lying in different public libraries. Besides, preservation work is going on in different libraries in different districts of West Bengal.

Computerisation of Libraries under the control of the Directorate of Library ServicesWith the assistance of Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation, the State has completed the work of automation of libraries. In the first phase, at the State Central Library and in 26 District Libraries hardware has already been installed.

Modernisation ProgrammeA wide area network(WAN) will be established among the State Central Library and district libraries through a website and for this the work is in progress. It has been decided that this Computerisation and Networking programme of the Directorate of Library Services under this Department will be implemented through a portal with the help of NIC and BSNL. This portal will consist of three components :

i) Component 1 Dissemination of bibliographic data of all books available in our libraries.ii) Component 2 Dissemination of digitized books through the net.iii) Component 3 Dissemination of Community Information System (CIS).

10.1.3 Programme of the School Education Department

Vision

The vision of the School Education Sector is to ensure universalization of Secondary Education and to ensure quality education for Human Resource Development.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) @ SCHOOLS SCHEME:Computer education was introduced in 757 Schools and School Education Department has covered 543 schools under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Information and Communication Technology in schools benefiting 35,751 students with 286 full time teachers recruited through S.S.C in 2007-08. In 2008-09, the State Government is implementing ICT @ School scheme for the secondary stage through West Bengal Board of Secondary Education and 1400 schools will be covered under ICT Scheme as approved by MHRD, GOI. Computer Technology is applied as Learning Aid for the learners at Upper Primary School Level. Under Computer Aided Learning (CAL) Programme, 610 schools have been provided computers with educational CDs and 1512 teachers have been oriented.

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

The major target of the scheme is Universal access of Secondary level education to all students in the age group 15-16 years by

2015 by providing a secondary school within 5 kilometers of any habitation and a higher-secondary school within 7 kilometer of any habitation,

Universal retention by 2020.

MODEL SCHOOL This is a new project initiated by the GOI. At present 50 schools have been identified at an approved cost of Rs. 302.00 lakh per school of which 75% will be shared by GOI and 25% by GoWB. It is expected that work for 20 schools may be started during the year 2009-10.

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

WB. At present GOI has approved 64 units at an approved cost of 56.77 lakh per school. It is anticipated that work in 20 sites will be started during 2009-10.


The Government has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Secondary Education sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provisions have been put in place. The special schemes and the provisions of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

a) Setting up new high and higher secondary schools : Part of Rs. 100 croreb) Enhancement of monthly remuneration from Rs.3000 per month to Rs. 6000 per month for

part-time teachers in the schools

10.1.4 Programme of the Higher Education Department

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

The following activities, which are going on, will continue during 2009-2010:

(a) Action being taken towards establishing two Universities – one at Barasat and the other at Malda are on. Another University is proposed at Purulia, which the department is actively considering.

(b) The Department also proposes to set up a new college in Siliguri. 20 Govt. aided colleges are proposed to be set up out of which 9 have been approved already. 17 of the 22 Govt. aided colleges set up, have already started functioning.

(c) In the Social Education sector matching grants are being provided to reputed institutions like IDSK, RKM, etc.

(d) Enrolment in existing Universities (12 Universities) is about 7-8 lakh and it is proposed that in the coming 5 years, there would be 30% increase over the present enrolment figure.

THRUST AREAS

o The Department would make out a strong case for additional grants from UGC in view of the facts that

(i) During the last one year 31 new Govt. aided colleges have been set up mainly in the

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backward areas of our State.

(ii) About 90% of the General Degree Colleges are recognized under Sections 2(f) and 12B of UGC Act, whereas the corresponding all India figure is about 40%. It may be mentioned that UGC in its 11th Plan document has introduced two schemes of granting partial financial assistance for establishment of colleges in 'educationally backward districts' and providing financial grants to the institutions to enable them to be eligible for being recognized under 12B of the UGC Act.

o The developmental funds, which are being annually accorded by the Department would be as per individual requirement of the Universities.

o The Vice Chancellor of the Universities, Chairman, West Bengal Higher Education Council and noted academicians may be invited for a meeting with the SPB Members for suggesting reforms in the Higher Education sector.

o To achieve an increase in student enrolment, Distance Education may be introduced and fund should be allocated by the Department to the institutions for such purpose. The policy for Distance Education would be laid out by the Higher Education Department.

o There would be more effective use of existing infrastructures in the Universities, Govt. as well as State-aided Colleges. In some cases three Govt. aided Colleges are utilizing the same infrastructure. The UGC may be requested to grant additional funds to introduce two shifts in some selected colleges.

o To enhance quality of Science teaching and to develop necessary facilities, the Department may provide a grant for setting up three State of the art Central Experimental Laboratories which may be used by the students of a cluster of colleges in the neighbourhood. Some amount may be earmarked to introduce this scheme from 2009-2010.

o There would be an exclusive scheme in the Higher Education Deptt. earmarked for training of SC/ST/physically challenged students so that seats reserved in educational institutions do not remain vacant. Such training programmes are to be arranged for visually challenged students also.

o To encourage more girl students in the Higher Education arena an exclusive graduate level Engineering College for girls would be set up by the Department during 2009-2010. The students will be admitted through Joint Entrance Examination.

o To enhance quality of teaching, the following decisions may be taken by the Department:-(a) New lecturers appointed through College Service Commission / PSC should be

given 15 days’ initial training either in-house or through outside arrangements. (b) About 10-15 Colleges should meet together regularly to exchange their

experiences regarding best practices and to learn from their strength and weaknesses. Such meetings may play the role of a catalyst to form the cluster of colleges.

(c) In the recent decade or so more than 50 Privately managed Engineering Colleges have been set up, some of which do not have adequate infrastructure and qualified teachers. This may be true for some Govt. Colleges. The Higher Education Department may consider necessary intervention to improve quality of such technical institutions.

(d) Orientation training may be arranged for the teachers especially coming from the urban background but posted in rural colleges having large number of first generation students.

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(e) The number of Colleges offering professional courses is rapidly increasing in our State. The Department should intervene to maintain quality in such institutions.

(f) The Department may think of offering suitable incentives to retain the talented teachers in Govt. / Govt.-aided Colleges.

o Outreach activities in connection with particular transfer of technology from laboratory to land in the Universities would be strengthened and separate funds will be earmarked for such programmes.

o Infrastructure for research work in Universities be significantly improved by providing research fellowships including post doctoral research fellows.

During 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.

FOCUS AREAS

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. 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 EDUCATIONTwo new Universities in West Bengal State University, Barasat and University of Gour Banga have been set up during 2008-09 making total no. of State Aided Universities within the purview of Department of Higher Education to 12. Necessary amount of fund will be released for the construction of their own buildings. It is proposed that another new University will be set up in Purulia District within 2009-10.

Two separate departments is Genetics and Biotechnology have been set up in the Calcutta University. A number of new courses have been introduced in this University including P.G. courses like M.S in Biomedical instrumentation. A dual M.Sc Ph.D degree in plant molecular Biology in collaboration with Bose Institute, Kolkata has also been introduced.

Two new departments in Department of Education and Department of Geography have been opened during 2008-2009.. Jadavpur University has set up a new Department viz. “Department of applied Optics and Phonetics”.

A new post graduate department of Geography under the faculty of science in Jadavpur University will be set up.

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M.O.U has been signed for Indo-Italian academic collaboration jointly by Calcutta University, Jadavpur University & Rabindra Bharati University with four reputed Italian University.

North Bengal University has signed a M.O.U with Bashkir State Pedagogical 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.

Post Graduate course in Santhali language in Vidyasagar University and Burdwan University will be introduced.

A second campus of Aligarh Muslim University in the district of Malda will be introduced. A second campus of Rabindra Bharati University, North Bengal will be established during 2009-2010.

COLLEGE EDUCATION1. Presidency College is the first college in West Bengal declared as a college with potential for excellence by UGC. The 7 member expert committee recommended the augmentation of the existing infrastructure of the College mainly in the following 6 aspects. However, the brief ATR is furnished below:

For filling up of Lecturer posts – WBPSC Selection processes are continuing at present. For Professor posts – revised recruitment rules has already been issued and the follow-up

action is under way. 17 Additional Posts of Professor in 17 Departments have been created. For Induction Programme of new teachers (in joint collaboration of Presidency College &

David Hare Training College) the curriculum is under preparation. For Adjunct/Distinguished Professors a G.O. is being processed in the Higher Education

Department in concurrence with the Finance Department.

2. No. of General Degree Colleges established during 2008-09: 93. NAAC accreditation status: Out of 417 General Degree Colleges in the State, 338 Colleges are eligible for NAAC assessment & accreditation. Amongst these eligible Colleges 229 Colleges (inclusive of 11-B.Ed. /B.P.Ed. etc. departments) are already accredited by NAAC.4. Pay Packet Scheme (PPS) Colleges: Presently 383 Non-Government General Deg. Colleges are under the PPS.5. Out of the 1500 posts of Lecturers created during 2007-08 for allocation in Non-Government Aided Colleges, 923 posts have already been distributed. The process is in progress.6. No. of Self -Financing College:

Gen. Deg. College 17B.Ed. College 54B.P. Ed. College 07Law College 18Art College 01

7. New Courses introduced in Gen. Deg. Colleges during 2008-09. Humanities & Social Sciences: 322 new dept. opened in various colleges in 39 subjects. Sciences: 107 new depts.. opened in various colleges in 26 subjects.

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SOCIAL EDUCATION AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENTWest Bengal State Book Board has decided to publish 10(ten) new and reprint of 20(twenty) old publications during the financial year 2009-10. Publication of Rabindra Rachanabali is also under active consideration.

The Institute of Development Studies, Kolkata and NIAS are devoted to advanced academic research in different areas of Social Sciences. The institutes are 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. Institute de Chandanagore runs French Language Study Centre. Besides fund is also provided to the various Non-Govt. Organisations for performing different social activities

WEST BENGAL DISTRICT GAZETTEERS

The State Editor, District Gazetteer has been engaged in (1) Publication and Completion of Gazetteers in English (2) Reprint of Old Gazetteers and Statistical account and rare documents of importance etc.

The books (a) River of Bengal Vol. - IV and (b) Sanyasis, Fakers and Moghs by J.M.Ghosh have been taken into consideration for printing.


The Govt. has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the General Education(Higher) sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provisions have been put in place. The special schemes and the provisions of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

a)Monthly remuneration of part-time teachers in non-Government colleges increased from Rs.4000 p.m. to the range from Rs.7000 p.m. to Rs.10,000 p.m., depending on the length of service.

b)Setting up two new universities in Purulia-Bankura and in Jalpaiguri districts : Rs. 30 crore

c)Pay revision in terms of revised UGC scales for College and University teachers (State’s share of 20%) : Rs. 166 crore

The plan outlay for ‘General Education’ during 2009-10 is Rs 86322.00 lakh.

10.2 TECHNICAL EDUCATION


Plan proposals for 2009-10

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Nano-Science and Nano-Technology will be introduced in Calcutta University during 2009-2010

Post graduate course in Environment and Ecological Engineering in Kalyani University will be introduced in 2009-2010.

Opening of MCA course in Burdwan University is under process. Proposal for introduction of Post Graduate course in Computer Science and Engineering and evening shift in some Post Graduate courses in Burdwan University are also under process.

West Bengal University of Technology has introduced M.Tech in Bio-informatics in Collaboration with Jadavpur University.

During this financial year ten (10) Engineering & Technical Colleges including one Pharmacy College have been set up on self-financing basis. This makes total No. of Engineering & Technical Colleges in the State including University/University Engineering Technology Departments and Government Engineering and Technical Colleges 72 with an approved intake capacity of 19,834.

11 courses in 6 Government Engineering & Technical Colleges and 22 courses in 7 self-financing Engineering & Technical Colleges have been accredited so far by National Board of Accreditation of A.I.C.T.E.

A P.G. course in Leather Technology (M.Tech.) has been introduced in Government College Engineering & Leather Technology.

Under TEQIP-I 143 crore has been disbursed to 11 programme Institutions for quality improvement of technical education.

Externally aided TEQIP Phase-I with total Project Life Allocation of Rs. 147.0970 crore is going to be closed on 31st March, 2009.

TEQIP Phase-II is in the process of preparation and scheduled to start during the last quarter of 2009-2010. Government of India has already decided to implement TEQIP Phase-II as a Centrally Sponsored (New Scheme) from 2009-2010 with state share of 25%. On being requested by MHRD, Finance (Budget) Deptt. has already agreed to keep Rs.22.88 crore as Central Share and Rs.7.62 crore as State share in the State Budget for 2009-2010 under appropriate head of Account under State Plan to be opened.

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

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THRUST AREASi) Making available buildings for public educational institutions, after class hours, for skill

development activities by agencies including the private sector, on mutually agreed terms.

ii) There would be an assessment of the requirements of skilled persons by industry.iii) There would be more elaborate training of trainers for Vocational Education.iv) Placement details and placement potentials will be made annually.v) Girls would be taught unconventional skills like plumbing, etc.

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 polytechnics;

Introduction of new disciplines in existing polytechnics is under active consideration which is likely to increase the intake capacity;

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

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

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

districts of West Bengal are being put together for effective implementation of V.E. &T Programme in the State.

Mechanism for proper monitoring system would be evolved to ensure quality of V E & T programme.

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.

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The Government has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Technical Education sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provision has been put in place. The special scheme and the provision of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

Setting up new 1000 Vocational Training Centres in the schools : Rs. 150 crore

The plan outlay for ‘Technical Education’ during 2009-10 is Rs. 26650.10 lakh.

10.3 SPORTS


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.Two self-financing P.P.Ed. Colleges have been approved by the N.C.T.E. for the session 2008-09.

12 posts of Lecturer in Physical Education in various Non-Government Colleges have been created during the year 2008-09.

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

N.S.S. :The Volunteer strength for N.S.S. for 2008-09 has been enhanced to 47442 State Level Seminar-cum-Organisation programme have been conducted at C.U. and W.B.H.S. Council with the theme “Health Youth for Healthy India”.

10.3.2 Programme of the School Education DepartmentFor primary level physical education initiatives, the State Government provides funds for purchasing sports equipments and undertaking physical education activities in Primary/ Jr. Basic Schools of the State. The State level Annual Primary Sports meet is held through 6-tiers in the State to encourage the students of primary schools, Jr. Basic Schools and SSKs in games and sports. The programme will continue in 2009-10.

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

THRUST AREASo The main areas covered are development of gymnasiums, swimming pools, vocational

training, computer training,.

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

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

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

Development of Kshudiram Stadium and Ranji Stadium Thorough renovation of Kshudiram Anushilan Kendra is likely to be continued.

GENDER PLAN

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 plan outlay for ‘Sports’ during 2009-10 is Rs. 3900.00 lakh.

10.4 YOUTH SERVICES

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

The following schemes would be continued during 2009-10:

Youth Computer Training Centers: 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 CentersV.T.Cs have been set upand financial assistance is given for smooth implementation of the courses.

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

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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 Department.

Youth FestivalThis is the largest cultural initiative of WB organized in a regular manner. The West Bengal State Students & Youth Festivals are organized along with State Level Festivals and various competitive events including Quiz on HIV/AIDS followed by cultural programmes. The World AIDS Day is observed on 1st December as a part of the student/youth festival.

Promotion of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports

The 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 2009-10.

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.

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.

Reward for BraveryA new scheme has been taken up during 2008-09.

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

The plan outlay for ‘Youth Services’ during 2009-10 is Rs. 1500.00 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 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.

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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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THRUST AREAS

o The activities of the Department had a budget of Rs.2.76 crore during 2008-09 covering State Level buildings in Purulia and Durgapur, Awareness Building action plans covering social awareness and health issues through documentaries, seminars, group discussions, melas and exhibitions etc. Gender issues and emergency issues like Avian Flu received priority. Other schemes included Permanent Information Centres, Tathya Kendras in Kolkata to be followed by Siliguri, Mass Education Centres etc.

o The other activities of the department covered a budget of Rs.1 crore during 2008-09 for

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establishing small buildings like Sishu Kishore Academy, Loka Adibasi Academy, Rajya Sangeet Academy, Kolkata Kala Kendra etc. A fund of Rs.60 lakh was earmarked during 2008-09 for the rejuvenation of the Minerva Theatre and subsequently turning it into a Centre of Excellence.

o Appropriate advertisements would be promoted in the media for information dissemination.o Little Magazines would be promoted and a report should be prepared on this.o Control would be exercised over so called reality shows and other activities leading to

erosion of culture.

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 Sitesi) 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 to be continued:

1) Setting up of a State level Heritage Conservation Laboratory (2nd Phase).2) Structural and Chemical Conservation of State Protected Monuments (numbering 105).3) Upgradation of District Museums as Heritage Resource Centres by adding additional space

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

well as Conference Hall in the Ground floor).

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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 plan outlay for ‘Art & Culture’ during 2009-10 is Rs. 2866.61 lakh.

10.6 MEDICAL & PUBLIC HEALTH

10.6.1 Programme of the Health & Family Welfare DepartmentThe Department places priority on health programmes including NRHM, Reproductive and Child Health Schemes, various diseases and blindness control schemes and the like. The mission 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.

FOCUS AREAS

1) Primary Health Care :- In the field of maternal and child health care, 10356 sub-centres have been sanctioned @ 1 per 5,000 population. Work on creating infrastructure was yet to catch up and the construction work was being taken up in phases. There were 63 training centres for ANMs and sanctioned posts of 2 ANMs in GP headquarters. At present there is only 1 regular ANM in each GP headquarter. Extra ANMs are required to be recruited including Male Health Assistants. Thrust is being given to Ante-natal check-ups. During 2009-10, a programme is being taken up to upgrade rural hospitals and put in place a 10 bedded hospital on the basis of 24 x 7 service and.

2) Secondary Health Care : The thrust is on upgrading the bed-occupancy position in maternal wards in Sub-divisional/State General/District Hospitals. Focus was being placed on increasing infrastructure and space in the maternity wards and paediatric centres. Thrust was given to new born care units and stabilization units at the block level along with home-based neo-natal care schemes.

3) Referral Units : Specialists are being posted in the Referral Units and 20% of those selected have already joined.

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4) Tertiary hospitals : In the field of medical education seats for M.Ds and new departments are being increased. Maintenance of blood banks would be taken up in 2009-10 under the Department of Transfusion Medicine.

5) Medical College, Kolkata : Here steps would be taken during 2009-10 to open a Regional Cancer Centre for comprehensive cancer care. The Govt. of India would take up the second campus of National Cancer Care Centre at Rajarhat.

6) Centre of Excellence : The Govt. of India has asked the State Govt. for land to open Centre of Excellence in transfusion medicine in the State.

7) Thalassemia Control : The Thalassemia Control Programme was a preventive scheme emphasising pre-marital screening of conjugal partners for adequate prevention.

8) Medical Services : Steps are being taken to set up a West Bengal Medical Services Corporation for various streams.

THRUST AREASi) The State Government will consider having a ‘re-look’ at classification of health care

centres and adopt all India pattern to address placement of serving doctors among the different hierarchical health care set-up.

ii) At the bottom level Block PHC will be the referral centre.iii) Home based neonatal care mechanism would be worked out.iv) Details of blood collected, requisition received and quantum of blood wastages will be

worked out for improving the efficiency of the system.v) Nephrology unit, cerebral vascular unit, mental diseases including geriatric problem

would receive appropriate consideration.vi) Functional mapping and fund mapping among the hierarchies of the health care services

will be put in place in a transparent manner.vii) Focused attention will be given for the kind of interventions made for improvement of

the MMR status in West Bengal.viii) Flying squad, mobile medical units with trained service providers will be put in place in

hill and difficult areas to improve outreach of health care services.ix) Defined adolescent health care services will be put in place in transparent manner.x) Evaluation of works done by the NGOs on areas of AIDS, RCH, public health etc. will

be undertaken.xi) Biomedical waste disposal system will be improved.xii) Non-responsiveness of Government hospitals in biomedical waste disposal will

particularly be taken care of and major hospitals in Kolkata need to follow guidelines for biomedical waste disposal scrupulously.

xiii) Recycling of reclaimed medical accessories will be banned.xiv) Quality of medical education will be improved in tune with outcome of emerging

medical research.xv) Programme for updating the status of knowledge of medical practitioners will be

institutionalized.xvi) Linkage of updated professional knowledge of standard with renewal of registration will

be ensured by the State Medical Council.xvii) A parallel institute for knowledge renewal by medical practitioners in our State to be set

up.xviii) Institutional arrangement to be conversant with new generation of medical instruments

be provided for theoretical and operational efficiency.

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xix) Ensuring proper end use of new generation of medical instruments by appropriate surveillance.

xx) A defined programme for nursing colleges in the State to be provided.xxi) The blood bank system in the State will be modernized.

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.

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.

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

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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 have started 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 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.

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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 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.

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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 continued during 2009-10: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.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.

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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.

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.

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.

1. Midnapore Medical College, Paschim Medinipur

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6. Bankura Sammillani Medical College, Bankura

5. Malda District Hospital, Maldah

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. 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. 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.

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. 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 Cancer 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.

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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.

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.

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. More 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.

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

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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).

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.

Unani: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: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.

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.

PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMME

a) Control of Communicable Diseases:

National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme

MalariaOverall incidence of total and PF malaria cases 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 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

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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.

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.

DenguTimely intervention and wide surveillance leads to keeping the number of deaths to the minimum which occur in terminal cases.

FilariaIn 2007-08 Rs.11.00 lakh was 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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 more than 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.

b) Control of Non-Communicable diseases:

Control of Gastroenteritis, Diarrheal Diseases and other diseases.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.

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.

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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.

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 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 Programmes

National 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

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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 will be 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.

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.

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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 2008-09, the following activities will be continued 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.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.

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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.xxxii) Special drive for issue of Disability Certificate by organizing Certification Camps at

Block and GP levels.

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.

Rehabilitation / Renovation of further 25 BPHCs with enhanced outlay of about Rs 2 crore per BPHC has been taken up 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,

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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 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. 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.

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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.

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.

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 Welfare

There 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.

Transport Drugs & Equipment:

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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 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 continued during 2009-10.

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:

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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.

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.

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 Govt. has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Medical & Public Health sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provisions have been put in place. The special schemes and the provisions of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

a) Increase in honorarium of Health Workers of CUDP-III,IPP VIII schemes and Community Health Guides (CHGs) By Rs. 250 p.m.

b) Increase in monthly honorarium of Doctors in Homeopathy, Ayurved and Unani Medicines in the Gram Panchayat level.

From Rs.5000 to Rs.8000 p.m.

c) Increase in monthly honorarium for compounders engaged in homeopathic dispensaries

From Rs.2500 to Rs.4000

d) Improvement in health infrastructure Rs. 200 crore

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

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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.

THRUST AREASo The initial idea of providing insurance under the unorganised sector has given way

to the Rastriya Swastha Vima Yojana (RSVY) scheme presently started in the four districts of Burdwan, North 24 Pgs, Paschim Midnapore and Malda. Priority lists have already been prepared in Burdwan and Malda. This Scheme covered cashless family insurance through use of Smart Cards. Tie-ups have been made with both government as well as private hospitals. RSVY is meant for BPL workers as well as building and construction workers.

o Regarding Skill development training is being organized through training institutes with a target for giving training to 60,000 beneficiaries and coaching to 20,000 beneficiaries. The govt. has been sponsoring upto Rs.5000/- per beneficiary in its scheme of skill development of persons registered with the Employment Exchange.

o The social composition of the beneficiaries with focus on gender component would be clarified.

o The specific details of benefits given to the workers would be clearly worked out.

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.

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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 IMPLEMENTEDFor 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.

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 Municipal Affairs Department

Comprehensive 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

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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

The plan outlay for ‘Medical & Public Health’ during 2009-10 is Rs. 60265.00 lakh.

10.7 WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

10.7.1 Programme of the Public Health Engineering Department

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

(a) Municipal Towns having Population 20,000 or more

About 24% of population (2001) in these Non-KMD Municipalities remains uncovered by organized water supply.

All the 85 Non-KMD Municipal Towns of the State have the provision of piped water supply though there is deficiency in service level and also in coverage by water distribution network. For the purpose of better services within the Municipal area and at the same time for earning revenue, house to house connections are being extended, for which augmentation of source and distribution network is necessary. Therefore, augmentation of sources and extension of pipelines in hitherto uncovered areas within the Municipal Towns shall have to be taken up based on need of the situation.

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

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

(b) Towns having Population less than 20,000

Under Centrally sponsored Accelerated Urban Water supply Programme (AUWSP), Augmentation-Extension of existing water supply schemes in different Non CMD Municipal Towns and also in Non Municipal Towns (NM) having population of 20,000 or less are being undertaken. Under this programme, 50% of capital cost is provided by the Central Govt. and remaining 50% is to be provided by the State (inclusive of at least 5% contribution from beneficiaries). This programme has been withdrawn by Govt. of India at 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. 60.971 lakh remaining to be utilized at the beginning of financial

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year 2008-09 under this programme and as such the remaining works committed under this progamme are likely to be continued during 2009-10.

Water Supply Schemes in Kharar, Khirpai, Ramjibanpur and Haldibari Municipalities have been completed under the programme. Water Supply Scheme for Deora (NM) of North 24 Parganas Dist, Madanpur(NM) in Nadia District, Begampur (UA) of Hooghly District have been commissioned recently. Presently, Water Supply Schemes in Balarampur (NM) of Purulia Dist. Khatra (NM) of Bankura Dist, Uttar Latabari (NM) & Uttar Kamakhyaguri (NM) of Jalpaiguri Dist, Mirik (Municipal) & Uttar Bagdogra (NM) of Darjeeling Dist, Dhusaripara (NM) of Murshidabad Dist., Bagnan (NM) in Howrah District, Balichak (NM) in Paschim Medinipur District, Darappur (NM) in Nadia District and Madhusudanpur (NM) in Hooghly District are in progress under AUWSP. All the above ongoing schemes are expected to be commissioned by March’10. Water supply augmentation scheme for Mirik (M) town in Darjeeling district is under implementation by DGHC under this Programme.

Rural Water Supply:

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

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

ii) Centrally Sponsored ARWSP [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 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 As 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 At the beginning of 11th Plan, afresh habitation survey was undertaken result of which shows that there are large number of quality affected habitations (19351) in the State. Out of such quality affected habitations 6623 arsenic affected habitations, 660 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. 2762.57 crore would be required for this purpose.

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Govt. of India introduced water quality submission with 75:25 financial participation between Govt. of India and the state utilizing which quality affected habitations can be covered. Exclusive fund from Govt. of India is available for the quality mitigation schemes. However, from the financial year 2008-09, provision of such exclusive funding has been withdrawn by Govt. of India and fund up to the limit of 20% of ARWSP grant-in-aid is utilizable for quality mitigation schemes with 75:25 financial participation as earlier.

c) Coverage of all rural schools with water supplyThough School Education Department in the State Government is the nodal department for this part of work, 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, however, continue its effort towards achievement of the target. Presently the programme is being implemented through Zilla Parishads for which fund has already been released by P.H.E. Department.

d) Consolidation of Coverage by providing drinking water facilities in slipped back habitations

The fresh habitation survey was conducted at the beginning of Xth Plan (2003) and provisional results were published in 2004. As per this survey, there a/e 96265 habitations in the State. As on 1.04.2008, there are 3789 slipped back habitations in the State which required consolidation of coverage. Due priority is attached to these habitations as well for coverage with at least up to 40 Ipcd water service level.

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

i) Grants to Zilla Parishadsii) PMGY-though the programme has been wound up from 2005-06, still there are someiii) unfinished schemes which are now proposed to be funded out of State Plan (tylNP)iv) Grants to Local Bodies.v) Swajaldhara-embracing earlier programme of Sector Reforms - a demand driven approach,

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 program has been withdrawn by Govt. of India with effect from April 2007 and only unfinished schemes taken up under this program are being continued.

During 2008-09, a target was set to cover 7513 habitations (1513 slipped back and 1200 quality affected habitations) fully.

PHED has taken a move to hand over all the 1023 Commissioned (533 Completed, 414 Fully Commissioned and 58 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 58 Partially Commissioned and 444 Ongoing Rural Piped Water Supply Schemes is Rs.390.00 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,

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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. Rejuvenation of old schemes thus required to be undertaken before those become operationally viable for extending house to house connection. Estimated cost for such rejuvenation is Rs.125.00 crore.

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.

1.4 Water Quality issuesArsenic

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:

Short term measures Hand pump fitted tubewells at deeper aquifers and ring wells.

Medium term measures

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

Long Term Measures

Surface water bdsed water supply projects in the district of Malda, South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas District

Presently about 61.55% of the risk population is gelling safe water. Due to non-sustain ability 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

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Bengal. In order to implement the Master Plan, a complete water quality survey of all the public hand pump fitted tubewells(1,32,000) in the arsenic affected blocks was taken up under the Joint Plan of Action with UNICEF. The survey revealed that 6623 habitations are affected with excess arsenic in ground water. In preparing the Master Plan the following recommendation of the Arsenic Task Force has been considered.

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

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

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.

The State Govt. Has already started implementation of the master plan and it has taken several steps to cover all the arsenic affected and surrounding villages by arsenic free potable drinking water under the "Bharat Nirman" programme. The action plan envisages implementation of 514 nos. of Piped Water Supply Schemes in order to cover 3520 villages (including some en-route non-quality problem villages) benefiting a design population of 165.78 lakh at an estimated cost of Rs.2568.80 Crore. A summary of the Master Plan is furnished below:

SUMMARY OF SCHEME WISE COVERAGE AND ESTIMATED COST TO COVER THE ARSENIC AFFECTED AREAS IDENTIFIED SO FAR

SI.No. Type of Scheme No. of

Schemes

Nos. of Mouza

Covered

Census Poplation,

2001 (Lakh)

Design Population

(lakh)

Estimated Cost (Rs.

Lakh)

1 Surface Water Based Scheme 11 1424 35.902 63.310 151178.30

2 New Ground Water Based Scheme with ARP ' 317 1440 39.488 64.417 96052.36

3 New Ground Water BasedScheme without ARP \ 21 39 0.924 1.433 1380.07

4 ARP in existing Ground Water Based Scheme 165 663 28.840 36.620 8269.23

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GRAND TOTAL 514 3620 105.154 165.780 256879.96

The above Action Plan of the State Govt. promises to fulfill one of the basic needs of the distressed people in the arsenic affected areas of West Bengal.

Out of the 11 surface water based water supply schemes, 6 schemes ( 2 each in Malda & Murshidabad districts. & 1 each in Nadia and Burdwan districts) has been sanctioned for an estimated cost of Rs. 656.84 crore & target population of 17.01 lakh and taken up for implementation. Five remaining surface water based water supply- schemes are under different phases of the process of sanction. Out of the sanctioned surface water based water supply schemes, two schemes of Malda district has already been commissioned to benefit a population 0.57 lakh and work for olher schemes are under progress. Out of the projected 338 ground water based water supply schemes in the master plan, 279 schemes have already been sanctioned, for an estimated cost of Rs. 730.69 crore and work for these schemes are being taken up in phases-. A summary statement showing district-wise break-up of the ground water based water, supply schemes so far sanctioned along-with the financial pattern is enclosed as ready reference.

In the fitness of the gravity of the situation, the State Govt. in PHE Department strongly presented before Xllth Finance Commission for assistance for mitigation of the problem. As a result of its effort Govt. of West Bengal has received Rs.600.00 crore from XII th Finance -Commission for mitigation of the problem of arsenic contamination of ground water.

The .Government of India has introduced Bharat Nirman with an aim of developing rural infrastructures within, a specified time frame. Drinking water has got its due priority in the programme. Under Bharat Nirman, mitigation of water quality problem in the rural water supply programme based on 75:25 cost sharing between Centre and State has been envisaged and it aims to cover all the arsenic affected habitations identified so far, with alternative safe source by the year 2008-09.

A total of 6623 habitations (out of total 96265 habitations in the State) have so far been found to be affected with excess arsenic in the habitation survey, 2003. Under various mitigation schemes sanctioned earlier, it has been possible to cover 1177 habitations with safe water supply through various permanent measures.

The Master Plan now brought under the ambit of Bharat Nirman, envisages covering remaining 5446 habitations targeting a design population of 165.78 lakh with 514 schemes as detailed earlier. For mitigation of arsenic contamination of drinking water in the state, the State Government under Bharat Nirman has sent 349 schemes (11 surface water based and 338 ground water based) for sanction and allocation of central share under Water Quality Submission.

Though the Master Plan aims to cover the rural population only yet it has already been observed that a considerable portion of urban population in the arsenic affected districts are at risk of arsenic contamination and should also be brought under the ambit of ongoing mitigation program. Therefore effort has been made to dovetail the available resources of Bharat Nirman and grants of XII in Finance Commission for implementing composite water supply schemes by which rural and urban population can be benefited as far as possible. In some cases, requisite extension / augmentation schemes have been framed to draw water from existing water supply schemes to extend benefit to

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hitherto uncovered areas. Some unfinished works sanctioned under various programme, which were withdrawn later, have also been incorporated under the present programme. The effort of arsenic mitigation in the State is expected to be over by the year 2010 subject availability of fund and other logistics.

1.4.2 FluorideAnother emerging problem of drinking water in,this state is fluoride contamination of ground water.

Fluoride contamination of ground water in the State of West Bengal was first detected during 1997 at Nasipur area of Nalhati-l Block in the district of Birbhum. Very quick action was taken to provide an alternative water supply arrangement based on river bed tubewells (River Tripita).

The Habitation Survey 2003 conducted by PHED reveals that occurrence of fluoride in ground water beyond 1.50 mg/l in 46 Blocks in 8 districts is in a rather sporadic manner than following a definite pattern. There are 166 Piped Water Supply Schemes (PWSS) in these Blocks. Fluoride concentration in excess of 1.50 mg/l has so far been reported from :

i. Agacha Water Supply Scheme in Kumarganj Block of Dakshin Dinajpur Districtii. Dhiltail Water Supply Scheme in Bansihari Block of Dakshin Dinajpur District;

iii. Purandarpur Water Supply Scheme in Suri-ll Block of Birbhum District,iv. Matpalsa Water Supply Scheme in Sainthia Block of Birbhum District.

It has been possible to sink new tube wells free of excess fluoride for the first two schemes in the district of Dakshin Dianjpur at far away locations. For the last two schemes in the district of Birbhum, water is being drawn from riverbed tube wells (Bakreswar and Mayurakshi respectively) and ground water based big dia tube wells have been discarded.

For Hand Pump fitted tube wells having high fluoride concentration in water mitigation measures are. being taken on case to case basis.

A Fluoride Committee consisting members from various organizations was constituted under the Public Health Engineering Department, Govt. of West

Bengal with the objectives:1. To co-ordinate and monitor the different activities undertaken or being undertaken by

various authorities/organizations in the matter or control of fluoride pollution in ground water.

2. To draw up a master plan in close liaison with the authorities/organizations and to advise the State Govt. from time to time.

3. To suggest for further research if necessary.4. To recommend such other measures as are considered necessary for removal of Fluoride

contamination in drinking water derived from ground water.

The Fluoride Committee, which comprises of experts from different Govt. Organizations and Professional Institutes, decided to conduct a Rapid Assessment of fluoride contamination in ground water of West Bengal, to have a first hand knowledge of the actual spread of the problem. Accordingly, a list of 105 blocks in 12 districts was prepared based on the previous test results and the hydro-geological condition of vulnerable areas. Water samples were collected from the designated areas on random basis keeping due regard to the geographical condition. As per the

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decision taken by the Fluoride Committee, a Rapid Assessment of Fluoride Contamination in Ground Water was taken up with the assistance from UNICEF. Under this work altogether 107 blocks in 12 districts were identified which included blocks that appears vulnerable to fluoride contamination and-also some adjoining blocks. Meanwhile, the State Govt. has further constituted a Fluoride Task Force. The Task Force comprises of members from various Govt. Departments, Universities, Medical Institutions and other experts related to this field. The terms of reference of the Fluoride Task Force are as follows:

1. Mapping of fluoride affected areas in the State of West Bengal showing the extent of fluoride contamination.

2. Cause of fluoride contamination in different part of the State.3. Experience and lessons learnt in other States of the country having fluoride contamination in

ground water.4. Examination of possibility of dilution of fluoride.5. Assess different activities undertaken by various institutions / organizations in the matter of

fluoride contamination in ground water.6. Suggest further research, if necessary.7. Attend such other works as may be assigned to Task Force by time to time by Govt. in PHE

Department.

As per the findings of the Rapid Assessment, 43 blocks of 7 districts namely Birbhum, Bankura, Dakshin Dinajpur, Uttar Dinajpur, Purulia, Malda and South 24 Paraganas were found to have fluoride content beyond the maximum concentration of 1.5 mg/l. A Joint Plan of Action in consultation with the Fluoride Committee has been taken up with UNICEF which encompasses complete testing of all the public tubewells in the identified 43 blocks.

Accordingly, the process of screening tubewells in the 43 identified blocks is under progress by setting up of 9 new laboratories and strengthening of 14 existing laboratories. The screening of tubewells is expected to be completed by December 2008. From the test results conducted so far it is observed that approximately 10% of the villages and 5% of the sources are affected with excess fluoride. In order to cover these affected villages including some adjoining mouzas, it is estimated that a design population of 12 lakhs has to be brought under the fluoride mitigation scheme. From experience of the arsenic mitigation measures already adopted, it is evident that piped water supply schemes with alternate safe water sources other than ground water where available, is long term sustainable solution. Accordingly as summarized below, an estimated amount of Rs. 88.63 crore would be required for the mitigation purpose.

SI.No. Type of Scheme Estimated Cost(Rs. Lakh)

1 Piped Water Supply Scheme with River Bed tube wells as source 4206.50

2 Piped Water Supply Scheme with Impounding Reservoir / Check Dam / Ponds as source 3511.05

3 Spot Source 1145.60

Total : 8863,15

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It will be pertinent to mention that the above summary estimate is based on the presently available water test results of the water sources in the affected blocks. However, once all the tests are complete a, mapping of the affected villages will be done in order to delineate the command area of the individual piped water supply schemes. Based on the above mapping, appropriate sustainable water source, depending on its suitability, shall have to be utilized. Therefore, the present estimate is subject to change and shall be revised as per demand of the situation.

1.4.3 SalinityIn case of saline affected areas a similar testing of all the public tube-wells has been planned and all the laboratories in these areas have been equipped with Salinity testing equipments. However, presently the mitigation measures are adopted by the following:

Judicious tapping of aquifer and controlled withdrawal of water Drawing water from saline free zone and distributing it in the saline affected areas Conjunctive use of saline water and sweet water by mixing them in order to reduce the

salinity below the permissible limit Use of Desalination Unit as a model case.

The present action plan has been prepared based on the Habitation Survey 2003 and (he action plan is furnished below:SI.No

.Type of Scheme Estimated Cost (Rs.

Lakh)1 Ground Water Based Piped Water Supply Scheme with judicious

selection of sweet aquifer3483.34

2 Ground Water Based Piped Water Supply Scheme with Desalination Plant

1951.60

3 Spot Source 772.80

4 Rain Water Harvesting Structure 305.90

Total : 6513.64

1.4.4 IronUnlike other water quality parameters, iron is not considered fo be a health hazard. As per the Habitation Survey 2003, the 11,257 habitations were found to be affected wilh excess iron in drinking water. It has been further observed that most of these habitations are also associated with excess arsenic. Therefore, this water quality problem is being tackled along with the removal of Arsenic in drinking water. Moreover, this water quality problem is also being tackled at the household level by use of domestic filters/household treatment. Therefore, the present action plan has been prepared considering specific areas where the existing contaminated spot sources shall have to be supplemented with piped water supply schemes with provision of Iron Elimination Plant. The action plan is furnished below:

Sl.No. Type of Schemes Estimated cost(Rs. Lakh)

1. Ground Water Based Piped Water Supply Scheme with provision of Iron Elimination Plant 4000.00

Total 4000.00

1.5 Focus on Swajaldhara & CCDU activities

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In 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. Govt. of India has reintroduced this programme for which up to 20% of ARWSP grant-in -aid is utilizable for this programme with 90:10 financial participation as envisaged earlier.

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.

COVERAGE/TARGET OF HABITATIONS UNDER BHARAT NIRMAN

Particulars NC PC FC TotalNo. of Habitations as per Habitation Survey 2003 9528 25103 61634 96265Coverage during 2004-05 2693 2906 5599Balance as on 1.04.2005 6835 22197 67233 96265Of whicha) Slipped Back Habitations 656 9952 106083) Quality Affected Habitations 6179 12245 18424Coverage during 2005-06a) Slipped Back Habitations 225 2128 2353b) Quality Affected Habitations 70 320 390

TOTAL 295 2448 2743Coverage during 2006-07a) Slipped Back Habitations b) Quality Affected Habitations

318 35 2342 344 2660 379TOTAL 353 2686 3039Coverage during 2007-08 a) Slipped Back Habitations

0 1806 1806b} Quality Affected Habitations 652 4186 4838

TOTAL 652 5992 6644Balance as on 1.04.2008 5535 11071 79659a) Slipped Back Habitations 113 3676 3789b) Quality Affected Habitations 5422 7395 12817

TOTAL 16606Target of Coverage during 2008-09 (Provisional)a) Slipped Back Habitations 13 1500 1513b) Quality Affected Habitations 2500 3500 6000

TOTAL 2513 5000 7513Target of Coverage during 2009-10 (Provisional)

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a) Slipped. Back Habitations 100 2176 2276b) Quality Affected Habitations 2922 3895 6817

TOTAL 3022 6071 9093

Coverage/Target of Quality Affected HabitationsParticulars Arsenic Fluoride Salinity Iron Total

No. of Habitations as per HabitationSurvey 2003

6623 660 811 11257 19351

Coverage upto 2004-05 927 0 0 0 927

Balance as on 1 .04.2005 5696 660 811 11257 18424

Coverage during 2005-06 250 55 85 0 390

Coverage during 2006-07 102 11 28 238 379

Coverage during 2007-08 72 8 4 4754 4838

Balance as on 1 .04.2008 5272 586 694 6265 12817

Target of Coverage during 2008-09(Provisional)

-i —————— t

1580 100 120 4200 6000

Target of Coverage during 2009-10 (Provisional)

3692 486 574 2065 6817

10.7.2 Programme of the Urban Development Department

Water Supply & Sanitation

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

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 2009-10 :i) Improvement of existing drainage channels and canals.

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

The plan outlay for ‘Water Supply and Sanitation’ during 2009-10 is Rs.39970.00 lakh.

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. 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 2009-10.

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.

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 targets to continue during 2009-10 are : - 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.

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Construction of LIG Housing Schemes

The main objective of this scheme is to provide dwelling units to Lower Income Group People(LIG)in Urban and Semi-Urban areas. 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.

The continuing Physical targets are 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.iv. 250 ownership LIG flats (SC- 48, ST- 12) by WB Housing Board with their own

resources having state subsidy @ Rs. 10,000/-per flat .1000 ownership LIG flats by Joint Venture Companies and Assisted Sector Companies under PPP with their own resources.

v. 192 LIG flats (rental) by State Government.

MIG Housing Scheme

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

Physical targets to continue are i) 250 MIG Rental flats by State Government , ii) 500 MIG Ownership flats by Housing Board iii) 1000 MIG Ownership flats under PPP .

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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 Schemes are 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.

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.

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

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

Assistance to Bhangar Rajarhat Area Development Authority (BRADA)

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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 Employees

This 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 throughout West Bengal. .

Rental Housing Schemes for Working Women

This 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.

Construction of Houses under Industrial Housing Scheme for Industrial Workers :

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

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

DISTRICT SECTOR URBAN LOCAL BODIES 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).

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

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.

1. 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.

2. 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 :

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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 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 Township. The work for supply of power by NTESC has already been taken up. Construction of different sub stations are in progress.

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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. .Fiscal-Social Welfare Stimulus Package

The Government has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Housing sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provision has been put in place. The special scheme and the provision of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

Special State Housing Scheme not only for BPL population but also for low income groups in rural and urban areas : Rs. 1000 crore

10.8.3 Programme of the Home (P&AR) Department

Although 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.

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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 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.

10.8.4 Programme of the Judicial Department

Following the programmes towards construction of Court Buildings in different places e.g. Egra, Chanchal, Mal, Domkol, Canning, Kakdwip, Kharagpur, Buniadpur, etc. the programmes of construction of residential quarters for Judicial Officers have been taken up besides renovation/repair of the existing residential quarters in such places in order to combat the acute housing problems of the Judicial Officers in these sub-divisions. 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 during the next 5 years with a project cost of Rs.90.00 crores. Moreover, 12 units of residential qtrs. for the Hon'ble Judges of the Circuit Bench of Calcutta High Court at Jalpaiguri at a cost of Rs.6.00 crores and construction of the Chief Justice's Bungalow costing Rs.0.60 crore are under active consideration of this Deptt. during the 11th Five Year Plan. 2. Already Bijan Bhavan at Salt Lake City, Kolkata has been constructed for residential accommodation of the Hon'ble Judges of the Calcutta High Court. A sum of Rs.5.00 crores is required during the next five years for maintenance of this building.

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

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

unit) and lower sub-ordinates (1000 Nos. @ Rs.3.00 lakhs per unit) at a total cost of Rs.58.00 crores are proposed to be constructed during the 11th Plan.

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

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10.8.6 Programme of the Home (Civil Defence) Department

There is a contemplation to establish 35 clusters covering 85 flood prone blocks and at each cluster, there is need for construction of store house-cum-office so that boats/OBMs are kept there with some personnel. This will reduce response time considerably in times of floods and rescue teams will be able to reach the destination faster.

Establishment of a Central Warehouse for keeping rescue items in Kolkata or nearby because the present one is in a rented building which is a very deplorable condition.

Construction of WBCEF and WWCD Hqs and Barracks.

NCCOut of 58, 38 Gp HQ/Bn Offices of NCC are in rented buildings which are problematic due to court cases besides recurring expenditure. Hence construction of office accommodation for Gp HQ/Bn is required.

HGConstruction of HG barracks in Districts.

NVFConstruction of Boundary Walls, etc. at different wings viz. Durgapur, Cooch Behar and Kalyani. Residential accommodation / Barracks for two Biswakarma Battalions are required

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

For providing shelters to the poorest sections, KMDA has completed 332 dwelling units at Baishnabghata-Patuli, 96 units at Chetla, 448 units at Nonadanga and 48 units at Panihati. 2328 sq. mtrs. of area for commercial complex has been covered out of 3374.52 sq. mtrs. 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.

The plan outlay during 2009-10 under ‘Housing (including Police Housing)’ is Rs. 72647.50 lakh

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

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

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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.

The Department has put emphasis on Centrally Sponsored Schemes including JNNURM under which Rs.37 crore was planned during 2008-09. The other schemes are (i) Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for small and medium Towns (UIDSSMT) and (ii) Integrated Housing for Slum Development Projects (IHSDP), National Urban Health Mission on the pattern of NRHM, National Urban Information System etc. SGSRY run through SUDA etc. Under UIDSSMT 30 projects are expected to be sanctioned during 2009-10. Under IHSDP, the total Central Share requirement is proposed as Rs.180 crore and State Share as Rs.14 crore during 2009-10. Under ILCS (Eradication of Manual Scavenging) the budgetary provision for 2009-10 is proposed as Rs.10 crore. For providing housing for urban poor Rs.20 crore is proposed for 2009-10. The Secretary proposed Rs.10 crore during 2009-10 for a common waste treatment plant along with required land procurement.

THRUST AREAS

1) Decentralised District Planning Process routed through the District Magistrates for integration of all plan segments.

2) Mainstreaming of the environment would be emphasized and this component would be taken up by all the departments during planning.

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 year

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The 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 focus 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 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..

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

Infrastructure. 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

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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 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

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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 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.

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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%.

10.9.2 Programme of the Urban Development Department

West 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.

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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 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.

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.

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The scopes of active public participation in all the major stages of planning process within the framework of WBT&CP Act are ensured with mandatory provisions starting from preparation of LUMR , LUDCP and Development Schemes.

It acts as a device to control the unplanned development and undesirable spontaneous growth by imposing within the Planning Area .

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

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

SCP & TASP ComponentsIt 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 population23.02 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

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urbanization pattern in KMA, the economic trend, the development strategy and the future spatialstructure encompassing the new settlement areas, the new industrial growth centres and the rural growth centres which also includes projections on proposed physical infrastructure, namely, Traffic & Transportation, Water Supply, Drainage & Sewerage and Sanitation, Housing including Slums and Environment, along with the social infrastructures, namely, education and health The Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee (KMPC) has accepted this perspective plan in principle.Similarly the approach under Perspective Plans for areas under Asansol Durgapur Development Authority, Burdwan Development Authority, Digha Sankarpur Develoment Authority, Haldia Development Authority, Jaigoan Development Authority, Medinipur Kharagpur Development Authority, Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority and Sriniketan Santiniketan Development

Authority has been given to ensure planned development for period of 25 years on the basis of vision as enshrined in the perspective plans of the Authorities concerned.

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

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

2. Asansol Durgapur Planning AreaAsansol Durgapur Development Authority (ADDA) has been formed in the year 1980 after amalgamating the Asansol Planning Organization and Durgapur Development Authority. The Authority spreads over 1670 kms and serves to a total population of 26.50 lakhs. The Authority has been vested with the responsibility for ensuring integrated development of entire Asansol-Durgapur region, spreading over two (2) Municipal Corporations, three (3) Municipalities and eight (8) Rural Blocks. In the past, Authority has ensured significant development in the region in the areas of

Urban Infrastructure Development as well as promotion of Industrial Infrastructure and drawing substantial investment especially in the Iron & Steel sector. With the concentrated efforts of Authority, significant investment has also came in to Durgapur in Education sector as well. At this juncture, ADDA is also developing its Vision Document with the help of IIT, Kharagpur for next 20(twenty) years. Realising the potential of private initiatives and their management & technical skills, Authority has taken up private-public partnership projects for promotion of Housing Estates, Commercial Complex, Knowledge City etc. In next few years we aimed to develop Durgapur as a Manufacturing and Education Hub and Asansol as a Hub for Small Industries and Trading activities.

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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 Area

Sriniketan Santiniketan Development Authority is executing the following projects:-

Rural Sanitation Programme at Rajapur, Pearson Palli, Balipara, Kaligunj, Ratanpalli – 480 nos. at Rajatpur, Floriculture project – MALANCHA at Dwarakanathpur Area, Housing Project, SONAR TAREE (Phase-II), Environment Park at Lahabundh, Drinking water facility to the Tribal households at Pearson Palli, Balipara, Kaligunj and Baganpara, Indoor Sports Complex near Bolpur Stadium, Women’s college at Bolpur, Housing projects at Digantapalli, Madhusudanpur and Goalpara, Art gallery, museum and rest house for artists at GITANJALI, Link roads in different villages in and around of Santiniketan, Drinking water facility to the households of Deer Park, Forestation by the roads under planning area, Construction of building for Federation and Common Facility Centre for Self Help Group, Construction of Rural Tourism Centre.

The Perspective Plan of Sriniketan Santiniketan Development Authority (SSDA) also covers detailed studies and projections. The Plan has made projections upto 2025 at an estimated cost of Rs. 985 crore and with a requirement of Rs. 200 crore over the next five years.

4. Siliguri Jalpaiguri Planning AreaSiliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) has also prepared a Perspective Plan spanning 25 years upto 2025 for the Planning Area under its jurisdiction. The Plan addresses sector-wise projections. Total projected investment in the Plan amounts to Rs. 5669.08 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

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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.

Medinipur Kharagpur Planning Area

Midnapore-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 Government has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Urban Development sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provision has been put in place. The special scheme and the provision of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

Development of infrastructure in small towns : Rs. 35 crore

The plan outlay under ‘Urban Development’ during 2009-10 is Rs. 298236.90 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

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people and collect feedback from them including generation of awareness amongst the people on various Socio-economic issues. The process of raising awareness relating to the plans and programmes are undertaken by way of better facilities of infrastructure development for access to information.

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

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

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

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

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

d) To modernise the District/Sub-divisional 'Information Centres' with a view to disseminate messages of the government and getting feedback speedily and 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 plan outlay during 2009-10 under ‘Information & Publicity’ is Rs. 669.79 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.

The is laying stress on prioritized schemes including Area Dev. Schemes, Family Oriented Schemes and PTG Schemes. The important Sections of the proposed outlays for 2009-10 are given below :

(Rs. In lakh) Remarks Proposed Annual

Plan 2009-10There is much demand for book grants. 1000.00There are a number of Ashram/Hostel schemes 100.00Some hostel proposals are under preparation 8.00School building schemes 50.00Fund needed to utilize services of NGOs 15.00New Programmes have been introduced 100.00Maintenance of roads, bridges and culverts 300.00Infrastructure development 1200.00Hostel for boys 100.00Fund needed to utilize NGO services 15.00For maintenance of existing hostels 50.00

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Pre-matric scholarship to OBC students 400.00New Training Centres to come up in districts 30.00

THRUST AREAS1) Specific schemes would be drawn up for reduction of Gender Gaps in various areas

under this department with special focus on the backward village and backward areas ;2) Sub-plans would be drawn up for eradication of poverty of the tribal population in view

of the Human Development approach of the 11th Five Year Plan ;3) Steps would be taken for convergence with P&RD Deptt, School Edn. Deptt. etc. ;4) Special measures will be taken for eradication of illiteracy of girls with focus on

changed school timings for children of seasonal migratory workers.

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.

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.

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. will cover more SC,ST and OBC students during 2009-10. It is proposed to increase the number of meritorious students of Backward Classes under the scheme 'Up-gradation of Merit’.

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. 45 TCPCs are at present functioning in this state. Passed out

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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 and will be implemented more extensively during 2009-10 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.

Schemes for Primitive Tribal Groups willcontinue during 2008-09. Income generation activities and Infrastructural Development programmes have been taken up for the benefit of people of Primitive Tribal Groups.

Under Old Age Pension Scheme old tribal persons of BPL families are benefited. 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:

Cultural Programmes: Various cultural activities are being undertaken in order to promote and preserve the heritage of SC/ST people.

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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.

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.


The Government has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Development of SC,ST & OBCs sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provisions have been put in place. The special schemes and the provisions of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

Special training and employment programmes for SC/ST population by involving the WBSC&ST Corporation and the LAMPS

: Rs. 20 crore

State’s Special Pension SchemeIncrease in pension. From Rs. 500 p.m. to Rs.750 p.m for ST persons by 25%.

The plan outlay during 2009-10 under ‘Development of SC,ST & OBCs’ is Rs. 26330.00 lakh.

10.12 LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT

A. LABOUR WELFARE

10.12.1 Programme of the Labour Department

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

This Scheme covered cashless family insurance through use of Smart Cards. Tie-ups have been made with both government as well as private hospitals. RSVY is meant for BPL workers as well as building and construction workers.

Regarding Skill development training was being organized through training institutes with a target for giving training to 60,000 beneficiaries and coaching to 20,000 beneficiaries. The govt. has been sponsoring upto Rs.5000/- per beneficiary in its scheme of skill development of persons registered with the Employment Exchange.

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THRUST AREAS :i) The social composition of the beneficiaries with focus on gender component would

be clarified.ii) The specific details of benefits given to the workers would be clearly worked out.

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. 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 Courts

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There 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 was 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 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

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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 sector

In 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 Directorate

This 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.

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 Labours

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The 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 boilers

In 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 Services

To render necessary services to the unemployed job seekers in all the sub-divisions, it is proposed to open new employment exchanges at newly created sub-divisions at Tehatta, Bidhannagar, Gangarampur, Domkal and to open U.E.I. and G.B.X. at other four Universities, three special cell of Employment Exchanges for 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 scheme the employment exchanges should get involved in skill upgradation of the jobseekers. In doing what the Employment Exchanges are required to do are :

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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 Exchanges

41 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.

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 Technical Education & Training Department

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

the program on Short-term VocationTraining.

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

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Schemes and programmes : To impart Technical Education & Training to provide substantial number of technicians

and craftsmen in different disciplines for the emerging industrial fields of the State Craftsmen Training through Industrial Training Institutes, Industrial Training Centre (Erst.,

JTS) and other Private affiliated Institutes / Centres under National Council for Vocational Training.

Non - formal vocational training through community polytechnic Short - Term Vocational Training Programme through Polytechnics NGO's, Schools,

Colleges, Municipalities etc. To organize diverse training programmes in various emerging fields for the

educated boys and girls of urban as well as rural areas. To encourage Madhyamik and Higher Secondary passed out candidates towards job

oriented programme in order to develop competencies for self-employment. Enhancement of intake capacity of the existing institution as well as induction of new

disciplines in emerging fields.

For the Annual Plan 2009-10 under ‘Labour & Employment’ an amount of Rs.9458.00 lakh is the outlay.

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. 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.

10.13.2 Programme of the Food & Supplies Department

Implementation 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.

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The focus is on quality control, construction of godowns, organization of transport workshops and renovation of old godowns. The IT deptt. has taken up a study on the feasibility of introducing e-governance under this departments in all the districts. Doorsteps delivery for beneficiaries under Annapurna Project has since been introduced to ensure 100% outreach.

THRUST AREAS : 1) Steps would be taken for imposing quality control and checking measures on the

foodgrains supplied under the Annapurna Project ;2) The possibility of taking up of distribution of Iodised Salts through PDS system would

be studied.3) The possibility of taking up of distribution of jute bags and kerosene containers to the

AAY beneficiaries would be studied.

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

The plan size for 2009-10 must be fixed around Rs.691.86 crore. The activities of the department are as follows :

Under the core projects, the activities undertaken included schemes under Women Welfare and Development, Child Protection and Development (including ICDS), Welfare of Older Citizens and Social Defence including Widow Pension, Old-age Pension and Disability Pension. The problems regarding ICDS utilization are faced in connection with delay in submitting utilizations. This is because funds allotted to the West Bengal Essential Supplies Centre which provided supplies to the Anganwadi Centres delayed the submission of utilization process. The rate per beneficiary had been increased from 1st August, 2008 in view of cost escalation and the allocation of Rs.148 crore was being enhanced accordingly. The rates at present are as follows :

Beneficiary type Old rate(Rs.) New Rate (Rs.) Share (Rs)Severely mal-nourished 2.70 3.12 GOI=1.35, State

Govt.=1.77Other Children 2.00 2.35 GOI=1.00, State

Govt.=1.35Pregnant and lactating mothers 2.30 2.72 GOI=1.15, State

Govt.=1.57

The total number of ICDS centres was 91372 out of which 89000 were operationalised. Infrastructure could be developed in only 15000 centres as many of the other centre were situated in

rented houses and buildings. Originally Rs. 11 crore was sanctioned under RIDF but due to rise in unit project cost the sanctioned amount was increased to Rs.15 crore for 384 centres.

Under DFID, there was provision for Rs.35 crore for nutrition projects and Rs.15 crore was released to the District Magistrates for covering the infrastructure needs from this fund, as per provisions.Steps would be taken to provide toilets and drinking water facilities in the new ICDS Centres to be constructed. Under MPLADs 188 Centres were constructed and 206 centres were

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constructed under the fund for BEUP.The Department would interact with the Paschimanchal Affairs Department and UUP for construction of ICDS centres along with MPs and MLAs under MPLADS and BEUP respectively. Under DFID, Awareness programmes were undertaken for promotion of nutrition in the districts of Coochbehar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Malda, Murshidabad and Purulia. This programmes covered awareness as well as infrastructure building as additional component.In Sundarban areas, programmes were taken up covering awareness on nutrition.

The proposal for strengthening the WCD & SW Deptt. and making it more effective through infrastructure development and manpower building may be taken up.

THRUST AREAS

1) Nutrition mapping would be done and district-wise data on nutrition position under ICDS would be made available. District-wise nutrition mapping of adolescent girls would take into account under weight girls and demographically weaker sections ;

2) The position of beneficiary prioritization with focus on SC/ST/Minorities/Women/Girls would be categorically highlighted in ITDP as well as other areas ;

3) Attempts would be made for convergence and coordination with other departments as required. As nodal deptt., WCD & SW deptt. would ensure convergence on definite points and distribution of responsibility among deptts. like P&RD, PHE, Health, BCW, School Education etc. for proper plan funding and necessary information and dissemination

4) Special focus would be laid on timely utilization of fund in connection with malnutrition, anaemia, MMR, etc.

5) Follow up measures on identified items for correction would be taken in connection with the Panchayat level meetings held on 4 th Saturday of every month, for fruitful outcome of the meetings;

6) Attempts would be made to improve the standard of ICDS workers and provide them intensive training facilities ;

7) The status report on classifications and coverage of schemes for visually impaired, hearing impaired, orthopaedically impaired, patients of cerebral palsy will be prepared ;

8) Regarding vocational training, diversification of livelihood options covering new schemes would be taken up.

9) In principle, the Districtwise information would be shown separately by blocks and by Municipalities and in a summary form, by sector (rural, urban). The rural/urban breakdown is also desirable for the State as a whole. Ideally, the information would be available for each ICDS Centre, on computer, for intensive monitoring.

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 .

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.

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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.

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.


The Government has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Development & Welfare of women sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provisions have been put in place. The special scheme and the provisions of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

a)Increase in pension from Rs. 500 p.m. to Rs.750 p.m for widows, old age, disabled by 25%

b) Increase in honorarium of Anganwari Workers and helpers of ICDS

By Rs. 250 p.m.

10.13.4 Programme of the Mass Education & Extension Department

Social Welfare Homes :

In 54 Social Welfare Homes 4800 inmates are being taken care of. Besides maintenance of inmates, emphasis has been given on infrastructural development of the existing homes during the current financial year.

Proposal for Annual Plan 2009-10

to admit 1500 boys and girls in different homes ; to strengthen further the infrastructure of the different homes ; to extend Vocational Training Facilities for the inmates of such homes so that they may be

self-reliant after release from the Homes.

This department runs some women’s homes and as part of the policy for upliftment and empowerment of women, this department will establish a destitute women home in 2009-10.

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Education and Training for physically handicapped students : Presently the number of students in such institutions sponsored by the Govt. stands at 5314. The following steps are proposed to be taken to improve the quality of service to the students with disabilities during 2009-10.

to award academic recognition to deserving institutions; to award sponsorship in favour of 8 new institutions; to organize Talent Search Competitions, Sports Meet, Felicitation Programme for the

physically challenged meritorious students; to prepare revised and upgraded syllabi for the schools for physically challenged students.

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 Children

This 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.

Others

10.13.6 Programme of the Refugee,Relief and Rehabilitation Department

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Objectives :

i) Infrastructure Development of refugee colonies

The R.R.& R. Deptt. has been continuing its endeavour to execute infrastructure development programme in approved refugee colonies of West Bengal both in urban and rural areas with a view to providing basic civic amenities which include construction of roads, sewerage system, culverts, protection wall, supply of drinking water and electrification etc. The projects selected and approved by the district planning committee authorities, cleared by the Engineering Cell, R.R. & R. Directorate and subsequently approved by the DAC of this dept are implemented through different Govt. or semi-Govt. agencies like PW(CB) Dte., MED, PHE, KMDA, ZP and Engineering, Wing of RR & R Dte. on the basis of priority.

ii) Construction of State level RR Archives & office of the RR Directorate:

The R.R&R Deptt. is the custodian of an enormous volume of records relating to the influx of refugees, their poor economic, social and psychological conditions at the time of entry into West Bengal as well as documents reflecting measures taken to rehabilitate and resettle refugees. However, due to our preoccupations with the settlement of refugees, this aspect has not received the attention it well deserves. The records to be preserved include:

i) Border slips showing date of entry of the refugees issued by Govt. of India.ii) Working Committee reports and correspondence between Govt. of India and the State

Govt. relating to refugees settled in West Bengal, iii) Details of acquisition proceedings in connection with the court cases arising out of

acquisition done more or less 40 to 50 years back,iv) Proper preservation of the Lease Deeds/FHTDs issued to the displaced persons by the

RR&R Directorate and District Offices, v) Land details with related information called for by the LA Collector for initiation of de-

novo acquisition proceeding.vi) Availability and utilization of vacant RR lands spread over in different districts. vii) Details of water bodies with mode of utilization and earning of revenue thereof. viii) Leasing of shops and markets located on RR land and annual collection of rent thereof.

Achievement In absence of any assistance from the Central Government for the rural refugee colonies, State Government undertook development work in colonies where no development was made earlier. Since inception of the scheme in 1996 State Government has spent Rs. 60.34 crore up to 2007-08

towards development of 411 refugee colonies. In 2007-08, 39 colonies were undertaken for infrastructure development with a total amount of Rs.12.44 crore out of total Budget Provision of Rs.13 crore.

In 2008-09, 10,000 homestead plots had been targeted for infrastructure development in refugee colonies at a cost of Rs,17.77 crore while Rs.4 crore was earmarked for the construction of new buildings for creation of State Level Archives and office of the R.R. & R. Dte. But out of proposed total amount of Rs 21.77 crore, an amount of Rs 15.00 crore was allotted under the plan budget of this dept during 2008-09. It is expected that the target will be achieved.

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Proposals for 2009-10This Dept propose to develop 12,000 H.S. plots within refugee colonies at a total cost of Rs 21,34 crore and Rs, 4.00 crore has been proposed for construction of state level RR Archives and the office of the RR Dte,

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

However, this dept intends to make arrangement for survey of SC/ST/Disabled persons among the refugees residing in different colonies for which an expenditure of Rs. 15.00 lakh has been earmarked.


The Government has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Others sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provision has been put in place. The special scheme and the provision of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

Development of refugee colonies : Rs. 15 crore

10.13.7 Programme of the Disaster Management (Relief) Department

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

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

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

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

Budget provision under this scheme during 2008-09 was 30.00 lakh , out of which a sum of Rs. 16,17,000/- has been sanctioned to the districts up to March, 2009 benefiting 169 families by providing sewing machines and 1298 families for setting up small trade.

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Fund available during

2008-09

Fund utilized during

2008-09

No. of beneficiaries during 2008-

09

Fundavailable during

2009-10Target

30 lakh 16.17 lakh

169S.M.& 1298 S.T.

30 lakh 3000 families

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

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

Budget provision during 2008-09 was Rs. 20.00 lakh and a sum of Rs. 16,92,000/- was released to the districts benefiting 259 families providing Sewing machine and 1524 families for setting up small trade.

Fund available during 2008-

09

Fund utilized during

2008-09

No. of beneficiaries during 2008-

09

Fund available during 2009- 10

Target

20 lakh 16.92 lakh

259 S.M. & 1524 S.T.

15 lakh 1500families

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

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

The Budget Provision during 2008-09 was Rs. 1.00 lakh and only a sum of Rs. 19,000/- was released to the districts benefiting 19 families for setting up Small Trade.

Fund available during 2008-09

Fund utilized during 2008-

09

No. of beneficiaries

during 2008-09

Fund available during 2009-10

Target

1. 00 lakh 0.1 9 lakh 19 S.T. 1.50 lakh 75 families

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

Under this scheme, 3% of the Economic Rehabilitation Grant is sanctioned by the Government to the families of disabled people under S.T. who are economically challenged due to socio-economic

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causes, by providing fund for purchasing sewing machine or for setting up small trade to earn their livelihood.

The budget provision during 2008-09 was Rs. 50,000/- and only a sum of Rs. 8.000/- was released to the districts benefiting 8 families for setting up small trade.

Relief on Account of Natural Calamities - Awareness Campaign among the mass.

Under this plan scheme, fund has been provided for awareness campaign on Disaster Management among the masses.

This scheme has been adopted from the financial year 2007-08. The outlay for 2008-09 was Rs. 10.50 lakh, which was planned to be utilized for undertaking disaster management awareness campaign among the elected members of three tier Panchayati Raj Institution.

Relief on account of Natural Calamities - Assistance to Development of Cyclone Risk Mitigation Projects.

This programme is World Bank aided project and the project cost is Rs. 234.67 crore. The World Bank share & State share is on the basis of 75 : 25. It is expected that the fund will be available from the World Bank through Government of India during the current Financial year. The State Government (Finance) has also agreed to release the State share in due course. Only a sum of Rs. 10.00 lakh was provided during 2009-10 and provision for Rs. 23.00 crore has been made for 2009-10 later on.

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 component

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The 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 Component

The aim of the disaster related Plan Schemes is to mitigate the suffering of the weaker section of the society to a considerable degree. The best option in this respect is the "Economic Rehabilitation Grant for the destitute belonging to the SC & ST categories". The Flood/Cyclone Shelters will also be used during safe periods by the community for its various social needs at a very reasonable rate. Availability of a good infrastructure in a village will help the community always. This liberal use of rescue shelters will enhance the economic standard of the society largely.

Thrust Areas

The criterian for selecting critical areas would clarifided, covering flood-prone areas, earchquake zones etc.

1) A landslide disaster plan would be devised2) The plan would cover the priorities for helping affected people on basic issues like drinking

water.3) Disaster Management would have provisions for (i) shifting and rehabilitation of threatened

population; (ii) relief to families moving in their own to neighbouring areas.

10.13.8 Programme of the Labour Department

Provident Fund Schemes for Unorganised workers in urban and rural areas (SASPFUW)The State Government has introduced a new Social Security Scheme for the Unorganised Workers viz. “State Assisted Scheme of Provident Fund for Unorganised Workers (SASPFUW)” with effect from 01.01.2001. Under the scheme an eligible worker who is between the age from 18 years to 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 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

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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) was kept as budget provision for 2008-09.

Fiscal-Social Welfare Stimulus PackageThe Govt. has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Others sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provision for alleviating the Global Recession has been put in place. The special scheme and the provision of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

a) Increase in the financial assistance from Rs.750 to Rs.1000 per month for workers in closed factories and tea gardens

: Rs. 100 croreb) Increase in the coverage of Provident Fund Scheme for unorganized workers from 13 lakh to 20 lakh and landless labourers in the benefits from 10 lakh to 15 lakh and inclusion of Health Insurance Scheme

c) State’s Urban Wage Subsidy Scheme : Rs. 50 crore

For the Annual Plan 2009-10, an amount of Rs. 72789.85 lakh is the outlay under ‘Social Security & Social Welfare’.

10.14 EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN & DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN

10.14.1 Programme of the Women & Child Dev. and Social Welfare DepartmentThe most important programme under ICDS is the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) for children (6 months to 6 years) and pregnant and lactating mothers. The ICDS programme also provides pre-primary schooling for children below 6 years.

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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 operationalised through Anganwadi centers.

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. HomesTraining to the destitute girls of Govt. homes is given. This training is also imparted by NGOs receiving grant-in-aid from state govt.

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.

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.

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

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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.

10.14.2 Programme of the School Education Department

Cooked Mid-day Meal Programme (CMDMP)

Supply of cooked food under ‘‘National Programme of Nutritional Support” to Primary Education was introduced in the State in January, 2003. For the financial year 2008-2009, the Government of India, MHRD, Department of School Education & Literacy in the meeting held for Annual Work Plan & Budget has approved total no. of 78,149 Primary Schools with a total enrolment of 83,92,800 students for Cooked Mid-day Meal Scheme. The School Education Department has so far brought a total number of 70,850 schools with a total enrolment of 82,67,162 Primary students under the Cooked Mid-day Meal Sceme during the year 2008-09.

Cooked Mid-day meal has started in the 86 Educationally Backward Blocks with 1900 schools and 7,36,466 enrolment in the State from October, 2007. Subsequently, this scheme has been started universally for Upper Primary Students taking a total number of 10,360 schools with a total enrolment of 43,69,538.

In some districts, this scheme for Upper Primary Students has been started in some schools and there is endeavour to bring the rest of the schools under this scheme in the districts. This scheme has not yet been started in some districts due to, mainly, want of infrastructural facilities viz. kitchen-cum-store, kitchen devices etc.

Usually, the Government of India releases fund for construction of kitchen-cum-store and kitchen devices. Recently Government of India has released 50% of allotted fund for construction of kitchen-cum-store for Upper Primary Schools during 2008-09.

It is expected that the fund will be released to the districts shortly and construction work will be started accordingly.

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

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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.

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

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percent students study in madrasahs and the reaming are enrolled in the school system. Madarsahs though admit non-Muslim students as well, but a majority of them are Muslims. Therefore, issues related to promotion of Urdu language and strengthening of madrasah education have been covered in this action plan.

In line with the spirit of the Prime Minister's New 15 Point Programme and taking into account the Report on Social, Economic and Educational Status of Muslim Community in India prepared by the Prime Minister's High Level Committee (referred to as Sachar Committee Report), the Department of Minorities Development and Welfare and Madarasah Education has developed an Action Plan for Minorities to uplift socio-economic and educational status of minorities in West Bengal. The objective is to ensure that proportionate benefits of various government schemes reach the minorities, leading to their economic security and improvement in various human development indicators.

Thrust Areas1) 300 new Junior High Madrsahs would be opened.2) Infrastructure Improvement of the new Madrasah Service Committee would be taken up.3) 1000 new teachers would be recruited.4) 700 unrecognized Madrasahs would be converted to Madrasah Siksha Kendras.5) 400 acres of land in the Rajarhat area would be acquired for the new University taken up

under the department.6) Steps would be taken to start science streams in the newly established University.7) Steps to provide sports facilities at the State Level would be taken up

The Plan adopts a three-pronged approach:• Targeted interventions,• Effective delivery mechanism, and• Coordinated thrust, with contribution from other departments.

Central assistance for development of minorities would be accessed wherever available. The plan recognizes the importance of community-based organizations and the private sector in the upliftment of minorities and their integration with the mainstream.

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.

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

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development of infrastructure for minorities in the rural areas. A corpus fund, namely - 'Minority Development and Welfare Fund' is being created to bridge critical gaps in implementation of development and welfare schemes for minorities by various Departments. A new scheme for grant-in-aid to Wakf Estate and Wakf Board is planned for development of Wakf properties.

Several new central schemes would be implemented for development and welfare of minorities while some of the scheme like Merit & Means Scholarship for professional and technical courses, post-merit scholarship for minorities and multi sectoral development for minorities are fully funded by the Central Government, pre-matric scholarship and grant-in-aid to WBMDFC is on matching share basis. Other central schemes like improvement of civic amenities and economic opportunities and entrepreneurship and skilled development through are likely to be taken up during the course of the Eleventh Plan.

Madrasah EducationMadrasahs are important for religious teaching and education. However, it should be noted that they are not homogeneous entities. There are three types of Madrasahs - [a] Recognized and unrecognized Madrasahs providing secular and religious education simultaneously; [b] Maqtabs, often attached to mosques, providing religious education to illiterates or students of 'mainstream' schools; and [c] Residential Madrasahs, whose objective is to provide religious-Islamic education. While the first type of Madrasahs is directly funded by the Government, the madrasahs of other types require mainstreaming and support. The State currently has 506 recognized Madrasahs and several hundred unrecognized Madrasahs. These are often the last recourse of Muslims, especially those lacking economic resources to bear the costs of 'mainstream' schooling or households located in areas where 'mainstream' educational facilities are absent. Therefore, efforts of the Government to strengthen Madrasahs are in line with its Constitutional obligation (under Article 21A) to provide good quality, subsidized 'mainstream' education. With a view to take up accelerated development of Madrasah Education in the State, it was tagged to this Department recently.

Following interventions would be taken to strengthen madrasah education.a) More Madrasahs will be recognized and all High Madrasahs would be upgraded to

Higher Secondary level. Unrecognized Madrasahs can be assisted through appropriate components of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan as alternative education centres.

b) Additional educational facilities (more staff, new subjects) and infrastructural facilities (class rooms, girls' common room, equipment, furniture, toilets, drinking water facilities, etc.) will be provided in Madrasahs. In addition, steps would be taken for strengthening of science laboratories and computer education, and improvement of libraries.

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.

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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 Government has considered adverse effect of Global Recession on the State Economy and has accordingly structured a fiscal social welfare stimulus package within the Other Services sub-sector as well. Accordingly special provisions have been put in place. The special schemes and the provision of outlay for 2009-10 are as follows :

a) Setting up new junior high, high and higher madrasahs : Rs. 30 crore

b) Special training and employment programmes for minorities, involving West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation

: Rs.20 crore

The plan outlay for 2009-10 under ‘Empowerment of Women & Development of Children’ is Rs. 101121.86 lakh.

The plan outlay under ‘Social Services’ during 2009-10 is 802727.61 lakh.

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