Socio Research & Reform Foundation

Behind all the noise and political manoeuvring on corruption, there is some desire at the Government level to make an impact on the corruption or at least be seen to be doing something about it. While Government under political pressure may have allowed CBI some freedom on opposing bail applications of Kanimozhi, or allowed it to vigorously follow-up on corruption cases against its ministers & bigwigs (Kalmadi, A Raja, business honchos involved in 2G scams), however what will impact common man is not these cases (though these make big headlines) is the day to day working of the Government. Thus taking action on the nitty gritty issues would really matter.

To this end the Government has proposed that an official before being appointed be scrutinised for his / her track record particularly in critical positions. Another proposal moots that the Government gives speedy permission for prosecution. In a move which could turn out to be really effective, it has proposed that names of the officers involved in corruption cases be posted on govt’s websites. To track accountability for the decision, it would like that an Official Order should clearly mention if it has been sanctioned by the cabinet, a minister or an individual official.

The Govt cleverly put these proposals on the agenda in the Chief secretaries conference held earlier, implying that the corruption is a all-India level problem, which cannot be solved by the central government only. However what is important that the central Govt. should set an example by putting a far more comprehensive reform package on these issues under its own govt. rather than trying to play ‘passing the buck’ game.

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Socio Research & Reform Foundation
(A Non Government Organisation)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
Tele/Fax: +91-11-25821088, 25817157, 25722044

One of the sub-missions under JNNURM is BSUP (Basic Services for the Urban Poor) was launched in December 2005. The focus of this scheme was to improve conditions for Urban Slum dwellers in 63 identified cities across the country.

Till now, the Government has sanctioned 479 projects covering 10 lakh dwelling units. The scheme is nearing its end (2005-12), however most of the states have not even utilised 50% of the funds allocated under the scheme. The worst performing states are Punjab which has utilised just Rs. 26.4 crore (6%) of the allocated Rs 444.46 crore as on February this year. Other states that have performed poorly are Bihar, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. States which have utilised more than 50% are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Nagaland and Sikkim.

Major reasons cited for poor performance are non-furnishing of project proposals, procedural problems in fund transfer, procurement, and lack of availability of litigation free land etc.

Poor coordination is the biggest problem that most Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) face, resulting in poor uptake of funds. Till now the Central/State Governments have not been able to find a solution for the same. Is it because the ways schemes have been designed, State Governments do not feel accountable for any of the CSS scheme.

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Socio Research & Reform Foundation

(A Non Government Organisation)

512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008

Tele/Fax: +91-11-25821088, 25817157, 25722044

e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in

As many of us would be aware that Delhi Govt. (like many other state govts.) has constituted a Welfare Board for welfare of workers in the construction industry. The Board is required to register every building worker between the age of 18-60, who has worked for not less than 90 days in last 12 months. Most Boards have large funds available but have been slow to formulate schemes to utilize these funds.

A writ petition was filed by various NGOs in the Delhi High Court to force various agencies involved in construction during the commonwealth games to provide various benefits to the workers involved in various projects. Delhi Govt in latest affidavit has stated that the Welfare Board has registered around 53,000 workers till Jan’11 and is providing benefits to them. The Court not satisfied, has asked all the main employers (MCD, NDMC, DDA, DIAL< DMRC, PWD, CPWD) to obtain list of workers form their contractors, along with their complete address (? – I wonder how many contractors do that), so that labourers could be contacted for granting benefits. In a related development, DMRC which till Dec’2009 has contributed around Rs 126 crores as cess to the Welfare Board, wants this money back, as it feels that the Board is not able to provide required benefits to labour and wants to do the same on its own. ____________________________________ Socio Research & Reform Foundation (A Non Government Organisation) 512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi - 110008 Tele/Fax: +91-11-25821088, 25817157, 25722044 e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in

Considering a number of scams are in the news, surprisingly still Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to allow their councillors to allot work up to Rs. 50 lakh without taking recourse to tenders. This was stated by Additional Commissioner (Engineering). Work can be done using the Unit Rate Method and would be limited to Rs. 5 lakh per project.

The decision seems to be basically to fast track the work in view of upcoming MCD elections. However, it is wondered whether this is not likely to open up doors to more scams.

Socio Research & Reform Foundation
(A Non Government Organisation)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
Tele/Fax: +91-11-25821088, 25817157, 25722044
e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in