Compensatory afforestation on Degraded Forests

Posted on June 1, 2011 by SRRF

Whenever a project requires ‘forest land’ it is required to undertake compensatory afforestation on non-forest land. This is to as comply with India’s forest cover policy as set out in 1988 to enhance forest land cover to 33%, which at the time was near about 23%. This is a huge ambitious task, considering extreme pressures on land by increasing population, as well as increasing economic activities. Often projects are not able to find non-forest land to undertake mandatory afforestation. Further almost 40% of the so called forest land is in fact degraded forests with extremely poor tree cover.

Recognising this fact MoEF has now allowed projects afforestation on degraded forests.

Already SAIL, which had to undertake compensatory afforestation to mine Chiria mines in Jharkhand has been allowed to do the same on degraded forests in the state.

As a cynic would say that such initiatives always start with noble intentions, however problem is that considering significant scope of malpractices, safeguards should be put in place to ensure, that down the line required afforestation results in increased tree-cover in actuality and not just on paper.

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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

Posted in Environment | 5 Comments

Infant Mortality Rate improving

Posted on June 1, 2011 by SRRF

There has been a 6% drop in IMR (50 deaths per thousand in 2009 from 53 in 2008). While IMR has been steadily improving since 2003 in most states, there have been some states where it has marginally gone up. These are Meghalaya, Goa, HP, Manipur, Sikkim and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. While IMR for states like UP (67 to 63) and Bihar (56 to 52) has dropped, however overall it still remains high.

Health ministry undertakes yearly survey for the states with poor health indicators and hopes to make specific policies for districts where specific interventions are considered necessary.

____________________________________
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

Posted in Health | Comments Off on Infant Mortality Rate improving

Fresh focus under NRHM

Posted on May 31, 2011 by SRRF

As per the latest data available from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, around 18 lakh child-deaths occur every year, of this over 10 lakh occur within 28 days of the birth. Further around 68,000 mothers die on account of pregnancy–related complications.

To further increase the institutional deliveries to reduce these deaths (which are currently covered through Janani Suraksha Yojana under NRHM) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is working on plans so that women who deliver in a government institution do not have to pay for anything towards service fee, drugs, diet, consumables and other miscellaneous expenses. It is working with the states to put in place a system which provides for ‘free treatment and free referral transport’ for all sick newborns for the first 30 days of their life under the NRHM.

_____________________________________
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

Posted in Health | Comments Off on Fresh focus under NRHM

Clarification received from Ministry on “Transfer of Funds”

Posted on May 30, 2011 by SRRF

GOOD NEWS WHICH ALL OF US HAVE BEEN WAITING

We would like to intimate all the members of SRRFDialogue that a clarification has been received from the FCRA Dept. that there is no need to take prior approval from the department for transferring funds to other registered NGOs considering Section 7. Copy of the clarification is attached. Some conditions have been mentioned, which are being studied and precautions which need to be taken would be shared with you.

____________________________________
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

Posted in FCRA, TAX, LEGAL | 11 Comments

Transfer of Funds between registered organisations – Dept. to clarify

Posted on May 28, 2011 by SRRF

As many of the readers of these posts would be aware that new Rule 24 alongwith Form FC10 of FCRA provisions, has made it mandatory for all registered organizations to obtain permission of the FCRA department before transferring funds to other registered organizations. This caused genuine concern and anxiety.

The matter was immediately taken up by Socio Research & Reform Foundation (SRRF) with Shri GVV Sarma, Joint Secretary, incharge of the Department alongwith representatives of a few of such organizations.  They explained their problems particularly that most of them were having almost 100 or more partners and many of them transfer these funds on a regular basis (even monthly) to other registered NGOs.

Shri Sarma heard the delegation patiently and stated in clear terms that the intention of the Act is not to cause any unnecessary inconvenience. He understood the problem and suggested that such organizations could give the details through a letter indicating the organizations and amounts to be transferred even for a whole year. He indicated that the department was already in the process of developing a suitable system for online application for the same. However the organizations further explained that if the permissions were not given within a time bound manner, than the funds down the line for various activities would dry up and would hamper the development activities of various NGOs. It was also pointed out that the Rule is inconsistent with Section 7 of the FCRA Act 2010.

SRRF also submitted a written representation offering several alternative solutions. (See attached letter submitted to the Dept.)

The Joint secretary promised to immediately look into the issue to find solution and if required the dept. would issue necessary clarification through its web-site.

SRRF and all the representatives of donor agencies thanked Mr Sarma, the Joint secretary for his promptness in meeting the delegation.

____________________________________
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

Posted in FCRA, TAX, LEGAL | 21 Comments

Effectiveness of Lokpal/Lokauykta institutions

Posted on May 24, 2011 by SRRF

In view of ongoing debate on Jan Lokpal bill, following post, on history as well as efficacy of the Lokpal Bill in the states, is again circulated for further understanding of the arguments

Effectiveness of Lokpal/Lokauykta institutions

Presently Lokpal  and Lokauykta institutions are much in currency, what with Justice Santosh Hegde (Lokauykta of Karnataka) and demand from a number of civil organisations / citizens in strengthening the institutions of Lokpal /okauykta. It is worth knowing the status of the institutions among different states.

It may be worth noting that originally institution of Lokpal / Lokauykta was recommended by an Administrative Reform Commission headed by Morarji Desai in 1966 (yes more than 45 years old and we are still debating pros and cons !). Basically the concept was taken from the institution of ombudsmen in Sweden and some other Scandinavian countries.

There are several Lokauykta / Lokpals in place, except for in case of Karnataka ans MP in most places these are toothless bodies, serving little purpose.

Karnataka

Lokauykta institution in Karnataka was started in 1986, by replacing Vigilance Commission, and is one of the strongest, both because of the powers vested in the institutions and the persons who have presided over these. Justice Santosh Hegde has been in news, but before him Justice N Venkatachala, who made a point of himself being present during the raids by his investigating teams.

 

The institution has a special police unit for investigation. It has powers to suo moto prosecute Class I officers after intimating the govt (but not politicians – we all know how ugly such situations can become). However it requires permission from the Govt. to punish such officials, this is rarely granted.

Madhya Pradesh

Institution was commenced in 1982 by replacing the state Vigilance Commission. Lokauykta, has authority to investigate all public servants except Assembly speaker, dy. Speaker and judicial officers. It is well supported by own Police force, including DG, IG and SPs. Lok Ayukata alongwith his deputy also has judicial powers of prosecution.

 

Uttar Pradesh

It has only three officers of DSP rank and has three judicial offices for investigation. None of the anti-corruption agencies report to him in the state. All judicial officers or court staff, state legislature staff do not fall within the jurisdiction of the Lokauykta.

 

Orissa

It was the first state in India to start this institution in 1970. Though repealed by Biju Patnaik Govt in 1992, it was revived in 1995. However the institution is quite weak, as it does not have any investigative-wing and the state vigilance dept. also does not report to it. It has to ask for the vigilance officials whenever required. It cannot act against anyone on its own and has to take permission of the state Govt.

Punjab

In Punjab while the first lokpal was appointed in 1995, however the successive Govts. did not consider it necessary to formulate rules for its workings, which have only been formulated recently. Position has been vacant for long periods. It is short of officers to undertake investigations. In none of the cases, govt. has taken any action on its recommendations.

Haryana

Though he can look into any complaint against any public servant, including the Chief Minister, but it is left to the Government to act. Even Vigilance Bureau does not report to him. Previous Lokayukta called it a toothless body.

Maharashtra

While the state has both Lokayukta (a retired judge) and an Upa-Lokaykta (a retired IAS officer), however there are too many restrictions on which cases they can take for investigation. Even the Anti-corruption bureau doe not report to the Lok-Ayukta but to state police chief.

___________________________________

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


Posted in Accountability | 1 Comment