The Planning Commission has asked the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation to hold back its proposal of revamping the Twenty Point Programme till the mid-term appraisal of the Tenth five-year plan is complete.
In it's response to a Cabinet note moved by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the Plan body has said it would be better to decide on the new items that should be included for monitoring under the programme, once the government has listed out its priorities.
"The revamped programme, will drop items which are no longer required to be monitored and include new ones, in line with the changed priorities of the government. Since the number of items which are covered is to be changed, the programme will also be renamed," said an official. The TPP was launched in 1975 and restructured in 1982 and 1986.
The need for further restructuring is being felt because of the launch of several new schemes and programmes and reforms introduced by the Central government.
Also, some of the existing programmes need to be deleted as they have lost their relevance in the present scenario, said officials.
It is a package of programmes comprising schemes relating to poverty alleviation, employment generation in rural areas, education, housing, family welfare and health and protection of the environment.
It covers 119 items, of which 65 are monitored against physical targets and 54 items on the basis of evaluatory criteria.
Monitoring is done by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation at the Centre. Monthly progress reports are based on progress received from states for 20 crucial items of the programme, which are monitored on a monthly basis.
Targets are set by administrative ministries in consultation with state governments. While some of the schemes are centrally sponsored, requiring contribution from the State government, some are fully funded by the Centre.
