NEW DELHI: Bihar will roll out unique identification numbers for “aam aadmi” — beneficiaries of social sector schemes — within 35-36 months. The move will help in curbing pilferage and corruption.
The decision was taken at a meeting of Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. The Commission has finalised Rs 24,000 crore plan size for the state for next fiscal.
Kumar cited that the plan size was only Rs 4,000 crore when he took over from Lalu Prasad six years ago.
Unique identification authority chief Nandan Nilekeni asked the state authorities to play a model role in introduction of Aadhar numbers that will help in implementation of social schemes. Nilekani, an ex-IT czar, said rural job and pension schemes along with public distribution system can be linked to Aadhar numbers.
The Bihar government was lauded for introduction of biometrics — under the e-Shakti scheme — to reduce pilferage and improve transparency.
Kumar demanded abolition of plethora of Central sector schemes, arguing that states should be left to formulate their own programmes. “Centre should limit itself to only a few flagship programmes,” he said.
He reasoned that the Plan panel should revisit some social sector programmes and review the guidelines to make them fit for implementation.
Kumar cited the provision of Tullu transformers of 10 KV — under the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojana — a wastage of government fund, and urged the Plan panel to adopt a more realistic approach.
Ahluwalia, who appreciated the state government’s efforts to expedite development in Bihar, pointed out that sectors like power need sustained attention to reduce losses.
The state government was also praised for its good performance in the agriculture sector, and efforts to popularise public-private-partnership (PPP). However, attention was drawn to the poverty level, which is much higher than the national average — both in rural and urban areas.
Kumar spelt out his roadmap to the Plan panel. According to him, 35% and 24% of outlays will be earmarked for social sector and improving transport network, respectively, in the state.
He claimed that efforts are on to improve investment climate and accelerate pace of infrastructure development by encouraging PPP in both physical and social infrastructure projects.
Read more: Bihar as model? UID rollout within 3 years – The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Bihar-as-model-UID-rollout-within-3-years/articleshow/7503759.cms#ixzz1E9iurCOB