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Title : Need to constitute Vigilance and Monitoring Committees to oversee implementation of various agricultural schemes.
SHRI L. RAJAGOPAL (VIJAYAWADA): Sir, agriculture is the mainstay of our economy and contributes nearly 20 per cent to GDP. Agriculture depends on vagaries of monsoon and nearly 60 per cent of the area sown is dependent on rainfall. Government is implementing various schemes and programmes for agriculture sector like Watershed Programme for development of degraded land, Micro-Management Scheme, Agriculture Mechanization, Plant Protection Scheme, Technology Missions for Oilseeds, Pulses, Maize, Cotton, Horticulture, National Food Security Mission and other schemes through which the Government provides financial and other assistance to States for improving agriculture productivity and ameliorating living conditions of our farmers. The Government is also helping animal husbandry with an idea to help the landless, small and marginal farmers. But, unfortunately, there are no Vigilance Committees to monitor various schemes/programmes.
The Ministry of Rural Development has constituted Vigilance and Monitoring Committees in all districts by making the local Member of Parliament as its Chairman. The objective is to ensure quality of expenditure in view of large public funds being spent under various programmes. The Vigilance and Monitoring Committee would keep a watch on implementation of various schemes/programmes as per guidelines and liaise and coordinate with various agencies concerned.
In spite of having more budget and various programmes and schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, there are no Vigilance and Monitoring Committees at district level to oversee effective implementation of the
schemes/programmes. So, I would request the hon. Minister of Agriculture to take necessary steps for constitution of Vigilance and Monitoring Committees in every district for effective implementation of schemes/programmes which will help in increasing agriculture productivity and also improving living standards of farmers.