Government of India
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in respect of
Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) for Minority Concentration
Districts (MCDs)
Q.1. Which are
the minority communities in the country notified by the Central Government and
what is their share of the country’s population?
Ans.
Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been
notified as minority communities under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission
for Minorities Act, 1992. As per Census 2001, the percentage of minorities in
the country is about 18.4% of the total population of the country, of which
Muslims are 13.4%; Christians 2.3%; Sikhs 1.9%, Buddhists 0.8% and Parsis
0.007%.
Q.2. What was
the methodology used for identifying Minority Concentration Districts?
Ans. Minority Concentration Districts (MCD)
have been identified on the basis of both population data and backwardness
parameters of Census 2001of these districts.
Q.3. What is the population criteria used for identifying
Minority Concentration Districts?
Ans.
‘Substantial minority population’ in the context of the Prime Minister’s New 15
Point Programme has been used for identification of districts which are
relatively backward in which at least 25% of the total population belongs to
minority communities has been used for identification of MCD in 29 States/UTs.
Further, districts having a large absolute minority population of more than 5
lakhs but with minority population between 20% to 25% has also been used for
identification of such MCD in 29 States/UTs. Where a minority community is in
majority In the six
States/UTs,
15% of minority population other than that of the minority community in
majority in that State/UT, has been used.
Q.4. What is
the backwardness parameters used for identifying Minority Concentration Districts?
The
backwardness parameters are:-
(a)
religion-specific socio-economic indicators at the district level –
(i)
literacy rate; (ii) female literacy rate; (iii) work participation rate; and
(iv)
female work participation rate; and
(b)
basic amenities indicators at the district level –
(i)
percentage of households with pucca walls;
(ii)
percentage of households with safe drinking water;
(iii)
percentage of households with electricity; and
(iv)
percentage of households with W/C latrines.
Q.5. How many
Minority Concentration Districts were identified?
Ans. 90 Minority Concentration Districts have
been identified on the basis of both population data and backwardness
parameters of Census 2001.
Q.6. How many such districts were identified
before this exercise?
Ans. In 1987, a list of 41 minority
concentration districts was prepared, based on the data of Census 1971. A
single criterion of minority population of 20 percent or more in a district was
applied for identification of 41 districts.
Q.7. Have the
90 MCD been classified according to their backwardness?
Ans. Minority Concentration Districts having
values below the national average for both sets of parameters were considered
relatively more backward have been classified as category ‘A’ (53 districts).
Districts, which have values below the national average for either of the two
sets of backwardness parameters, have been classified in category ‘B’ (37
districts).
Q.8. Give the names of the 90 districts, State
and their classification?
Ans. The details of the 90 districts are in
the website of this Ministry.
Q.9. What is
MsDP?
Ans.
MsDP stands for Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP). This is a special
area development scheme designed to address the ‘development deficits’
identified by a baseline survey in these districts.
Q.10. What are the objectives of MsDP?
Ans.
The programme aims at improving the socio-economic parameters of basic
amenities for improving the quality of life of the people and reducing
imbalances in the MCDs during the Eleventh Five Year Plan period. Identified
‘development deficits’ would be made up through a district specific plan for
provision of better infrastructure for school and secondary education,
sanitation, pucca housing, drinking water and electricity supply, besides beneficiary
oriented schemes for creating income generating activities. Absolutely critical
infrastructure linkages like connecting roads, basic health infrastructure,
ICDS centres, skill development and marketing facilities required for improving
living conditions and income generating activities and catalyzing the growth
process would also be eligible for inclusion in the plan. The multi-sectoral
district development plan of a district have to be prepared in such a manner
that these districts are saturated
with
schemes included in the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare
of Minorities within the Eleventh Plan period.
Q.11. What is the thrust of MsDP?
Ans.
The thrust of the MsDP, which will be prepared on the basis of the ‘development
deficits’ brought out by a baseline survey, would be to improve the
socio-economic parameters of minorities and the basic amenities parameters of
the district as a whole so as to bring them at par with the national average,
if not higher. Critical infrastructure linkages that are required for
optimizing service, economic opportunities and can act as a catalyst would also
be provided under this programme.
Q.12. Why is
such an intervention considered necessary?
Ans.
90 minority concentration districts have already been identified by government
which are relatively backward and falling behind the national average in terms
of socio-economic and basic amenities indicators. These districts have a
substantial minority population and are backward, with unacceptably low levels
of socio-economic or basic amenities indicators, requiring focused attention
and specific programme intervention.
Q.13. What are
the types of schemes approved under MsDP?
Ans. The type of Centrally Sponsored Scheme
(CSS) approved by the Ministry and the ‘development deficits’ that they would
address are given below:-
Q.14. Why is
it that only CSS are taken up?
Ans. There were many existing Centrally
Sponsored Schemes (CSS) already addressing national concerns with time-tested
guidelines and implementation mechanism. Wherever existing CSS addresses the
identified development deficits, it is easier to implement such schemes as they
already have an implementing mechanism. However, nothing in the scheme prevents
the State/UT from taking up any proposals which are not catered by existing
schemes/programmes of the Central and State Governments.
Q.15. How is
it ensured that maximum benefits go to the minorities?
Ans.
The guidelines for implementation of MsDP provides that priority should be
given for location of social and economic infrastructure will be given to
villages/blocks/localities having a substantial population of minority
communities.
Q.16. Are changes envisaged for CSS implemented under
MsDP?
Ans.
There would be no change in guidelines of any existing scheme under
implementation in such districts for which this programme will provide
additional funds. As far as possible, the focus of the programme will be on
providing appropriate social and economic infrastructure rather than targeting
individual beneficiaries. In case schemes for individual benefits are taken up
under the programme, there will be no divergence from existing norms for
selection of beneficiaries from the list of BPL families in the district, so
that
benefits from the additional funds flow to all BPL families and not selectively
to families of minority community.
Ministry
of Minority Affairs
State-Wise Details of The
Funds Released by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the Multi-Sectoral
Development Programme
The
Ministry of Minority Affairs has released a total amount of Rs. 2,969.83 crore
(till 30.6.2012) to the 20 States/UTs under its Multi-sectoral Development
Programme (MsDP) for the welfare of Minorities. Out of a tentative allocation
of Rs. 3,780.40 crore for the programme during the 11th Five Year Plan, the
Ministry has already approved projects worth over Rs. 3,747.19 crore for the 90
Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) - which is more than 99% of the total
allocation.
The details of the funds released
to the States/ UTs are as follows:
Scheme for Leadership
Development of Minority Women
Q
1 : Why was the scheme launched?
A. A report of the high level
Committee on the social, economic and educational status of the Muslim
community of India (Popularly known as the Sachar Report) had highlighted the
fact that India’s largest minority group have been left out of the development
trajectory and within this group Muslim women are doubly disadvantaged. Keeping
this in view, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched ‘Scheme for
Leadership Development of Minority Women’.
Q.2
: When was the scheme launched and implemented?
A. The scheme was launched in
January, 2010 and is being implemented shortly.
Q.3
: What is the objective of the scheme?
A. The objective of the scheme is
to empower and instill confidence in women including their neighbors from other
communities living in the village/locality by providing knowledge, tools and
techniques for interacting with Government system.
Q.4
: What is the purpose of the scheme?
A. The scheme is envisaged to reach
out to women through non-governmental organizations who will be provided with
financial support for conducting leadership development trainings so that women
are empowered and emboldened to move out of the confines of home and community
and assume leadership roles and assert their rights collectively or
individually.
Q.5
: What is the target group and distribution of target?
A. The minority communities served
by the Ministry of Minority Affairs are Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists
and Zoroastrians (Parsis) as notified as minority communities. Eligible women
of these minority communities would be the target group. However, the scheme
permits a mix of women from other non-minority communities not exceeding 25% of
a project proposal.
Q.
6 What is the eligibility criteria for women to be selected?
A: Although there will be no annual
income bar, woman/parent or guardian, woman having annual income not exceed
Rs.2.50 lakh from all sources would be given preference in selection. They
should be between the age group of 18 years to 65 years.
Q.
7 : What are the types of trainings and their eligibility?
A. There are two types of training:
(i)
Leadership development training in the village/locality. Upto 50 women in a
village/locality who are dedicated, motivated and committed to work for the
betterment of the welfare of women from the minority communities in particular.
At least, 10% of the total woman in a group of 50 women should have passed Class X. This may be relaxed to class V level
in case women who have passed class X are not easily available.
(ii)
Leadership development training in residential training institutes. Out of a
group of 50 women for residential training, not more than five women from a
single village/locality may be selected in residential government training
institutes. They should possess at least a graduation degree, which may be
relaxed to class X certificate holder in case graduates are not easily
available, and should be dedicated, motivated, physically fit and healthy and
committed to work for the betterment of the welfare of women from the minority
communities in particular and the society in general.
Q.
8 : Who are the implementing agencies of the project proposals?
A. The leadership development
training scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs through the
organizations. Apart from non-governmental organizations, organisations/
institutions which would be eligible for applying for financial assistance
under this scheme are given below :-
i) Society under the Societies
Registration Act, 1860.
ii) Public Trust registered under
any law for the time being in force.
iii) Private limited non profit
company registered under Section 25 of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
iv) Universities/Institutions of
higher learning recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC).
v) Training institutes of Central
and State Governments including Panchayati Raj training institutes
Q.
9 : How are organizations shortlisted?
A. Expression of Interest is
invited by the Government through advertisement in the newspapers and
organizations fulfilling the mandatory qualifications.
Q.
10: What is the purpose of nurturing and hand holding?
A. Nurturing/hand holding service
envisaged in the scheme linked with involvement and availability of
facilitators at the doorsteps of the target group. The personnel of the
organization is required to visit the village/locality periodically for
providing nurturing/handholding service to the group of women imparted training
so that they are guided in the use of tools and techniques taught to them for
extracting the benefit from their efforts.
Q.
11 What is the purpose of workshops?
A. The organization, in
collaboration with the District Collector/ Deputy Commissioner/ SDO/ Block
Development Officer, is required to organize a half day workshop to sensitize
government functionaries, bankers including Panchayati Raj functionaries etc.
at the district, Sub Division/ Block, etc. concerned about the women
empowerment programme carried out by them under the scheme. In this workshop,
the functionaries would be informed of the remedial action which may be brought
and sought by groups of women and to be responsive in addressing their problems
and grievances.
