ministry of minority affairs

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.