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Steering Committee for Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007).

Empowerment of SCs, OBCs and Minorities

Dated 8th December 2000

In the context of the formulation of the Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-2007), it has been decided to set up a Steering Committee on the 'Empowerment of SCs, OBCs and Minorities' with the following Composition:

The Terms of Reference of the Steering Committee will be as follows:

1. to review the existing approach, strategies and priorities; the on-going policies and programmes for empowering SCs. OBCs and Minorities in the Ninth Five Year Plan; and suggest if necessary, alternative strategies, priorities, policies and programmes to accelerate the empowering process;
2. to assess the effectiveness of implementation of' Special Component Plan' (SCP) for SCs and suggest specific measures and mechanisms to ensure that the 'population - proportionate' funds flow from other development sectors both at the Central and State levels and the Special Central Assistance (SCA) to SCP is utilized effectively;
3. to assess the impact of the on-going economic reforms and progressive / liberalization of economy on the socio-economic conditions of SCs, OBO and Minorities, especially their economy and suggest effective strategies to cope up with the situation:
4. to review the effectiveness of the existing legislations relating to SCs. OBCs and Minorities and their enforcement and suggest corrective measures, where necessary:
5. to review the effectiveness of the existing Institutional Arrangements for implementation of policies and programmes relating to welfare, protection and development of SCs. OBCs and Minorities and suggest improvements, if necessary;
6. to assess the role of NGOs and the status of devolution of powers and resources to Panchayti Raj and Local Self Government Bodies as per the 73^rd and 74^th Constitutional Amendments and suggest specific measures for their effective involvement in the planning process; and
7. to suggest an approach and necessary strategies, priorities, policies, and programmes along with physical and financial targets in pursuing the
8. Commitment of Empowering the Socially Disadvantaged Groups (SCs, OBCs and Minorities) dining the Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-07):

The Chairman of the Steering Committee, if necessary, may constitute Sub-Groups on any specific area / problem and also co-opt additional Members.

The Steering Committee shall submit its Report positively by 31 May 2001.

The expenditure on TA/DA in connection with the meeting of the Steering Committee will be borne by the parent Department / Ministry Organization to which the officers belong. Non-official members will be entitled to TA / DA as admissible to Grade-I Officers of the Government of India and this will be paid by the Planning Commission.