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Task Group on Problems of Hilly Habitations in Areas Covered by the Hill Areas Development Programme (HADP)/Western Ghats Development Programme (WGDP)

Yojana Bhavan, Sansad Marg New Delhi-110 001.
Dated : September 19, 2006.

In pursuance of the review taken by Member, Planning Commission, Shri B.N. Yugandhar on 30.8.2006 a Task Group is being set-up for analyzing the problems of hilly habitations in areas covered by the Hill Areas Development Programme/Western Ghats Development Programme and suggesting a framework for making HADP/WGDP more effective.

2. The composition of the Task Group is as under:

3. The Terms of Reference of the Task Group are as follows :

1. Study the objectives with which HADP and WGDP were initiated and examine the extent to which these objectives have been fulfilled. Consider modification of these in the light of current circumstances.
2. Examine planning and implementation mechanisms for these programmes and suggest a framework for participatory planning as envisaged in the Report of the 'Expert Group on Grassroots Level Planning' (V. Ramachandran Committee).
3. Study the structure of Autonomous Councils/District Planning Committees and the role of Village Committees in planning, decision making and execution of works.
4. Study the mechanisms for convergence/synergy of policies, programmes and funds with all other plan schemes.
5. Examine the necessity of covering these areas/villages fully under the flagship
6. programmes of Government of India such as Bharat Nirman, SSA, NRHM, NREGP etc., and recommend revision of guidelines of these programmes to secure full coverage with justification.
7. Make recommendations on revision of guidelines of these programmes keeping in view the possibility of having common guidelines.
8. Recommend the outlays on these programmes during the Eleventh Five year Plan in view of the objectives and priorities as identified in the previous points.
   • The Task Group will submit its report within 3 months from the date of its constitution/this order.
   • The Task Group will have powers to co-opt Members who are experts in the development of Hill Areas.
   • The Task Group will be serviced by the Planning Commission. The nodal officer, who can be contacted will be Smt. Indu Patnaik, Deputy Adviser, MLP Division, Room No. 304, Yojana Bhavan, Telephone No. 23096525; Fax No. 23719900;