The Economic Survey has pitched for convergence of certain welfare schemes and programmes to ensure better delivery and streamline expenditure.
In the chapter on ‘Human Development’, it calls for the need to “quickly link” the Unique Identity Number to all social sector schemes for better monitorable outcomes.
This is all the more necessary as the second economic crisis is coming and requires using the “available fiscal space for inclusive growth”, it says.
On the convergence of schemes, the Survey cites the example of overlap in certain schemes such as the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana, Janashree Bima Yojana and Rashtriya Suraksha Bima Yojana, which cater to the “same or similar category of population.”
It suggests firming up of policy structures to facilitate the effective implementation of social sector schemes to ensure that budgetary allocations result in outputs and outputs in outcomes.
Spending on social services
The Survey notes the rising trend in expenditure on social services as a proportion of total expenditure, which increased from 21.6 per cent in 2006-07 to 24.1 per cent in 2009-10 and 25 per cent in 2011-12 (BE).
Laying stress on education, health and employment, the Survey says India has to achieve a skilful balancing act.
“India is behind not only China but also Sri Lanka and many other neighbouring countries in terms of human development.’’
Growth-oriented programmes
Therefore, any additional fiscal space needs to be utilised through growth-oriented social sector programmes to ensure equitable distribution of development benefits and better living standards for the poor and marginalised.
The Survey also calls for special focus on women as catalysts of change.