Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Kerala may lose Swiss grant

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Delay in the issue of required clearances may cost the State the Rs.3.38-crore Swiss Government assistance for capacity building and conduct of training programmes in local self-government institutions (LSGIs).

Official sources told TheHindu that the amount could be utilised for developing the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) as a centre of excellence and also for organising training programmes for the implementation of the Plan projects in a resourceful manner. The Union Panchayati Raj Ministry has sought the services of KILA to conduct training programmes in decentralised planning and development in North Indian States, which have failed to make perceptible progress in decentralisation of powers.

The offer had been made by Union Panchayati Raj Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar in recognition of the services rendered by KILA in conducting a series of programmes for elected members of LSGIs for effective utilisation of the funds and powers transferred to them subsequent to the decentralisation of powers.

The Swiss Government had sanctioned a grant of Rs.15 crore to the State in phases since 1999-2000 for capacity development for decentralisation in LSGIs and conduct of training programmes for members of civic bodies. Since no strings were attached to the grant, it proved helpful in the planning process, especially in the implementation of the People’s Plan Campaign, which was the first experiment in decentralised planning in the State.

The funds were given to KILA and the institute had conducted various programmes to acclimatise the newly-elected members with the planning process. Other than conducting training programmes and workshops, the institute had helped the members gain a clear perspective about the shortcomings in the system in practice as well as on the need for changeover to a new system involving the masses for participatory development.

Starting from the maintenance of office records, functioning of different standing committees, role and responsibilities of elected members and officials, summoning of grama sabhas, selection of beneficiaries as well as preparation and timely implementation of Plan projects, all crucial aspects were covered through extensive research and training sessions. The funds were utilised for continuing the programmes during the Tenth Plan period too.

Though the project period was over in October last year, the Swiss Govt. offered to keep a lifeline to the programme till March last.

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