G.O.Ms.No.19, Special Area Development Programme Implementing Agencies, 2020

What the government order changes

G.O.Ms.No.19, issued by the Government of Tamil Nadu Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (TC-II) Department on 26 March 2020, adds three implementing agencies to the Special Area Development Programme guidelines issued on 4 March 2016. The additions apply to current and future projects under the programme.

The Special Area Development Programme is managed at the state level by the Government of Tamil Nadu Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department. Its objectives include environmental preservation and restoration, sustainable use of biodiversity, community participation, sustainable livelihoods and participatory watershed development.

Newly included implementing agencies

G.O.Ms.No.19 authorises the following agencies and officers to carry out approved Special Area Development Programme work:

• The Managing Director of INDCOSERVE, Coonoor, may implement projects approved for INDCOSERVE under the programme.
• The Joint Director or Deputy Director of the Health Department in the relevant district may implement approved public health service projects in hill and forest areas of Special Area Development Programme districts.
• The Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer of the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency may implement schemes approved for that agency.

The Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency was proposed as an implementing agency for preparing District Integrated Plans to address issues in Special Area Development Programme areas.

Projects and sectors covered

G.O.Ms.No.19 follows decisions of the State Level Empowered Committee concerning livelihood and health projects. The approved works described in the document include:

• Construction of tea green leaf collection sheds.
• Purchase of mini trucks for a food truck business.
• Strengthening public health services in hill and forest areas.
• Preparation of District Integrated Plans for programme districts.

The wider programme focuses on soil conservation, forestry and ecology, horticulture, agriculture, Adi-Dravidar and tribal welfare, animal husbandry, renewable energy, rural roads, local body infrastructure, agricultural marketing, agri business, water resources development and fisheries.

Who may be affected

G.O.Ms.No.19 mainly affects government departments, district health officers, INDCOSERVE, the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency and organisations involved in approved programme projects. The document concerns programme administration and project implementation. It does not contain provisions dealing with property ownership, land registration, sale transactions or individual land title.