Current Events - Release of NFHS-2 Results

On the occasion of the release of NFHS-2 Results, the Vice-Chairman (NCP)  stated:I take this opportunity to record my great appreciation of the contributions made by the academicians, experts, researchers and field workers of the International Institute for Population Sciences and other organizations connected with NFHS-2, which has brought out basic primary data relating to very important demographic and health parameters of our country. I am sure that the national level and State-wise information brought out in these reports will be very useful in formulating area specific and target group specific programmes for achieving the objectives of the National Population Policy – 2000.

Meeting of the Task Force on Monitoring was held on 6^th December, 2000 under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and Vice-Chairman, National Commission on Population.  A presentation was made by the Department of Family Welfare highlighting the key features of the present monitoring/evaluation mechanism as available in the Department of Family Welfare and Department of Health.  Information on the monitoring mechanism of the Indian System of Medicine and Homeopathy could not be indicated in this presentation.  Discussions were held on the need for building up a sound monitoring/evaluation mechanism since a good database is required for planning out future strategies and investments.  Some of the key features related to : 

• Methods for improving and modifying the existing institutional arrangements;
• Developing vertical lateral links with all relevant organizations e.g. district level and even block and panchayat lavels, if possible, who are directly dealing with demographic, socio-economic and developmental issues;
• Monitoring and reviewing the on-going programmes through selected indicators where emphasis could be laid more on the use and impact of programmes and the assets created rather than physical and financial reports;
• A sub-Group was constituted to work out and design the proposed Central Monitoring Mechanism;
• The next meeting of the Task Force would consider the above issues as also the report of the sub-Group.