Animal Husbandry Launches Orientation Workshop for National Level Monitors to Enhance Program Oversight

Under the NLM Scheme, a distinguished group of retired servicemen will assess program progress, identify gaps and bottlenecks, and recommend improvements.

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) hosted an orientation workshop for newly engaged National Level Monitors (NLM) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to bolster the effectiveness of independent monitoring of its key programs. The workshop aimed to provide NLMs with a thorough understanding of DAHD’s programs and their objectives, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient implementation.

Smt. Alka Upadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, inaugurated the workshop, highlighting the importance of independent monitoring in fulfilling the government's vision to empower livestock farmers. “The NLMs are the eyes and ears of the department on the ground, and their role in ensuring that the benefits of our programs reach the intended beneficiaries is paramount,” she stated. The event was attended by Additional Secretary Smt. Varsha Joshi, Joint Secretaries Dr. O P Choudhary and Smt. Sarita Chauhan, and Advisor (Statistics) Shri Jagat Hazarika.

Despite a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including regular progress reports and a dedicated management information system, the department recognized the need for independent oversight due to challenges in uniform implementation and technical support. This led to the establishment of the NLM scheme to introduce an unbiased monitoring system that offers direct, regular assessments of program performance at the state level.

The workshop featured detailed presentations on four key programs: the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, Livestock Health & Disease Control Program, and the National Program for Dairy Development. Officials provided insights into the programs' goals, implementation strategies, and challenges.

Smt. Varsha Joshi presented on the Rashtriya Gokul Mission and the National Program for Dairy Development, focusing on operational aspects, administrative structure, and technological advancements. She emphasized areas requiring close monitoring by NLMs during their field visits.

Dr. O.P. Choudhary outlined the National Livestock Mission, highlighting its expanded scope, including entrepreneurship development, research and innovation, livestock insurance, and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF). Dr. Sujit Dutta and Dr. Lipi Sairiwal provided additional insights into the mission's functioning.

Smt. Sarita Chauhan detailed the Livestock Health & Disease Control Program (LH&DCP), covering initiatives such as the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP), Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs), and Assistance to States/UTs for Control of Animal Disease (ASCAD). Her presentation elaborated on the program’s administrative framework and operational mechanisms.

Shri Prashant Mittal, Deputy Director General at NIC, demonstrated a live presentation of a new application being developed to facilitate data capture from the field directly into mobile devices, aiming to streamline reporting and improve efficiency.

Under the NLM Scheme, a distinguished group of retired servicemen will assess program progress, identify gaps and bottlenecks, and recommend improvements. Their feedback will be critical in optimizing program delivery and ensuring the effective use of public funds.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from Shri V.P. Singh, Director of the Animal Husbandry Statistics Division, who expressed gratitude to all attendees and concluded with optimism for the successful monitoring operations by the NLMs.