Raichur MP Kumar Naik seeks outcome-based monitoring of minority development scheme

MP for Raichur G. Kumar Naik has urged the Union government to introduce outcome-based monitoring under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), stating that the absence of district-level data on infrastructure gaps and socio-economic indicators makes it difficult to assess the scheme’s effectiveness.

In reply to a question raised by him in Parliament, Mr. Naik stated in a release that the Union government had admitted that it does not maintain district-wise data on infrastructure deficits, socio-economic indicators or future interventions in minority-concentrated areas under the PMJVK.

The Ministry had also clarified that it did not maintain centralised data on the identification of beneficiary areas and assessment of local needs under the scheme, he added.

Mr. Naik said that while the PMJVK was intended to address developmental deficits in minority communities, the lack of outcome-based indicators made it difficult to determine whether the benefits were reaching the intended beneficiaries. According to information furnished by the Ministry, Karnataka recorded 699 PMJVK projects/beneficiaries between 2021-22 and 2025-26, with more than ₹7 crore released under the scheme during the period. However, he said the absence of measurable indicators limited any meaningful assessment of the scheme’s impact.

Referring to socio-economic conditions in Raichur, Mr. Naik said that, as per the 2011 Census, the literacy rate among Scheduled Caste women in the district stood at 37.03%, significantly lower than the national average of 56.46%. He said such disparities highlighted the need for targeted planning backed by reliable district-level data.

“The lack of data makes it harder to serve communities with adequate precision and reliability, resulting in a one-size-fits-all approach that overlooks local disparities. Public spending must be matched by transparent evaluation,” he said.

Mr. Naik pointed out that the Union government already maintained detailed, district-wise, outcome-oriented data for flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and said similar standards should be adopted for the PMJVK.

He urged the government to monitor the outcomes of the scheme, identify underserved areas and prioritise future interventions, particularly in districts such as Raichur and Yadgir, where a significant section of the minority population depended on government welfare programmes.