EvaluationofRationalizationof

MinorIrrigationStatistics(RMIS)Scheme

(Funded by Ministry of Water Resources,

Minor Irrigation (Statistics) Division, New Delhi)

V. K. Bhatia
U. C. Sud
D. C. Mathur
Hukum Chandra
S. B. Lal

Associates
Man Singh, S. K. Sharma, D. P. Singh, D. P. Sharma

INDIAN AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

(ICAR)
LIBRARY AVENUE, NEW DELHI -110012
2010
 FOREWORD
Water is a critical input during the crop growth stage. Keeping in view the importance of
assured supply of water for agricultural output and food security, many major, medium
and minor irrigation schemes were introduced after independence so that an alternate
source of irrigation is available to the farmer in the event of deficient rainfall. Due to the
introduction of a large number of irrigation schemes, particularly minor irrigation
schemes, in the country the area under irrigation has increased significantly. The need for
generating accurate statistics on minor irrigation schemes has been felt for a long time.
This need arose in order to have correct information on number of schemes and their
irrigation potential especially when minor irrigation schemes are being implemented by
different departments in the states and at the centre like Agriculture, Rural Development
etc. A sound database was needed for effective planning for future. The National
Commission on Agriculture after detailed examination of the status of statistics on minor
irrigation schemes observed that the statistics on minor irrigation lacks completeness. In
view of the importance of statistics on minor irrigation schemes the Commission
recommended that a census of minor irrigation schemes be carried out once in five years.

Accordingly, the Rationalisation of Minor Irrigation Statistics (RMIS) scheme was

sanctioned in 1987-88 to build up a comprehensive and reliable data base on the Minor
Irrigation Sector. Under the scheme, each State/UT has identified a nodal department for
compilation of minor irrigation statistics and for conduct of census of minor irrigation
schemes on five yearly basis. The centre provides 100% assistance to State/UTs under the
scheme. Three All India Censuses of Minor Irrigation (MI) schemes have been
conducted under RMIS scheme with reference years 1986-87, 1993-94 and 2000-01 so
far. The reports relating to three censuses have since been brought out. The 4th MI
Census with reference year 2006-07 has been launched in all States/UTs in the country.
The data collected through the census is presently under processing in States/UTs.
During Eleventh Five Year Plan, the RMIS scheme was converted to Central Sector as
one of the components of Development of Water Resources Information System scheme
of the Ministry of Water Resources. Recently, the Planning Commission desired that an
evaluation of the RMIS scheme be carried out to assess its effectiveness and usefulness.
The Minor Irrigation (MI) Statistics (Stat.) Division, Ministry of Water Resources
awarded the evaluation study to IASRI with the specific objectives of examining if the
objectives of the scheme have been met, the methodology being followed, the
infrastructure developed, items of data being collected under the scheme and to suggest
improvements, if any. I am glad that the IASRI has carried out this evaluation study in a
short span of five months. The present report contains the results of the evaluation study.
I hope that the report of the study would be useful to planners and other users.

(U. N. Panjiar)
Secretary,
Ministry of Water Resources
New Delhi
March, 2010
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to place on record their sincere thanks to the Ministry of Water

Resources, New Delhi for awarding this study and providing the funds. The authors

would specifically like to thank Sh. V K Arora, former ADG, Minor Irrigation (Stat.),

Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India and Sh. Vijay Kumar ADG, Minor Irrigation

(Stat.), Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India for providing support in various

aspects of the study. The authors are grateful to the experts Dr. S K Raheja, former

Director, IASRI, Dr. B.B.P.S. Goel, former Director, IASRI, Dr. A K Srivastava, former

Joint Director, IASRI and Dr. T B S Rajput, Project Director, Water Technology Centre,

IARI for their valuable inputs related to the various activities of the study. The authors

express their gratefulness to Sh. A K Srivastava, former Director, Ministry of Water

Resources, Govt. of India for providing the administrative support necessary during the

initial stages of the study. The authors are thankful to Ms. Mamata Saxena, Dy. Director

General, Minor Irrigation (Stat.), Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India for

providing the necessary support in day to day activities of the study.

Authors
 CONTENTS

Title Page No.

FOREWORD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CONTENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS
1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
5

CHAPTER I
10

INTRODUCTION
10

1.1 Introduction
10

1.2 Minor Irrigation Schemes

10

1.3 Minor Irrigation Data Sources

11

1.4 Genesis of Evaluation Study

12

CHAPTER II
14

RATIONALIZATION OF MINOR IRRIGATION STATISTICS SCHEMES

14

2.1 Introduction 14
2.2 Details of Rationalization of Minor Irrigation Statistics (RMIS) Scheme
14

2.3 Methodology
16

2.4 Selection of Primary Enumerators

17

2.5 Training programme for Data Collection

17

2.6 Procedure for Conducting Census Operation

17

2.7 Computerisation of Census Data

18

2.8 Items of Coverage in Minor Irrigation Census

18

CHAPTER III
22

EVALUATION OF RATIONALIZATION OF MINOR IRRIGATION

STATISTICS SCHEME 22

3.1 Introduction
22

3.2 Progress of the Study

22

CHAPTER IV
25

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM HEADQUARTER AND

NODAL OFFICERS 25

4.1 Introduction
25

4.2 Summary of Information Reported on Indicator on Data Quality

25

4.3 Summary of Information Reported on Indicator on Constraints 26

4.4 Summary of Information Reported on Indicator on Suggestions for
Improvement 32

CHAPTER V
39

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION OBTAINED AT DISTRICT LEVEL

39

5.1 Introduction
39

5.2 Details of Information Obtained at District Level

39

CHAPTER VI
44

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH FIELD VISITS

44

6.1 Introduction
44

6.2 Details of Information Obtained Through Field Visits

44

ANNEXURE I
50

Questionnaire for Collection of Information from MoWR

50

Questionnaire for Collection of Information from State

58

Questionnaire for Collection of Information from District

62

Questionnaire for Collection of Information from Village

64

ANNEXURE II
66

FOURTH CENSUS OF MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES

66
ANNEXURE III
76

SUGGESTED REVISIONS IN THE FOURTH CENSUS OF MINOR

IRRIGATION SCHEMES 76
 RECOMMENDATIONS
Useful data on Minor Irrigation are being collected under RMIS scheme. Four censuses have
been conducted so far. Improvements have taken place in coverage, methodology of data
collection, data processing etc. The statistics generated under the scheme are being used by
various departments in the Government. However, there is scope for further improvement in
the data quality, methodology of data collection, timeliness of collecting and analysis of data
and release of MI statistics to the users. To fully meet the objectives with which the scheme
started, appropriate steps need to be taken to improve data quality so that a sound database on
statistics of Minor Irrigation is available in a timely manner.
Strengthening of infrastructure developed under the RMIS scheme

The infrastructure available under the RMIS scheme is not adequate and needs to be
strengthened. There is shortage of manpower and accommodation, lack of adequate data
processing facility, lack of transport etc.

There is lack of effective communication between various state nodal officers and
officials in the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). In the absence of such facilities
the data quality and its timely release is adversely affected. Corrective measures in terms
of more accommodation, computational facilities etc. both at the Centre and State level
are recommended to improve the infra structure under the RMIS scheme.
Improvement in data quality

There is a scope for improvement in the training provided to the primary workers. In
addition to class-room lectures, the training be made more practical oriented by actual
collection of data in some villages. Instructions in the schedules be explained with the
help of suitable examples.

There is a need for modifications in Schedules. Difficulty was reported in collection of

data on items like cost of construction of the scheme, measuring of water level, depth of
well, volume of ponds, Irrigation Potential Created/Utilized etc. These aspects need to be
looked into. (Details provided in ANNEXURE-III).

The schedules and instructions manual need to be made bilingual (English and local
language).

Supervision of the work of primary workers should start from the initial stage of field
work. This will help in identifying and rectifying mistakes committed by the enumerators

1
 so that the same are not repeated later on. A supervisors manual including a proforma for
inspection reports need to be devised to make the supervision work more effective.
Necessary provisions should be made for training of the trainers. Besides, supervision of
the MI census work should be entrusted to only trained supervisors. The completeness of
the data in terms of number of farmers, villages and schemes need to be checked and
verified by the supervisor at every stage. In case data on some farmers/villages are
missing, the number not covered should be reported for each district.

The census of Minor Irrigation be given due publicity in the local areas so as to create
awareness among the farmers about its importance. This will help in enlisting the co-
operation from the farmers at the time of data collection.

Wherever there is difficulty in getting village records i.e. Khasra register, necessary
directive be issued from the nodal officers to the revenue departments in the States to
make available such records to the enumerators.
Improvement in the methodology

A permanent record of schemes covered in the 4th census be maintained by the village
level officials by assigning specific codes. This should serve as a base for the next
census. During the time of next census the available database should be updated. For non-
functional schemes provisions be made in the existing Schedules for recording the date
from which a scheme became functional along with date from which it became non-
functional.

There are some States like Assam and Meghalaya where Khasra registers are not being
maintained. For such States necessary provisions may be made in the Schedules for
recording identification particulars like location of the scheme.

Currently three schedules have been designed for collection of MI census data. An
additional schedule needs to be designed for data collection on irrigation schemes
extending over more than one villages. Data collection in this Schedule be done by
supervisory staff with the help of irrigation department officials.

Concepts and definitions need to be more precise. Items like calculation of Irrigation
Potential Created (IPC) are not clearly explained. This creates confusion about working
out the Irrigation Potential Created and recording reliable data. Clear cut guidelines for
working out IPC be laid down. The MI staff should be involved in collection of data on
this item.

2
Timeliness of data

The budget sanctioned under RMIS scheme needs to be released to the states in time.
This will help in timely implementation and completion of assigned work of RMIS
scheme.

Nodal officers should ensure that the data collection work commences in time as per the
census reference period. This will ensure that data collection proceeds in a timely
manner.

There is a need to strengthen the existing networking and communication system between
the nodal officers and district level officials. This will go a long way in regular flow of
data at various levels and timely processing of data and release of results of the census.
Further, measures like in-depth analysis of data, comparison of similar items of data
collected over space and time (from other sources and inter-censal comparisons etc.) are
required.
Improvement in the working of the RMIS scheme

The staff posted at the MI (Stat) Division in the Headquarter is inadequate. All the
sanctioned posts in the Division be filled up on a priority basis. Additional positions like
Senior Technical Assistant with statistics background be sanctioned urgently. Similarly,
steps be taken immediately to fill the vacant positions in the MI cells in the States. Due to
vacant positions, the statistical cells are unable to organize special surveys and pilot
studies as part of their routine activities.

Data processing facilities and networking system of RMIS scheme for regular flow of
data/information at various levels and timely analysis of data need to be strengthened. It
is important to provide latest versions of computers and other related equipments to the
statistical cells in different states.

A software for data entry has been developed by the National Informatics Center. Some
of the States have reported problems in the use of this software. An improved software
needs to be developed for data entry. The National Informatics Center may be
approached for this purpose.

There should be clear cut guidelines from the Nodal officers to the concerned State
departments that the primary workers involved in the census work should not be diverted
to other work during the period of census work.

3
 The honorarium currently being paid to the primary workers and officials at flat rate for
census work is inadequate and needs to be reviewed depending upon the area covered and
quantity of work. This will provide necessary motivation to them for efficient execution
of MI census work.

For computerization of the census data, unique codes for each Revenue Village and each
MI scheme should be generated to access the database. Presently it is done on the basis of
State, District and Block Codes.

Concerted efforts should be made by the Nodal officers implementing minor irrigation
schemes, with the help of village officials, for formation of Water Users Associations
under minor irrigation scheme. These bodies may be asked to maintain information about
the potential created and potential utilized in the respective minor irrigation schemes
under the guidance of village officials.

It is seen at present that there is no interpretation given for the data presented in the tables
in census report. It will be useful to give interpretation of the data for the benefit of users.

The MI (Stat.) Division in the Ministry of Water Resources should provide appropriate
methodology for organizing special surveys in between two census for estimating yard-
sticks of additional area irrigated for different categories of Minor Irrigation projects with
break up for food and non food crops and for organizing pilot studies to ascertain the
increase in productivity due to minor irrigation projects. This may need some expertise in
planning of sample surveys and dealing with methodological issues like sampling design,
sample size determination, designing questionnaires etc. To deal with such issues, expert
assistance from outside the Ministry may be needed. Even after these issues are tackled at
the official level the implementation in the field need to be monitored by experienced and
qualified staff.

Census of Minor Irrigation is basically a statistical operation. State Statistical

Directorates, particularly officials dealing with Agricultural Statistics in such
Directorates, may be associated in the MI census programme so that the statistical aspects
of the census are not lost sight of and the quality of data remain under control.

4
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Agriculture in many parts of India is largely rainfed. This excessive dependence on rainfall
may adversely affect crop production in case the rainfall is deficient. It is therefore
imperative to fully exploit the ground and surface water potential for irrigation purpose so
that over dependence on rainfall can be reduced and remedial measures put in place in the
event of deficient or failure of rainfall. In view of the importance of assured supply of water
for agricultural output and food security, many major, medium and minor irrigation schemes
were introduced after independence so that an alternate source of irrigation is available to the
farmer in the event of deficient rainfall. Due to the introduction of a large number of
irrigation schemes, particularly minor irrigation schemes in the country, the area under
irrigation has increased significantly.

The need for generating accurate statistics of minor irrigation has been felt for a long time
due to the following reasons:

For providing reliable information on number of schemes in operation and their

irrigation potential

Many old schemes fall into disuse with time

The irrigation potential created and utilized through ground water schemes as well as
some surface water schemes are not recorded systematically in many cases as these
are implemented and monitored by individual farmers

Minor irrigation projects including those projects, which were built by Government
departments, need periodical review for appropriate future action

A sound database is needed for effective planning for future.

Due to problems in generation of accurate statistics on minor irrigation, the National

Commission on Agriculture recommended that the statistics on Minor Irrigation be collected
through a quinquennial census. Accordingly, a scheme entitled Rationalisation of Minor
Irrigation Statistics (RMIS) Scheme was introduced, the first Census of Minor Irrigation
Projects was introduced in all the States/ UTs with reference year 1986-87. The 4th MI
Census with reference year 2006-07 has been launched in all States/UTs in the country.

During Eleventh Five Year Plan, the RMIS Scheme was brought under Central Sector as one
of the components of Development of Water Resources Information System scheme of the

5
Ministry of Water Resources. In this context, the Planning Commission felt the need for
carrying out an evaluation of the RMIS scheme to assess its effectiveness and usefulness. The
Minor Irrigation (MI) Statistics (Stat.) Division, Ministry of Water Resources awarded the
evaluation study to IASRI with a view to determine whether the objectives of the scheme
have been met, examining the methodology, the infra structure developed, items of data being
collected under the scheme etc. and to suggest improvements, if any.

Accordingly, a study of four months duration was planned by IASRI with 25th July, 2009 as
the date of commencement. A team comprising scientists and technical persons was
constituted to undertake various components of evaluation study. A team of four outside
experts namely, Dr S K Raheja, Former Director, IASRI, Dr B B P S Goel, Former Director,
IASRI, Dr A K Srivastava, Former Joint Director, IASRI and Dr T B S Rajput, Project
Director, Water Technology Centre, IARI was constituted for providing technical guidance.

The evaluation study has been carried out as per the Terms of Reference outlined in the
Memorandum of Understanding. Accordingly, the objectives of the RMIS scheme were
examined. The methodology being followed in the scheme was studied and suggestions for
improvements were made. The items of data being collected in the scheme were examined
and an assessment of data quality was made. Further, the infrastructure developed under the
scheme was studied and suitable suggestions were made for improvements in the
infrastructure. Completeness of data in terms of farmers covered and total number of farmers
in a village or villages covered vis--vis total villages in a district could not be checked
because of shortage of time.

To critically examine the infrastructure developed under the scheme thorough review of the
available literature was made and detailed discussions were organized with the experts to
understand the working of the RMIS scheme and to critically examine the methodology being
followed for census work. The existing schedules meant for collecting census data and the
instructions manual were carefully studied to understand the items on which data was being
collected. The evaluation of the RMIS scheme was carried out on the basis of field visits and
by collecting information from the officials of MI (Stat.) Division, MoWR and officials
involved at different levels in RMIS. For collecting information from various officials four
different questionnaires were designed for collection of information from the officials
working at different levels under the RMIS scheme. These were: questionnaire for collecting
information from the headquarter, questionnaire for collecting information from the State
officials. Both these questionnaires covered census as well as quarterly progress reports

6
received from the concerned State departments as a source for collecting information on MI
for the purpose of evaluation. The third questionnaire was designed for collecting information
from the district officials and the fourth questionnaire for collecting information from the
primary worker/enumerator. The primary objective in designing the questionnaires was to
collect information on the available infra structure under the RMIS scheme, to understand the
mechanism of data collection and flow of data at various levels, collection of information
through Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs) and problems being faced in data collection,
assessing the quality of data and to make an assessment of how far the objectives of RMIS
scheme have been met.

Questionnaires I, II and III were sent to the Minor Irrigation Statistics Division of MoWR,
concerned officials in the state and some of the districts in the selected states. The
questionnaires meant for the village level workers were to be filled up during field visits by
the officials of the IASRI.

A summary of salient information obtained at various levels is presented below:

The officials from the Ministry of Water Resources were of the view that the
Quarterly Progress Reports be submitted online. Necessary guidelines regarding
submission of QPR data to be explained and clarified through regular regional
meetings. On the infrastructure side, the available accommodation was reported to be
grossly inadequate and there was a demand for adequate accommodation, computing
facilities etc. essential for the staff. The officials reported that the vacant post of
Senior Evaluation Officer needs to be filled up urgently. One additional post of Senior
Technical Assistant with statistics background was considered necessary and needs to
be created and filled up on regular basis. Also, Census work at field level should be
given more publicity to create awareness among the farmers about the census.

The response from the designated nodal officers was mainly in terms of strengthening
infrastructure viz. adequate transport, more computers, additional manpower, non-
diversion of primary workers for other work and timely release of sanctioned funds
from the Ministry. Further, many of the designated nodal officers informed that in the
absence of any guidelines and due to vacant positions it was not possible to conduct
special surveys/pilot studies. On the basis of responses obtained from MI (Stat.)
Division and Nodal officers of the States it is very clear that the infrastructure
available under the RMIS scheme is not adequate and needs to be strengthened. There

7
 is shortage of manpower and accommodation, lack of adequate data processing
facilities, lack of transport for conduct of field work. There is lack of effective
communication between state nodal officers and other officials. In the absence of
these facilities the statistical cells are unable to perform some of the assigned
activities. Besides, data quality and timely release of results is adversely affected.
Corrective measures are urgently needed to improve the infra structure as well as data
quality under the RMIS scheme.

The responses from the district level officials were mainly in terms of difficulties
faced in data collection due to non-availability or non co-operation of farmers,
difficulty in accessing the village records i.e. Khasra Register, definitions not being
clear, non-availability of instructions manual in local language, inadequate
honorarium fixed for carrying out the census work, lack of computer facilities for data
entry work at the district level. In view of the constraints reported at the district level
it was felt necessary that the nodal officers should ensure that the enumerators are
able to access village records.

The field visits by the IASRI officials revealed that the primary workers were facing
difficulty in collecting information on items like cost of construction and maintenance
of the MI scheme, diameter of well, depth of water level, distance from nearest well,
confusion in calculating Irrigation Potential Created (IPC) etc. on account of lack of
clear instructions. It was found that the schedules were not properly checked by the
supervisory officers, there were mistakes in data recorded in the schedules. To avoid
such problems, it was felt that a supervisors manual including a proforma for
inspection reports need to be devised, training be provided to trainers and supervision
work should begin right at the start of data collection work so that the same mistakes
are not repeated later on. Further, the instructions manual was neither practical
oriented nor self explanatory and also needed to be supplemented by field training in
the villages. The primary workers felt that apart from class room lectures, the training
for data collection be practically oriented and be imparted in the villages to the extent
possible. The items in the Schedules be explained with the help of examples. The
Schedules and Instructions manual be made bilingual (English and local language).

To streamline the work of data collection and reduce the work load of data collection it was
felt that a permanent record of schemes covered in the 4th census be maintained by the village
level officials. This should serve as a base for the next census. During the time of next census

8
the available database should be updated. There are some States like Assam and Meghalaya
where khasara registers are not being maintained. For such States necessary provisions may
be made in the Schedules for recording identification particulars like location of the scheme.
Currently, three schedules have been designed for collection of MI census data. An additional
schedule needs to be designed for data collection on MI schemes covering several villages.
Data collection in this Schedule be the responsibility of higher level officials preferably from
MI department. Such schemes should be removed from the village schedules. Further,
concepts and definitions need to be more precise. Measures like revisions in the existing
schedules, strengthening of data processing, networking system and infra structure, practical
oriented training of enumerators and supervisors as well as effective supervision of the work
of primary workers, filling up of vacant posts and immediate sanction of additional posts,
creating awareness among the farmers about the census, rationalization of basis of fixation of
honorarium, development of an efficient software and timely release of available funds are
needed for improving data quality and timely release of census results. The role of Nodal
officers is critical for achieving the objectives of the scheme.

9
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction

A large population in India is dependent on Agriculture. But agriculture in many parts of the
country is rainfed. This excessive dependence on rainfall may adversely affect crop
production in case the rainfall is deficient. It is therefore imperative to fully exploit the
ground and surface water potential for irrigation purpose so that over dependence on rainfall
can be avoided and remedial measures put in place in the event of failure of rainfall. In view
of the importance of assured supply of water for agricultural output and food security, many
major, medium and minor irrigation schemes were introduced after independence so that an
alternate source of irrigation is available to the farmer in the event of deficient rainfall. Due
to the introduction of a large number of irrigation schemes in the country the area under
irrigation has increased significantly.

Small holding sizes are typical characteristics of Indian agriculture. Majority of the farmers
have very low income as only a small piece of land is available to them for cultivation. In this
context, the minor irrigation schemes in the country are especially important to the farmers
belonging to this category. These schemes provide the farmers with controlled and timely
irrigation which the new high yielding varieties of crops demand. Such schemes are labour
intensive, need less time for completion and require low investments for their commissioning.
Therefore various development programmes in the States/Union Territories (UTs) are aimed
at creating innumerable number of new minor irrigation schemes.

1.2 Minor Irrigation Schemes

All ground water schemes and surface water schemes (both flow and lift) having Culturable
Command Area up to 2000 ha. individually are classified as Minor Irrigation Schemes.
Ground water schemes comprise dug wells, dug-cum-bore wells, borings, private shallow
tubewells, filter points and deep tubewells. The command area of private ground water
schemes varies from 1 to 5 hectares. The State Governments assistance in installation of such
schemes is confined mainly to providing technical guidance, custom service for boring and
arrangements for credit facilities at reasonable rates of interest. Subsidies are also made
available for installation of these schemes to weaker sections of farmers. Ground water
development is largely done through individual and cooperative efforts of the farmers. The

10
construction, operation and maintenance of these schemes are done by the farmers
themselves. Shallow tubewells have depth upto 70 metres and are capable of discharging 300
cubic metres of water per day. Deep tubewells which extend up to the depth of 200 metres or
more are designed to give a discharge of 100 to 200 cubic metres per hour.

The surface water schemes comprise surface flow schemes and surface lift irrigation
schemes. The surface flow schemes typically consist of tanks, check dams and structures and
can serve as water conservation cum ground water recharge schemes. The structures are
generally prevalent in hilly regions. These are known as Kuhl in Jammu & Kashmir and
Himachal Pradesh, Gul in Uttar Pradesh, Ahars and Pynes in Bihar and low Khones and
Dongs in north-eastern region. The small storage tanks are owned by community or local
bodies and generally have command area up to 40 hectares. The large storage tanks along
with the distribution system having command area varying from 40 to 2000 hectares are
constructed by State Government Departments.

1.3 Minor Irrigation Data Sources

The need for generating accurate statistics on minor irrigation has been felt for a long time
due to many reasons. This need arose in order to have correct information on number of
schemes and their irrigation potential. With time, many old schemes fall into disuse. Thus the
irrigation potential created and utilized through ground water schemes as well as some
surface water schemes are not recorded systematically in many cases as these are
implemented and monitored by individual farmers. Minor irrigation projects including those
projects, which were built by Government departments, need periodical review for
appropriate future action. A sound database is needed for effective planning for future.

The main sources of Minor Irrigation Statistics data are (i) Land Use Statistics (LUS) of
Ministry of Agriculture, (ii) Periodical Progress Reports from State Government
Departments, (iii) Annual Administrative Reports compiled by the State Government
Departments and (iv) Ad hoc reports prepared by various agencies from time to time on the
basis of sample survey to access the performance of minor irrigation works.

The LUS are collected by the patwaris on the basis of complete enumeration in temporarily
settled States while in permanently settled States the statistics are collected on the basis of
sample surveys. The irrigation statistics are compiled as ancillary byproduct of LUS. But the
forms meant for collecting LUS vary from state to state and information on relevant items
under irrigation is neither comparable nor complete. More often than not it is not possible to

11
collect head wise data on some of the important minor irrigation schemes like private
tubewells, dugwells, deep tubewells, diversion schemes and surface lift irrigation schemes.
Further, the Patwaris, the main agency responsible for collection of data on minor irrigation,
in the States are involved in multifarious activities. They are thus not able to devote sufficient
time on collection of data on minor irrigation. The net result of these various factors is that
the quality of statistics on minor irrigation as generated through LUS is not upto desired
standard in some cases.

The minor irrigation schemes in the states are handled by different departments. The progress
reports of the various departments are used by the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) for
compilation of minor irrigation statistics. But at the state level there is no single nodal
department compiling the minor irrigation statistics for the entire state. In view of the
multiplicity of agencies involved in development of minor irrigation programme in the States
and lack of coordination among the agencies, some of the information on minor irrigation
statistics is likely to be missed. It is also noticed that sometimes the state figures are based on
subjective judgement. The annual administrative reports of the departments also do not
provide complete picture. Thus the information compiled on MI schemes from
progress/administrative reports lack completeness.

The ad-hoc surveys conducted in the states are another source of statistics on minor
irrigation. But the statistics generated through such surveys are not very reliable.

1.4 Genesis of Evaluation Study

In view of problems in generation of accurate statistics on minor irrigation, the National

Commission on Agriculture recommended that the statistics on Minor Irrigation be collected
through a census to be conducted quinquennially. Accordingly, a scheme entitled
Rationalisation of Minor Irrigation Statistics (RMIS) was formulated. The first Census of
Minor Irrigation Projects was conducted in all the States/ UTs with reference year 1986-87.
The 4th MI Census with reference year 2006-07 has been launched in all States/UTs in the
country.

During Eleventh Five Year Plan, the RMIS scheme was brought under Central Sector as one
of the components of Development of Water Resources Information System scheme of the
Ministry of Water Resources. The Planning Commission desires that an evaluation of the
RMIS scheme be carried out to assess its effectiveness and usefulness. The Minor Irrigation

12
(MI) Statistics (Stat.) Division, Ministry of Water Resources awarded the evaluation study to
IASRI with the following objectives:

1. To examine if the objectives of the scheme have been met

2. To critically examine the methodology being followed in the scheme

3. To critically examine the items of data being collected in the scheme and to make an
assessment of data quality

4. To critically examine the infrastructure developed under the scheme

5. To suggest improvement, if any

13
 CHAPTER II

RATIONALIZATION OF MINOR IRRIGATION STATISTICS

SCHEMES
2.1 Introduction

The National Commission on Agriculture after detailed examination of the status of statistics
on minor irrigation observed that the statistics on minor irrigation lacks completeness. In
view of the importance of statistics on minor irrigation the Commission recommended that a
census of minor irrigation schemes be carried out once in five years. The commission also
recommended that the census on minor irrigation be carried out as part of Agricultural
census.

A detailed census of minor irrigation schemes was first recommended by a sub-committee on

irrigation statistics set up by the Planning Commission in 1970. The Technical Committee on
Agricultural Census 1980-81 examined in detail the list of items of minor irrigation on which
data are required under the census. It was realized that the agricultural census data are
compiled from the existing land records and many of the items of minor irrigation on which
data are required do not figure in the existing land records. Thus it was not possible to
conduct census of minor irrigation as part of agricultural census.

The scheme of Improvement of Irrigation Statistics was launched in 1980-81 by the

Department of Agriculture. Although census of minor irrigation work was to be taken up
under this scheme, it could not be conducted till 1985-86. While discussing various issues
and problems in the irrigation sector in the Planning Commission in 1986, it was stressed that
census of minor irrigation schemes be conducted quinquennially. The first census of Minor
Irrigation was conducted under Rationalisation of Minor Irrigation Statistics (RMIS) scheme.

2.2 Details of Rationalization of Minor Irrigation Statistics (RMIS) Scheme

The RMIS scheme was sanctioned in 1987-88 to build up a comprehensive and reliable data
base in the Minor Irrigation Sector. It is fully centrally sponsored plan scheme. The major
components of the scheme are:

1. Creation and maintenance of Statistical Cells in the States

2. Organise and coordinate collection and compilation of statistics relating to Minor

Irrigation Projects and their regular reporting on annual basis

14
 3. Organise and conduct Census of Minor Irrigation projects on quinquennial basis.

The main objectives of the scheme are:

i) To take up studies regarding reconciliation of discrepancies in figures of area

irrigated as reported in agricultural statistics and in periodical progress reports
received from the State Governments.
ii) To coordinate statistics relating to Minor Irrigation projects on a quarterly and on
an annual basis.
iii) To organise special surveys in between two census for estimating yard-sticks of
additional area irrigated for different categories of Minor Irrigation projects with
break up for food and non food corps.
iv) To ascertain reasons for the disuse of projects through special surveys as also the
rate of depreciation due to siltation of surface water storage projects.
v) To organize on a quinquennial basis, a census of minor irrigation projects.
vi) To compile statistics of area irrigated under crops according to seasons.
vii) To explore the possibility of organising pilot studies to ascertain the increase in
productivity due to minor irrigation projects.
viii) To collect information regarding the extent of construction of minor irrigation
works through Institutional finance and through own private finance of farmers as
a part of the quinquennial census of minor irrigation projects.

Three hundred twelve posts are sanctioned under the scheme and Statistical Cells have been
created for MI statistics in the nodal department of States/UTs. In each of the States/UTs
nodal officers are designated. The statistical cells created in the states work under the overall
guidance of nodal officers. Funds for salary and allowances of the statistical cells in the
States and for honorarium contingencies and processing of data of MI Census are released by
MI (Stat.) Division every year.

The statistical cells in various States and UTs collect information on number of MI schemes,
potential created and potential utilized from different departments and send the collected
information to MI (Stat.) Division in the Ministry of Water Resources on Quarterly basis.
State wise potential created and utilized data are compiled by the MI (Stat.) Division on
yearly basis based on quarterly progress reports of States.

An important activity of the cells is to conduct census of minor irrigation on quinquennial

basis. Sample surveys on MI schemes which fell into disuse between two census periods are

15
also carried out by the cells. The census of Minor Irrigation is carried out under the overall
guidance and supervision of the nodal officers who are designated as Minor Irrigation Census
Commissioners. Minor Irrigation Census aims at collection of basic information on all minor
irrigation schemes operating in the country namely: Dug wells, Shallow tube wells, Deep
Tube wells, Surface Flow and Surface Lift schemes. The census provides detailed
information giving State wise/District wise number of schemes, No. of schemes in use and
not in use, Culturable Command Area, Potential created, Potential utilized, etc. in respect of
each type of MI schemes. MI Census data is processed at all India level and report is prepared
by MI (Stat.) Division.

2.3 Methodology

The MI Census data are collected in six different enumeration schedules. (The six schedules
have now been modified into 3 schedules). One of the schedules is the village schedule in
which data are collected by inquiry from patwaries/ village level workers/ gram pradhans
etc., and the information from revenue or land records maintained in the government records.
The other five schedules are canvassed by enumerators by inquiry from the owners of the
schemes. These five schedules cover five different types of minor irrigation schemes (these
five schedules have now been modified into two schedules, one covering ground water
schemes and the other covering surface water schemes). The fieldwork of the census is either
undertaken by the nodal department itself or entrusted to some other agency which the
State/UT government considers fit keeping in view infrastructure available with them.
However, for the entire census operation, Minor Irrigation Census Commissioner is the key
official. The primary work of collection of data is carried out by the enumerators, who are
village level workers or village accountants or Lekhpals or Patwaries or a combination of
these as the case may be. The work of supervision is entrusted to the next superior officer of
the field agency by the State/UT; they are Block Level Officers or Sub-Divisional Officers.

In order to increase the reliability of data, sample checks are conducted before finalization.
Systematic sampling technique is adopted for 5 percent sample check at the district level. As
such, one out of every 20 villages is selected for sample check by the concerned supervisory
officer. The procedure for identifying the village for supervision is also specified in the
guidelines.

16
2.4 Selection of Primary Enumerators

The nodal departments of States/UTs are vested with the responsibility of selecting a
particular agency as primary enumerator. It could be the Village Level Worker / Patwari /
Panchayat Inspector / any other agency suitable in a particular region. In selecting such
agencies as enumerators, the nodal departments are required to ascertain that they would have
appropriate association with the farmers. The information required in the primary schedules
is obtained by inquiry from the farmers and physical verification/observation by the
enumerators in respect of a particular scheme.

2.5 Training Programme for Data Collection

Training programmes cum workshops are organised by the Minor Irrigation Census
Commissioners at the State Headquarters in which the District Level Officers participate. A
representative from the Centre also participates as an Observer in these workshops. The
details of the methodology adopted for the census, its procedure, concepts and definitions are
discussed thoroughly and necessary clarifications are given. The instructions for filling up
the primary enumeration schedules are also discussed during the workshops. The District
Level Officers in turn organise training programmes at district headquarters in which the
primary enumerators participate. The instructions for filling up the primary enumeration
schedules are explained thoroughly in such training programmes.

2.6 Procedure for Conducting Census Operation

The primary enumerators while canvassing the schedules visit the owner of the minor
irrigation scheme or its neighbour in case of absence of the owner and collect information on
the basis of personal enquiry from him. The purpose of the census is explained to the farmer
to win over his confidence in giving the specific information in respect of minor irrigation
works. Information relating to the scheme is collected by the enumerators by physical
examination of the scheme also.

After filling up the schedules, the enumerators are required to submit all completed schedules
to the Block Development Officer/Officer in-charge at the block level. The block level
officers submit all the schedules to the district level officer concerned who after getting the
data computerized pass on the floppy/CD containing data as well as the schedules, to the
Minor Irrigation Census Commissioner of the State/UT.

17
2.7 Computerisation of Census Data

The work of computerization of Census data is taken up by the National Informatics Centre
(NIC). For computerization of census data, a software has been developed by National
Informatics Centre (NIC) which is provided to the State Minor Irrigation Census
Commissioners. In some States, private consultants/agencies are hired by the Minor Irrigation
Census Commissioners to computerise the data from primary enumeration schedules,
according to software provided by NIC. This work is taken up at the district headquarters to
facilitate data handling and also to minimise delays in computerization work. Data collected
is entered in computer media after duly ascertaining the correctness and is passed on to the
Minor Irrigation Census Commissioner at the state level. A copy of the data file is sent to the
centre by the State Minor Irrigation Census Commissioners. At the State headquarters, State
Minor Irrigation Census Report is brought out for which uniform tabulation plan is finalised
by the Statistical Cell in MoWR. The census data received from the States at the Central
Statistical Cell is utilised for compiling National Level Minor Irrigation Census Report.

First Minor Irrigation Census

The first Census of Minor Irrigation Projects was conducted in the States/ UTs with reference
year 1986-87 and the All India Census Report was published in November 1993.

Second Minor Irrigation Census

The Second MI Census with reference year 1993-94 was launched in September, 1994 in 25
States and 4 UTs. The Second Census Report was published in March 2001.

Third Minor Irrigation Census

The 3rd MI Census with reference year 2000-01 was launched in 2000 in 33 States/UTs. All
India report has been released in November 2005.

Fourth Minor Irrigation Census

The 4th MI Census with reference year 2006-07 was launched in all States/UTs in the
country in 2007. The All India Training Workshops for the State Government officials
were conducted in February 2007. The States have collected the field data during 2007-
08 and are engaged in data processing at present.

2.8 Items of Coverage in Minor Irrigation Census

Information on the following items are collected under the census:

18
Type of schemes:

Dug well, Shallow Tube well, Deep Tube Well

Surface Flow (Tank, other storage, Permanent diversion, Temporary diversion, Water
conservation)

Surface Lift (on river, stream, drain/canal, tank/pond)

1. Location of the scheme (Identification particulars)

2. Ownership of the Scheme

3. Social Status of the owner (privately owned schemes)

4. Holding size of the owner

5. Year of commissioning of the scheme.

6. Lifting device of the scheme, if any

7. Water distribution device of the scheme

8. Source of finance

9. Cost of commissioning and maintenance of the scheme*

10. Current status (in use/not in use) of the scheme

11. If not in use, the reason for not in use

12. If under utilized, the reasons for under utilization

13. Culturable command area of the scheme

14. Irrigation Potential Created through scheme

15. Season wise Irrigation Potential Utilized through the scheme

16. Supplementary status of the scheme

*this item is being introduced in 4th MI Census (ref year 2006-07)

During Eleventh Five Year Plan, the RMIS scheme was converted to Central Sector as one of
the components of Development of Water Resources Information System Scheme of the
Ministry of Water Resources. The present study aims at an evaluation of the RMIS scheme to
assess the effectiveness and usefulness of the scheme. The terms of reference of evaluation
are as follows:

19
Coverage

The study will involve a critical examination of the methodology and items of data collected
in the States/UTs. A minimum of two MI schemes in at least one district selected from 10
States of the country, in East, West, North, South, Central and North-East zones would be
visited and the data collected for examining the reliability of information. It will be ensured
that all five types of minor irrigation schemes are covered in the study.

Methodology

The evaluation study will be coordinated and conducted by the agency appointed for this
purpose (under the overall supervision of MoWR). The agency will be responsible for
planning, training of field personnel, checking quality of data, analysis and feedback.

The agency will have discussions with the State Nodal Officers, carry out field visits and
organize data collection for testing. The agency will organize monthly workshops in which
officials from the Ministry and the States will participate with a view to have periodic
assessment of the evaluation study.

Responsibilities

Ministry of Water Resources would supply technical guidelines and schedules of the RMIS
scheme and the past data for sample units, if required, by the agency. It will provide
assistance to the agency in their field visits and would help in the coordination with
States/UTs.

The agency will plan their programme of work and methodology of assessment and carry out
necessary field surveys. They will bring out the report at the end of the study. The report
should include observations on usefulness of the scheme in respect of its outcomes and
suggestions for improvements, if any, for its continuation.

Duration

The evaluation will be completed in 4 months time after the award of the study.

Cost

The total cost, as approved, of the study will be released in 4 installments as under:

(i) 30% of the cost will be released to the agency at the time of the award of the study.

(ii) 30% of the cost will be released after the commencement of State visits and field data
collection by the agency.

20
(iii) 20% of the cost will be released after submission of draft report.

(iv) Remaining 20% of the cost will be released after the submission of the final report.

21
 CHAPTER III

EVALUATION OF RATIONALIZATION OF MINOR

IRRIGATION STATISTICS SCHEME
3.1 Introduction

The MI (Stat.) Division of the Ministry of Water Resources has awarded the evaluation of
RMIS to the Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI), New Delhi. The
evaluation work is to be completed in four months time. The evaluation work is proposed to
be carried out on the basis of review of relevant literature, seeking information from persons
involved in the RMIS scheme at various levels i.e. headquarter, state, district and village
through questionnaires and field visits in various states falling in five zones of the country
and if possible by interaction with some data users. Accordingly, a study of four months
duration was planned by IASRI with 25th July, 2009 as the date of start. A team comprising
scientists and technical persons was constituted to undertake various components of
evaluation study. Side by side four experts were identified for discussion and guidance for
successful completion of the study. They are:

1. Dr S K Raheja Former Director, IASRI

2. Dr B B P S Goel Former Director, IASRI

3. Dr A K Srivastava Former Joint Director, IASRI

4. Dr T B S Rajput Project Director, Water Technology Centre, IARI

3.2 Progress of the Study

The first meeting relating to this study was held on July 25, 2009 to discuss the various
aspects of MI schemes. The meeting was attended by all the members of the study team and
the four outside experts. Sh. V K Arora, ADG, MoWR also attended the meeting. In this
meeting Dr. U C Sud, Principal Investigator of the project made a brief presentation
highlighting the various details including objectives etc. of the study.

In particular, the presentation covered background of the initiation of the Rationalization of

MI scheme. A detailed account of various MI schemes was given. Details of the methodology
being followed in the census of minor irrigation as well as the quarterly reports submitted to
the Ministry were also covered. The observations made by experts were discussed and

22
clarified. A questionnaire was developed and circulated to the experts. The questionnaire was
prepared keeping in view the objectives of the scheme. The experts asked for some extra
material on Minor Irrigation which was provided to them subsequently. It was decided that
the developed questionnaire would be discussed in the next meeting.

The second meeting was held on 10.8.09. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the
questionnaire prepared by the team members with the involvement of outside experts. The
questionnaire was discussed in detail and suggestions for improvements were made.

After a detail discussion in this meeting, it was decided that there should be four types of
questionnaire for collection of information, as follows:

1) Questionnaire for collecting information from the headquarter.

2) Questionnaire for collecting information from the State officials. (Both the above
schedules will cover census as well as quarterly progress reports as a source for
collecting information on MI schemes for the purpose of evaluation).

3) Questionnaire for collecting information at the district level.

4) Questionnaire for collecting information from the primary worker. It was decided that
the team members will modify the existing questionnaires and submit to the four
experts. The next meeting was decided to be organized after this exercise had been
completed.

The next meeting was held on 26.8.09. Sh. VK Arora also attended this meeting. The four
questionnaires devised by the team members were discussed at length and suitable
modifications were made. The modifications made and some extra items to be included in the
questionnaires were discussed in a meeting held on 29.8.09. The four questionnaires were
finalized in this meeting and are given in Annexure.

The questionnaires for collecting information from the headquarter regarding census of minor
irrigation and quarterly report is based on the following broad indicators.

Indicator on data quality

Indicator on timeliness in completion of various activities of RMIS

Indicator on suggestions for improvement

Indicator on utility of information generated under RMIS

23
The questionnaire for collecting information from the state nodal officer regarding census of
minor irrigation and quarterly report is based on the following indicators:

Indicator on data quality

Indicator on timeliness in completion of various activities of RMIS

Indicator on suggestions for improvement

The questionnaire for collecting information from the district regarding census of minor
irrigation is based on the following indicators:

Indicator on data quality

Indicator on timeliness in completion of various activities of RMIS

Indicator on suggestions for improvement

The questionnaire for collecting information from the village at the primary level regarding
census of minor irrigation is based on the following indicators:

Indicator on data quality

Indicator on timeliness in completion of various activities of RMIS

Indicator on suggestions for improvement

The respective questionnaires were sent to the Minor Irrigation (Statistics) Division of
MoWR, concerned officials in the States and selected districts in the States. The
questionnaires meant for the primary level workers were to be filled up during field visits by
the officials of the IASRI.

24
 CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM

HEADQUARTER AND NODAL OFFICERS
4.1 Introduction

As mentioned earlier, four different types of questionnaires were designed to collect

information to assess the status of work under the fourth census minor irrigation schemes.
One of the questionnaires was designed for the nodal officers in different states. The
indicator-wise information collected from the designated nodal officers in the prescribed
proforma is summarized in this chapter.

4.2 Summary of Information Reported on Indicator on Data Quality

The summary of responses obtained from nodal officers in respect of indicator on data quality
is presented below:
Chhattisgarh
The nodal officer from Chhattisgarh reported that training was not organized for data
collection at the state level.
Goa
The nodal officer from Goa reported that training was not imparted at the district level.
Jammu & Kashmir
The nodal officer from J&K informed that training was not organized at the district level.
Meghalaya
The nodal officer from Meghalaya reported that training prior to data collection was not
organized at block level. Further, difficulty was faced in collection of data. There was
difficulty in getting village records. Many villages are located in remote places. There was
difficulty in reaching these places. There was also some difficulty in making villagers
understand the different terms.
Madhya Pradesh
The nodal officer from Madhya Pradesh reported that there was difficulty in understanding
the questionnaire. Some items in instructions manual are missing and some part of
instructions manual is not clear. In addition, some definitions are not clear. Besides there is
difficulty in calculating irrigation potential created/utilized.

25
Orissa
The nodal officer from Orissa state informed that no training was organized at block level.
Puducherry
The Puducherry nodal officer informed that training was not imparted at block level.
Sikkim
The nodal officer from Sikkim informed that there was difficulty in calculating Irrigation
Potential Created/Utilized.
West Bengal
The nodal officer from West Bengal reported that training was not organized at block and
village level.

4.3 Summary of Information Reported on Indicator on Constraints

In this section we present the constraints reported by the various nodal officers in completing
the various activities of RMIS scheme. The commonly cited constraints are shown in the
Table 4.3.
Table 4.3 Some of the Most Common Constraints Reported by the Nodal Officers
State Posts vacant in statistical Training Diversion Funds
cells organized of released
Senior Junior Lower at various primary late
level level level levels workers
Andhra Pradesh Y
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam 2 Y Y
Bihar
Chhattisgarh 2 1 Y
Goa N Y
Gujarat Y
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh 1 Y
J&K 2 N
Jharkhand 1 4 1
Karnataka 2 1
Kerala Y
Madhya Pradesh Y Y
Maharashtra 2 Y Y
Manipur
Meghalaya N Y
Mizoram 1 2 Y
Nagaland N Y
Orissa
Punjab 1 7 1 Y Y
Rajasthan 1 5 1
Sikkim 1 1
Tamil Nadu 1 1 Y
Tripura
Uttar Pradesh 1 9 Y
Uttarakhand

26
West Bengal N
UT
Andaman and Nicobar 1 1 1 Y
Chandigarh
Dadra & Nagar Haveli 1 Y
NCT of Delhi 1
Puducherry 1

It may be seen from Table 4.3 that the commonly reported constraints are in the form of
vacant positions in the statistical cells, training not imparted at various levels, late release of
funds and diversion of primary workers for performing other activities. Besides, some other
constraints were reported by the nodal officers from different states. These are summarized
below.
MoWR
The officials from the MI (Stat.) Division, Headquarter informed that quarterly data were
received in the form of hard copy. One post of Sr. Evaluation officer was vacant.
Andhra Pradesh
The nodal officer from Andhra Pradesh reported that the enumerators were diverted for other
work. Due to this the data collection work suffered. Nodal officers are not connected to each
other by fax. Further, in the absence of any instructions from the Ministry it was not possible
to carry out pilot studies to ascertain the increase in productivity due to minor irrigation
projects.
Arunachal Pradesh
The Arunachal Pradesh nodal officer reported the following problems.
Some confusion came up during filling up the formats in Village Schedule 1. Geographical
area of village: The State Govt. has not yet demarcated the village boundary, hence it was
difficult to specify the geographical area. Govt. of India may like to exempt the geographical
area till finalization of boundary.
Project ownership: In case of very old projects the villagers were unable to provide the detail
records.
Distance from one well to another well: In the ground water schedule it was difficult to
ascertain this parameter because of very scanty ground water development and difficult hilly
terrain of the state.

27
Assam
The Assam nodal officer reported that data collection work was delayed due to elections and
floods. Data entry also got delayed due to delay in data collection. Nodal officer was
connected to MoWR only through fax and phone. Nodal officers were connected to each
other only through phone. The data entry software created problem in data validation.
A & N Island
The nodal officer from A & N Island informed that data collection was delayed due to lack of
sufficient staff.
Bihar
The nodal officer from Bihar reported that the data collection is delayed. This is mainly due
to lack of sufficient staff. There is administrative and financial difficulty faced in
outsourcing the work of MI census.
Chhattisgarh
The Chhattisgarh nodal officer informed that data collection was delayed by 4 months. This
was attributable to the fact that there was strike by the patwaris and the patwaris were
engaged in other priority work. The data entry work was yet to start as the workers were busy
in preparing electoral rolls. The nodal officer was connected only through telephone with
MoWR. The nodal officers were not connected with each other through internet.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
The nodal officer from Dadra and Nagar Haveli informed that data collection was delayed as
the staff was busy in Livestock and Agriculture Census. The nodal officers are connected to
MoWR only through phone. The sanctioned amount is inadequate.
Delhi
The Nodal officer from Delhi cited the constraints of shortage of staff.
Goa
The nodal officer from Goa reported that village records were difficult to get. The data
collection was delayed by one month due to other priority work. The software by MoWR was
not 100% user friendly. The nodal officers were not connected to each other. The nodal
officer was not connected to MoWR through internet, phone and fax.
The nodal officer from the state of J&K reported that sanction for outsourcing data entry not
received. Nodal officers are not connected to each other. Also, funds released are not fully
utilized as data entry decision is pending.
28
Gujarat
The Gujarat nodal officer cited difficulty in data collection work. There was difficulty in
understanding the instruction manual and it was translated in Gujarati language. Farmers
were generally not available for providing the required information. There was difficulty in
getting the village records (Talati was not responding properly). Data collection was delayed
by more than one year due to lack of sufficient staff. The involvement of primary workers in
panchayat and assembly election work also resulted in delay in data collection. Due to delay
in data collection work the data entry was also delayed. Other reasons for delayed data entry
work were lack of sufficient staff, delay in awarding data entry work to an outside agency.
Further, the nodal officers are not connected among themselves via internet. The sanctioned
amount was not fully utilized as it was released late.
Himachal Pradesh
The nodal officer from Himachal Pradesh reported that the farmers were not cooperative. Due
to other priority work, the data collection was delayed by one year. Due to lack of sufficient
staff and funds (second installment still awaited) the data entry work was delayed. The nodal
officer was connected to MoWR only through telephone. The nodal officers were connected
to one another only through phone. There was one vacant post of Assistant Research Officer.
This was a major constraint in completing the assigned activities of RMIS scheme.
Jharkhand
The Jharkhand nodal officer informed that data collection was delayed as it started late and it
will be completed in March, 2010. Data entry was delayed due to delay in data collection.
Nodal officer was not connected to MoWR through Internet. The statistical cell was not
functioning well due to many vacant posts. Quarterly progress reports were not being sent.
Karnataka
The Karnataka nodal officer reported that Nodal officers are connected to each other by
phone only. There are three posts lying vacant. Due to the vacant positions it was not possible
to organize special surveys between two censuses as also pilot studies to ascertain the
increase in productivity due to minor irrigation projects. Further, the funds released were not
adequate.
Kerala
The Kerala nodal officer informed that there was difficulty faced in data collection work as
the farmers were not cooperative. Many a times, the farmers were not available. Considerable

29
difficulty was faced in getting village records. Due to lack of sufficient staff and funds, data
collection was completed 8 months after the target date. Due to delay in data collection work
the data entry work also got delayed. Other constraints reported were in the form of problem
of adoption of software to Kerala pattern and delay in getting the sanction. Special surveys
and pilot studies were not being organized.
Madhya Pradesh
The nodal officer from Madhya Pradesh reported constraints arising out of lack of sufficient
staff, lack of sufficient funds for carrying out the various activities of RMIS in timely and
efficient manner. The available computers are insufficient. Further, there was delay in
awarding the data entry work as it was outsourced.
Maharashtra
The nodal officer from Maharashtra reported that data collection was delayed due to lack of
sufficient staff and priority to other important work. The data entry was delayed due to delay
in field data collection work. The nodal officer are not connected with MoWR through
internet. Further, money has not been released.
Manipur
The nodal officer from Manipur reported that the five hill districts of Manipur whose
geographical area comprises nearly 90% of the total geographical area of the State do not
maintain any land records of their own. Also, very often the village Chiefs/Members/Gram
Pradhans to whom the field enumerators go for enquiries regarding the information of the
village concerned do not have adequate knowledge about the general information of the
village like name, geographical area, cultivable area etc. as maintained in the revenue records
of the State Government. It creates a lot of problems in ascertaining certain important
parameters of the census like the geographical area, cultivable area, Irrigation Potential
Created, Irrigation Potential Utilized etc.
Meghalaya
The Meghalaya nodal officer cited the constraint of difficulty faced in collection of data.
There was difficulty in getting village records. Many villages are located at remote places.
Due to this there was difficulty in reaching these places. Further, there was difficulty faced in
making villagers understand the different terms. Data collection work was delayed due to
priority for other work and many villages in remote areas were not easily accessible. Data

30
entry work was also delayed due to priority to other work. The nodal officer was only
connected to MoWR through telephone and fax.
Mizoram
The nodal officer from Mizoram informed that the data collection work for the fourth census
was given to a different department.
Orissa
The nodal officer from Orissa reported that Nodal officers in different states are not
connected to MoWR through internet or even to each other by fax/ internet. There are no
meetings between nodal officers of different states. Further, due to lack of manpower and in
the absence of instructions from the Ministry, studies regarding reconciliation of
discrepancies in figures of area irrigated as reported in agricultural statistics and in periodical
progress reports and organizing pilot studies to ascertain the increase in productivity due to
minor irrigation projects are not taken up.
Puducherry
The nodal officer from Puducherry informed that time target for data collection was March,
2008 but was completed in Nov., 2008. The main reason for delay in data collection work
was that the primary workers were busy in tsunami relief work. Data entry work was still
going on and is likely to be completed in Nov., 09. The delay in data entry work is
attributable to delay in data collection work. Further, there was software problem which was
rectified by MoWR. This also delayed the data entry work.
Punjab
The Punjab nodal officer reported that data collection work was delayed due to lack of
sufficient staff and priority to other work. The state officers were connected to MoWR only
through phone and this was also true among nodal officers. The full amount sanctioned had
not been spent as the sanctioned was given late. Further, the special surveys in between two
census for estimating yard-sticks of additional area irrigated for different categories of Minor
irrigation projects with breakup for food and non food crops were not being taken up due to
absence of necessary guidelines.
Rajasthan
The nodal officer from Rajasthan cited fund constraints and absence of guidelines for failure
to ascertain reasons for the disuse of projects through special surveys as also the rate of
depreciation due to siltation of surface water storage projects.

31
Sikkim
The nodal officer from Sikkim informed that there was difficulty in getting the records. The
data entry was delayed due to insufficient number of computers. The nodal officers were not
connected to each other through internet, fax and phone.
Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu nodal officer informed that data collection was delayed due to other
important work like finalization of village accounts in jama bandhi. The data entry was
delayed due to general elections and jama bandhi. Further, the nodal officers were connected
to MoWR only through telephone. The amount sanctioned was not fully utilised due to
administrative reasons. The other problems faced were difficulty in assessing the diameter of
shallow tube well. It was difficult to measure the depth of shallow and deep tube well. Also,
the farmer was unable to recall the cost of construction of old wells. It was difficult to
measure accurately the distance between two schemes. Also, the farmers were generally not
available for providing information.
Uttar Pradesh
The nodal officer from Uttar Pradesh informed that the difficulty was faced in getting records
i.e. Khasra Register to fill up the village schedule. FF
Further, the UP nodal officer reported that due to shortage of staff it was not possible to carry
out special surveys in between two censuses as also organization of pilot studies to ascertain
the increase in productivity due to minor irrigation projects.
West Bengal
The nodal officer from West Bengal reported that data collection was delayed due to lack of
sufficient staff. The data entry was delayed due to lack of sufficient staff and delay in data
collection completion. The nodal officers were not connected to each other. There were
problems in conducting validation programme.

4.4 Summary of Information Reported on Indicator on Suggestions for

Improvement

Some of the important points suggested by the various state nodal officers are summarized in
Table 4.4.

32
Table 4.4 Summary of responses obtained from the nodal officers on indicator on
suggestions for improvement
State Vehicle Computer Office space Additional staff Furniture
requirement
Andhra Pradesh 1 25 26
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam 1 2 9T+9C+5A
Bihar
Chhattisgarh 1 2
Goa
Gujarat
Haryana
Himachal Pradesh 3
J&K 1 5 5R 10C+5T
Jharkhand
Karnataka 1 Y
Kerala 1 5 1R 1
Madhya Pradesh 1 1
Maharashtra 2+1P+U 3R
Manipur 2
Meghalaya 1 1 2
Mizoram
Nagaland 1 2+1P 1B 3 2T+2C+1A
Orissa 2 10 4 9
Punjab
Rajasthan 1 1 2+1P+1U 1
Sikkim 1 Y 5 Y
Tamil Nadu 1 2+1L+1PH
Tripura
Uttar Pradesh 1 2
Uttarakhand
West Bengal Y Y
UT
Andaman and Nicobar 1 Y
Chandigarh
Dadra & Nagar Haveli 1
NCT of Delhi
Puducherry 1+ 1LP
A=Almirah, B=Building, C= Chair, L=Laser printer, P=Printer, PH=Photocopier, R=Room,
T=Table, U= UPS.

From the Table 4.4 it is clear that a majority of nodal officers require new PCs, a vehicle,
additional staff for timely and efficiently completion of assigned work. Some of the nodal
officers require furniture and additional space.
Besides, some other suggestions were made for improvement.
MoWR
The officials from the MI (Stat.) Division, Headquarter suggested that monthly progress
report to be submitted online. Reports to be given using GIS. Census work should be given
more publicity. Concepts regarding submission of QPR data to be cleared through regular

33
regional meetings. Two big rooms, two small rooms , three new computers, three computer
tables, small almirah, two big tables, provision for mineral water for MI (Stat.) Division.
Compatibility with GIS not fully covered. One additional post of STA may be filled up on
regular basis having statistics background.
Andhra Pradesh
The following suggestions were given by nodal officer from Andhra Pradesh:
The items in the schedule pertaining to cost of construction and year of construction of any
MI scheme should be recorded only when the particular MI scheme was taking place between
previous census and present census. For efficient functioning of the scheme a standard
inspection format has to be designed for furnishing of field inspection reports for uniformity.
Otherwise the consolidation of collected information is not possible. The format may contain
the following particulars:
1. Name of the Village/Mandal/Revenue village with date
2. No. of schemes checked (scheme wise)
3. Details of interaction with the farmers / Scheme owners.
4. Data as observed and verified by Supervising Officer and as recorded/
5. Instruction issued to primary worker keeping in view the village condition.
Further, the enumeration of Minor Irrigation Sources should commence before one or two
months of closure of reference year and should be completed within a month or two after
completion of reference year. Necessary steps should be taken to conduct the survey very
close to reference year, as it was enquiry based method. Otherwise due to reasons of loss of
memory of the farmers and Non-recording of village records there was a likelihood of loss in
the quality of data.
Generally, the State Agricultural Statistics Authority (SASA) compiles the data crop wise and
Irrigation source wise every year. The Census data of Minor Irrigation need to be compared
with that of SASA figures for cross verification purpose.
Information on Ground Water Level in Village Schedule was approximately given due to
which large variations were noticed in the same village.
State level officers supervision of data collection work was essential at the time of collection
of data.
Similarly officers from Govt. of India may also be involved in supervision at the time of
enumeration of data at field.

34
Assam
The Assam nodal officer informed that there may be more than one pump in a single
scheme having different capacities. There was no provision for entering the number of
pumps and H.P. of all the pumps. This aspect needed to be looked into and necessary
corrections in the schedules be made.
Delhi
The Nodal officer from Delhi was of the opinion that funds should be provided for data
collection for quarterly progress reports.
Goa
The nodal officer from Goa was of the view that funds should be increased.
Himachal Pradesh
There was a suggestion from the nodal officer of Himachal Pradesh that the funds under
RMIS scheme to each state be sent directly to nodal officer rather than the funds getting
routed through the State Finance Department. There was also a suggestion to enhance the
honorarium. Further, a suggestion was also made that a directive be sent to IPH Department
to keep upto date record of each source of irrigation along with cost of construction of the
scheme, cost of machinery and cost of maintenance.
Jharkhand
The nodal officer from Jharkhand suggested that Census of Minor Irrigation schemes should
be executed with field workers of Minor Irrigation Department.
Karnataka
Thus the Karnataka nodal officer made a suggestion that funds should be released in two
rather than three installments.
Kerala
The nodal officer from Kerala state gave following suggestions for improvement in the work
of RMIS scheme:
i) Suggestion of the owner of the scheme may also be obtained at the time of data collection.
ii) The reporting agencies and the staff of RMIS cell may be given awareness/training
programmes through the MoWR.
iii) Review meetings may be conducted periodically where the purpose and importance of the
collection of MI data may be informed to the reporting agencies from MoWR.
The following suggestions were made for improvement of quarterly data:
Lead district bank should be issued instructions to submit the Quarterly report within a month
after the end of quarter
35
Further, the Kerala nodal officer informed that the Kerala State is peculiar in some ways. The
enumerator has to travel long distance for data collection work. Thus the present criteria of
allocation of funds is not satisfactory. Keeping in view the peculiarities of Kerala State the
Honorarium of enumerator need to be increased to Rs 1000/= per panchayat from Rs 300/=
per panchayat. Contingencies to be increased to Rs 150/= per panchayat from Rs 75/= per
panchayat. Honorarium for state level official should be increased from Rs 8000/=. Currently,
the work of data collection was carried out by overseers and clerks under MI division of
irrigation department. It should be entrusted to some other government agency.
Maharashtra
The nodal officer from Maharashtra State indicated following problems:
Three departments were involved in data collection work
The census work was carried out by major three Departments i.e. Minor irrigation,
Zilla parishad & Water resources, but they were not having proper co-ordination &
mutual co-operation.
No independent staff
As there was no independent technical staff for census work, the staff of the three
Departments carried out the census work. Due to the multiplicities of agencies the
field work got delayed.
Second priority for census work
As the field work was carried out by various Departments, it was expected that the
validation of data is also done by the respective Departments, but response and
priority for the census work in the validation was less.
The nodal officer advocated that the contingency per village be increased from Rs 75 to Rs
100.
Manipur
The Manipur nodal officer suggested that necessary efforts be made on the part of the state
Government Departments which were implementing Minor Irrigation schemes in their state
for formation of Water User Associations for each minor irrigation scheme prior to its
commission if such Associations were not formed earlier. These bodies maintain most
reliable information about the potential created and potential utilized of the minor irrigation
scheme. Necessary Legislation may be made if necessary to achieve this goal. Further, a
suggestion was made that conduct of Special Survey of few selected villages of the State for
obtaining the norms for the creation and utilization of potential of irrigation by different types

36
of minor irrigation structures and rate of depreciation of the scheme in between two censuses
was considered very much necessary.
Meghalaya
The nodal officer from Meghalaya suggested that the honorarium to be paid to the primary
worker should be in terms of number of MI schemes covered rather than number of villages
covered.
Nagaland
The nodal officer from Nagaland suggested that honorarium for carrying out census work
should be increased.
Orissa
The nodal officer from Orissa suggested that the statistical cell may be created in all the
reporting agencies to deal with M.I. statistics. This will help in effective monitoring of the
programme at the state level, collection of quality and reliable data and creation of a database
on MI sector.
Further, with respect to the item in the schedule regarding distance of the nearest well, the
nodal officer felt that a clarification was needed whether the distance to the nearest well is
within the village or outside the village in case of a single project in the village. The nodal
officer also opined that there was no checkpoint in the item total schedules, which was the
sum of the items ground water schedules and surface water schedules. Another point
made was that the software provided by MoWR takes more time because of frequent use of
tab and enter keys. The Directorate wanted to develop its own software.
Puducherry
The Puducherry nodal officer felt that there is a need to increase the honorarium.
Punjab
The Punjab nodal officer suggested that standardization of field survey work may be carried
out and notified at National level so that exact number of man hours required to carry out
survey for a state can be worked out. This way requirement of field staff can be calculated
and requisitioned by the state authority.
The Census does not collect the information for those cultivators who have agricultural land
but did not have their own MI Scheme. This information could be very useful for developing
the future plans. There must be provision to incorporate the information about the area
irrigated for the Food Crop and Non Food Crops. For computerization of the census data, a
unique code for the Revenue Village must be generated to access the database. Presently it
was done on the basis of State, District and Block Code.
37
The posts sanctioned for Statistical Cell were temporary in nature i.e. for five years only. Due
to this the State Govt. did not allow to post regular staff in regular pay scale. State Govt.
allow to fill up the post on fixed pay. The persons already working on regular pay scale were
not interested to join the Statistical Cell. This was creating problems in efficient functioning.
The census of Minor Irrigation be given more publicity.
The manual should be in local language and technical terms should be more elaborated.
There should be a separate proforma for supervision. More meetings with MoWR were
required.
Tamil Nadu
The nodal officer from Tamil Nadu suggested that funds should be released timely and in
only one installment. The nodal officer also informed that it was difficult to find the depth of
shallow and deep tube well, it was difficult to find out the diameter of the well and bore well.
The cost of construction of old wells cannot be ascertained. Thus, these three items should be
deleted. Further, there was a suggestion that the total sanctioned amount be increased by
20%.
West Bengal
The West Bengal nodal officer advocated frequent field visits for improvement in data
quality. Further, more frequent interaction between MoWR and nodal officer was suggested.
The nodal officer also suggested that fund allocation be increased.

38
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION OBTAINED AT DISTRICT

LEVEL
5.1 Introduction
Field visits were made in ten states in the different zones of the country. Two villages each in
a district having at least two MI schemes were visited in two states each from North, South,
West, East & Central and North Eastern zone. Specifically, the team members involved in the
study visited Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam,
Meghalaya, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand States. The questionnaire testing was carried
out in Union Territory of Delhi. The summary of information obtained, in the prescribed
proforma, at the district level is provided in the next section.
5.2 Details of Information Obtained at District Level
Andhra Pradesh
The district level officials from Andhra Pradesh reported that the data collection work was
done by State Govt. Staff and the training was organized at district level for officers at
Mandal level. The instruction manual & schedules were provided in local language and there
was no difficulty in understanding them. No difficulty was faced in data collection work.
Four months time was given for data collection but it was completed in six months time as at
that time 30 to 40% posts of Village Revenue Officer (Primary worker) were vacant. In this
district a total of 130 villages were inspected by CPO, Asstt. Director & two Statistical
officers. The time target for sending schedules (in CDs) was March. 2008 but it was sent in
April, 2008 as data entry work was delayed. The schedules were kept at district (HQ) and
only entered data CDs were sent to State (HQ). Four meetings were held during census
period in the district and 16 meetings at Mandal level. The district officers were connected to
nodal officer through phone and fax.
Assam
The team members visited district KAMRUP METRO in Assam. The district level officer
has no email address, no fax, no telephone. Mobile No. (94350-47945) mentioned. The
training was organized at district. No difficulty was faced in understanding instructions
manual or data collection on any item. The time target fixed for data collection was
February, 2008 but it was completed in May, 2009 because of priority to other work. At
district level, 10 villages were supervised while 70 villages were supervised at block level.

39
The time target for sending schedules to State (HQ) was May, 2008 but these were sent in
May 2009 because of priority to other important work. Eight meetings were held between
district officials & nodal officer of the State. The district officers are connected to nodal
officer only through phone. Data entry problems in terms of validation errors were reported.
Delhi
The data collection work was done by the village level workers. The training for data
collection was organized. The instruction manual was provided. The difficulties faced in
understanding the instruction was particularly in calculating the irrigation potential created
and utilized. No difficulty was faced in data collection. The target date fixed for data
collection was 31 December 2007 but the data collection work was completed on March
2008. The reasons of delay were lack of sufficient staff, lack of sufficient fund and priority
to other important work. The data collection work of 14 villages was inspected at block level.
The data entry work was not being done at district level. There was delay in sending the filled
in schedules to the state headquarter. The date fixed for sending the Schedules was 31
December 2007 but these were sent on March 2008. The reasons of delay were lack of
sufficient staff, lack of sufficient fund and priority to other important work. The suggestions
given by respondent were as follows:
More Staff be provided for data collection.
Funds should be made available in time.
More time should be given for completion of census work.
Gujarat
The data collection work here was done by State Govt. staff. The training for data collection
was organized. There was no difficulty faced in use of instructions manual. Some
difficulties were faced in data collection as in some cases farmers were not available and
sometimes there was difficulty in getting village records. The time target fixed for data
collection was March, 2009 but it was completed in June 2009 because of lack of staff, lack
of funds and priority to other important work. The time target fixed for sending data in CD
was March, 2009 but it was actually sent in June 2009. The reason for delay was lack of
funds and delay in awarding contract for data entry. Four meetings were held at block level
with district officers. The block officers were connected to district officers through personal
contact and telephone only. The suggestion was that the honorarium should be raised to
Rs.500/- per village up to 50 schemes, for additional Rs.100/- for additional 50 schemes.
Jammu & Kashmir

40
The officials from Jammu and Kashmir reported that the patwaris were not conversant with
English, so there was a difficulty in understanding the instructions manual. There were
weather constraints in data collection. Schedules were dispatched late due to Yatra, VIP
movements and control of multiple authorities. A suggestion was made that a refresher course
for patwaris should be conducted for better data quality. The enumerators should be provided
with translated version of proforma in Urdu.
Jharkhand
District level officers from Jharkhand reported that some part of instructions manual were not
clear. Also, some of the definitions were not clear. Further, there was difficulty in calculating
Irrigation Potential Created and Utilized. Difficulties were faced in data collection as farmers
were generally not available. Sometimes the farmer was not co-operative. There was
difficulty in getting records. At the field level there was difficulty in getting expenditure
figures on MI schemes, irrigated area etc. Data collection was delayed due to lack of
sufficient staff, lack of funds, priority to other work like elections in the state. The officials
informed that the schedules would not be sent in time due to lack of sufficient staff, lack of
funds, priority to other work like elections. District level officers were not able to
communicate effectively as they were not connected by fax and internet. It was suggested
that the funds should be allocated in time and state level training be organized.
Meghalaya
Here the team members visited the East Khasi Hill district. The data collection work here was
carried out by the State Government staff posted in the district. The training for data
collection was organized at the district level. Difficulty in data collection was reported as in
many cases the farmers were not cooperative. In some cases there was problem of getting
access to village records. The data entry was carried out at the district level and it was
completed in time.
Orissa
In Orissa state the visit was made in Cuttack district. District Statistical Officer had no Fax.
The data collection agency engaged in data collection work was Employees of State
Government. The training was organized for the primary workers. There was no difficulty
faced in use of instructions manual and data collection. The concept and definitions were
clear. The time target for data collection was June 2008. The data collection work was
completed in time i.e. June 2008. The district statistical officer reported that there was no
provision of reporting or keeping the record of supervision work of data collection. The
supervision of MI census work was carried out separately as well as with supervision work of
41
other schemes also. There were no facilities of data entry at district level. The target of
sending the filled in schedules was October 2008. The actual date of dispatch of schedules
was December 2008. The delay was caused by time taken for completion of scrutiny of
schedules. Only one meeting was held with state officers during five years. Mode of
communication between nodal officer and DSO is through meetings and telephone only.
Rajasthan
The district level officials from Rajasthan reported that it was difficult to carry out the data
collection work as the farmer was, in many cases, not available. The farmer was not
cooperative. The data collection was delayed due to lack of sufficient staff. Schedules were
sent late due to lack of sufficient staff, priority to other work. Further, the district level
officers were not connected through fax and internet. The nodal officer from Rajasthan also
reported that the training was provided at the state and district level and it was theoretical.
The training should be provided at the village level and it should be practical oriented. The
instructions manual be made user friendly by giving examples of different situations. The
enumerators were facing problems in recording water stored in respect of surface water
schemes in cubic meter. Ground water resources were different but specific heading i.e.
shallow tube well, deep tube well was not given. This resulted in wrong entries in some
cases.
Tamil Nadu
The district level officials from Tamil Nadu reported that the farmers were not available at
the time of visit to the village. Data completion was delayed due to Jama Bandhi and
election. Data entry was delayed due to election and other priority work. Fax facility was not
good as the machine goes out of order very frequently. Block officers were not connected
through internet. Honorarium for VAO should be increased from Rs 300.00 to Rs 600.00.
Uttar Pradesh
The response at the district level was as follows:
At block level there was no email and fax. The Govt. staff was involved in data collection.
Training was provided at block level to Gram Vikas Adhikari. No difficulty faced in
understanding instructions manual. But, difficulty was faced in data collection from farmers
and getting village records. The target date for data collection was Aug., 08 but it was
completed late due to lack of sufficient staff and priority to other work. The suggestion for
improvement was that the census work be carried out between October to January. More
staff was needed for timely completion of the assigned work.

42
To summarize the district level officials reported problems arising out of non-availability of
farmer, non-cooperation from the farmer, lack of sufficient staff and funds, inadequate
honorarium, absence of basic facilities of communication like fax and internet. Some of the
officials also reported difficulty in understanding the instructions manual.
In view of the difficulties reported by the district level officials it is recommended that the
nodal officers ensure that the enumerators have access to village level records. The
Instructions manual be made self explanatory and practical oriented, the existing network
needs to be strengthened, the census work be given more publicity among the farmers for
getting cooperation from them. The vacant posts need to be filled up urgently and timely
availability of sanctioned funds be ensured.

43
 Chapter VI

SUMMARY OF INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH

FIELD VISITS
6.1 Introduction
The team members made visits in various States and Union Territories. Two States/Union
Territories were visited in Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central and North Eastern
zones of the country. One district and within a district two villages were visited covering at
least two MI schemes. During the field visits the officials inspected the MI scheme and met
the concerned primary workers and other officials involved in the RMIS scheme. The
summary of the information through field visits is given in the next section.
6.2 Details of Information Obtained Through Field Visits
Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh the team members visited the district Medak. The two villages visited
in the district were Lakdaram and Koulanpet. The data collection work was done by
Village Revenue Officer. In both the villages the training for data collection was
organized at the Mandal level. There was no difficulty faced by the primary level worker
in understanding the instructions manual & data collection work. The time target for data
collection was October, 2007. It was collected in time in both the villages. The filled in
Schedules were sent to district (HQ) in time. Weekly meetings were held every Monday
in village Koulanpet while monthly meetings were held in Lakdaram village. The primary
workers were connected to Mandal/district officials through phone & personal meetings.
The field inspection revealed that Col 5 (b) of Schedule 2 (Surface Water Scheme) was
wrongly filled up in Koulampet village.
Out of 113 (Lakdaram village) Ground Water Schemes, data entry in respect of only 80
schemes had been completed. The suggestion made by the primary worker was that strict
instruction should be given to District Revenue Officer for conduct of MI census work
and some time period be fixed exclusively for MI work only.
Assam
In Assam state the team members visited village Salana and Malaibari of Kamroop Metro
district. The field visit revealed that the Khasra number was not recorded as it did not exist in
the land record system in the state. On checking the entries made in the schedule for village

44
Malabari it was found that in Schedule II serial number 6, the year was not recorded in
terms of its specified code. Cost of construction and maintenance of the scheme had not been
recorded (Village Salana).
Delhi
The primary workers reported that training was organized. No difficulty faced in
understanding of instructions. The main difficulty faced in data collection was in getting the
village records. Three month time was given for data collection during the year 2007-08. The
actual date of completion was February 2008. The data collection was delay due to priority
to other important work. The delay in submitting filled in schedules to the concerned officer
was also due to priority to other important work. Two meetings were held with district/block
level officers. The primary worker is discussed the problems with officer personally. No
addition information is required to be collected on MI. Suggestions given by primary
workers are as follows:
Farmers are not aware about the cost of construction of the scheme. So this information may
not be collected.
Training for data collection should be given in better way.
Gujarat
In Gujarat the two villages visited were Mahijada and Gulabpura in Gandhinagar district.
Field data was collected by work assistant/ technical assistant/ clerk. The primary workers
reported difficulty in understanding the instructions, calculating Irrigation Potential
Created/Utilized. There were problems of data collection as farmers were not available
and also it was difficult to get the village records i.e. Khasra register. Primary workers
were connected to district officials only through phone. Data collection was delayed due
to priority given to other work. The training imparted was theoretical. A suggestion was
made that the training should be practical oriented. The incentive given for data collection
was not adequate as several visits were required to be made which is costly and time
consuming.
The inspection revealed that only the schemes reported in revenue records were recorded
in schedules while other schemes operating in the village have been left out. Thus,
extensive supervision of work of primary worker is required for improvement in data
quality.

45
Jharkhand
The field visit in Jharkhand was made in the Ramgarh District. The team members visited
Kaitha and Chhattar Mandu villages of Ramgarh block of Ramgarh district. The field visit
revealed that the data collection work was being done by Rojgar Sewak. The work of data
collection has not been completed so far. It was informed that the data collection would be
completed by March 2010. The delay was caused by late start of training programme by the
MOWR. Besides, the staff was engaged in other departmental work. The data entry work
was in progress.
The concerned officials informed that collection of quarterly data on minor irrigation
schemes has not yet started as the posting of staff in statistical cells was still awaited.
On inspection, it was found that the data recorded in the Schedules was not up to the mark.
Some of items in which mistakes were observed are the following:
Year of commencement of scheme,
Nature of scheme,
Diameter of well,
Depth of well,
Distance from nearest well,
Lifting device,
Source of energy,
Irrigation Potential Created and Utilized.
Information on Irrigation Potential Utilized recorded at both the places i.e. serial number
26 to 30 and 33 to 37 (as supplementary) schedule-II (Surface water scheme) and 27 to 31
and 34 to 38 (as supplementary) schedule-I (Ground water scheme).
Clearly, extensive supervision is required for collection of error free data.
Jammu & Kashmir
The field visit in Jammu and Kashmir was made in Anantnag district. Here the
Patwari was the primary worker. The team members visited villages Batkoot and
Grendaish.
It was found that the name of major/medium scheme: Lalwani Kul (village sch. serial
no. 2) was mismatch with serial no. 20 schedule 2 (surface water scheme).
Schedule wise summary of MI scheme was not filled-up in village Batkoot.
Patwari was not clear about filling MI schedules.
Data on the items cost of construction and maintenance of scheme was not recorded.

46
 The team members felt that the schedules in some cases were filled up from records
and not on the basis of actual visits to the farmers.
Schedules were not properly checked by supervisory officers.
Meghalaya
The visit here was made in the village Ningmysong and Umsawli of East Khasi Hill district. The
data collection work was done by Junior Engineer and Sectional Assistant. As in case of Assam
here also the Khasra number was not recorded as it did not exist in the land record system in the
state. The information recorded at serial 39 (a) of schedule-II (surface water scheme) (Designed
storage in cubic meter) was irrelevant because all the schemes were surface flow types. There
was a problem of merging the data files of two districts as informed by Senior System Analyst,
NIC, Meghalaya.
Orissa
The field visit in Orissa State was made in Cuttack district. The team members visited the
villages Bentakar and Kurangapradhan of Cuttack district. The data collection work was
being done by Statistical Field Surveyor (SFS).
There were problems in data entry and data validation software provided by the MoWR
as told by the State officials.
It was very difficult to get information on cost of construction schemes. This was due to
the fact that many of the schemes were very old. Due to the long time gap the farmer was
not able to recall the required details. The farmer was unable to provide information on
cost of maintenance of the scheme.
Rajasthan
The field visit in Rajasthan was made in Ajmer district. The team members visited two
villages namely Tilonia and Buharu of Kishangarh tehsil of Ajmer district. The data
collection work here was done by the Patwaries.
The team members here observed that although volume of pond was recorded but Patwari
could not explain how it was calculated as the shape of ponds were irregular (Surface
water scheme Schedule-II serial number 39 (a))
The check dam was wrongly recorded as pond.
Farmers were unable to give the cost of construction of the scheme particularly in respect
of dug wells as most of the dug wells were very old and were not in use since long.
Some of the Patwaires reported that the instructions manual was not very clear.

47
Tamil Nadu
Two members of the team visited villages Sevillimedu I and Sevillimedu II of Kanchipuram
district. Data were collected by Village Administrative Officer. On inspection it was found that
Col 14 Sch I was wrongly coded. It was an open channel kucha but code used was of Pucca
channel (Sevillimedu I).
Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh the team members visited villages Sarai Mihi and Karauli of Banki
Block of Barabanki district. The data collection work here was being done by the Gram
Vikas Adhikari. Although data on eight ponds were recorded, but only one pond was
being used for irrigation by two to three farmers only.
Where as the code allotted for pond is 2, it was recorded 1 in most of the cases.
In place of khasra number only serial number had been recorded (serial number 4 of
schedule 1 ground water scheme) and it was not recorded in schedule II (Village Sarai
Mihi)
The farmers informed that all the water bodies in the village were ponds. The code
earmarked for pond was 2. The code of nature of the scheme at serial number 7 was
wrongly recorded as 1 for all the schemes in the village Sarai Mihi.
Type of Scheme recorded as shallow tube well (code 2) and the codes 1-3 were assigned
for nature of the scheme but these were recorded 4.
To summarize, the field visits revealed that the primary workers experienced difficulty in
getting information from farmer about the cost of construction of the scheme, recording the
depth of well and calculating irrigation Potential Created. The required cooperation from
farmer was not forthcoming. The inspection of Schedules revealed that wrong entries were
made in some cases. Some of the primary workers reported difficulty in understanding some
of the items in instructions manual like working out distance from the nearest well, working
out Irrigation Potential Created etc. Problems in data entry were also reported. A common
problem reported was that the honorarium provided for data collection work is inadequate.
Further, it was seen that source wise net irrigated area was not recorded under serial number
6 to 10.
There is a need to strengthen the supervision aspect of data collection. A supervisors manual
including a proforma for inspection reports need to be devised. The work of supervision be
entrusted to experienced persons only and the supervision work should commence right in the
beginning stage so that the same mistakes are not committed till the end. Provisions be made

48
for providing training to trainers. There is a need to develop an efficient data entry software
as also a need to review the current criterion of fixation of honorarium. In view of the
problems reported by the primary workers in terms of data collection on certain items,
necessary modifications in the Schedules is recommended. A permanent record of schemes
covered in the 4th census be maintained by the village level officials. This should serve as
base for the next census. During the time of next census the available data base should be
updated.

49
 ANNEXURE I

INDIAN AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

(ICAR)
LIBRARY AVENUE, NEW DELHI-110012

Evaluation of Rationalization of Minor Irrigation (MI) Statistics Scheme

Questionnaire for Collection of Information from MoWR

(To be filled-up by official of MOWR)

A. Identification Particulars:

S. No. Particulars Information

1 Name of the respondent
2 Designation of the respondent
3 Head quarters address MOWR, New Delhi

B. Census data:

1 Comments on data quality, data collection and supervision work.

S. No. State Data Data collection Supervision of

quality data collection
satisfa Target Completion Reasons* Number Attach
ctory date date for delay, of villages inspecti
if any inspected on
(Y/N) reports,
if any
1 Andhra Pradesh
2 Arunachal
Pradesh
3 Assam
4 Bihar
5 Chhattisgarh
6 Goa
7 Gujarat
8 Haryana
9 Himachal
Pradesh
10 J&K
11 Jharkhand
12 Karnataka
13 Kerala
14 Madhya Pradesh
15 Maharashtra
16 Manipur

50
 17 Meghalaya
18 Mizoram
19 Nagaland
20 Orissa
21 Punjab
22 Rajasthan
23 Sikkim
24 Tamil Nadu
25 Tripura
26 Uttar Pradesh
27 Uttarakhand
28 West Bengal
Union Territory
1 Andaman and
Nicobar
2 Chandigarh
3 Dadra & Nagar
Haveli
4 NCT of Delhi
5 Puducherry
*lack of sufficient staff, lack of sufficient funds, priority to other important work, any other
(specify)

2 Comments on data entry

S. No. State Target Completion If not completed in time, give

date Date reasons*
1 Andhra Pradesh
2 Arunachal Pradesh
3 Assam
4 Bihar
5 Chhattisgarh
6 Goa
7 Gujarat
8 Haryana
9 Himachal Pradesh
10 J&K
11 Jharkhand
12 Karnataka
13 Kerala
14 Madhya Pradesh
15 Maharashtra
16 Manipur
17 Meghalaya
18 Mizoram
19 Nagaland
20 Orissa
21 Punjab
22 Rajasthan
51
 23 Sikkim
24 Tamil Nadu
25 Tripura
26 Uttar Pradesh
27 Uttarakhand
28 West Bengal
Union Territory
1 Andaman and Nicobar
2 Chandigarh
3 Dadra & Nagar Haveli
4 NCT of Delhi
5 Puducherry
* Lack of sufficient number of computers, lack of sufficient trained staff, lack of sufficient
funds, any other (specify)

3 Number of visits and mode of interaction between MOWR and Nodal officers
after completion of third census to till now

S. No. State Number of visits Mode of interaction*

MOWR State Internet Telephone Fax
to State (Nodal
(Nodal officers) to
officers) MOWR
1 Andhra Pradesh
2 Arunachal Pradesh
3 Assam
4 Bihar
5 Chhattisgarh
6 Goa
7 Gujarat
8 Haryana
9 Himachal Pradesh
10 J&K
11 Jharkhand
12 Karnataka
13 Kerala
14 Madhya Pradesh
15 Maharashtra
16 Manipur
17 Meghalaya
18 Mizoram
19 Nagaland
20 Orissa
21 Punjab
22 Rajasthan
23 Sikkim
24 Tamil Nadu
25 Tripura
26 Uttar Pradesh
52
 27 Uttarakhand
28 West Bengal
Union Territory
1 Andaman and
Nicobar
2 Chandigarh
3 Dadra & Nagar
Haveli
4 NCT of Delhi
5 Puducherry
* Tick only those items used for interaction

4 Which software used for

a) Data entry
b) Tabulation
c) Other (specify)
5 Is there any delay in completion of (Yes / No)
census work at the Headquarter?
6 If yes, tick the items for delay Reasons* for delay
a) Consolidation of data

b) Analysis of data

c) Tabulation of results

d) Report writing

e) Any other (specify)

* Lack of sufficient funds, lack of sufficient staff, lack of sufficient number of computers,
any other (specify)

7 Infrastructure
a) Staff position at headquarter
Name of post Sanctioned Filled-in Vacant Reasons* Additional posts**
(Number) (Number) (Number) for vacant required over and
posts above the sanctioned
post, if any
1 2 3 4 5 6

*Ban on filling-up the vacant posts, any other (specify)

** Give both number and type of posts

53
 b) Funds released for the States
S. State Amount Amount Whether Whether If not Whether
No. sanctioned released released fully reasons* sanctioned
(Rs.) (Rs.) in time utilized for not amount
(Yes/No) by the utilization adequate
states (Yes/No)
(Yes/No)
1 Andhra
Pradesh
2 Arunachal
Pradesh
3 Assam
4 Bihar
5 Chhattisgarh
6 Goa
7 Gujarat
8 Haryana
9 Himachal
Pradesh
10 J&K
11 Jharkhand
12 Karnataka
13 Kerala
14 Madhya
Pradesh
15 Maharashtra
16 Manipur
17 Meghalaya
18 Mizoram
19 Nagaland
20 Orissa
21 Punjab
22 Rajasthan
23 Sikkim
24 Tamil Nadu
25 Tripura
26 Uttar Pradesh
27 Uttarakhand
28 West Bengal
Union
Territory
1 Andaman and
Nicobar
2 Chandigarh
3 Dadra &
Nagar Haveli
4 NCT of Delhi
5 Puducherry

54
* States are using their own funds, Did not carry out the assigned work for which funds were
released, Any other (specify)

c) Others (MoWR level)

Item Available Whether If not adequate, additional requirement,
(number) adequate
(Yes/No)
Accommodation
(area or number of
rooms, write
clearly)
Vehicle
Computer Old
New
Furniture
Any other*
(specify)
* Give both number and type

8 Do some of the concepts and (Yes / No)

definitions of Minor Irrigation need to
be redefined?
9 If yes, give the new concepts and Use separate sheet
definitions
10 Are there any items under MI on (Yes / No)
which information is not fully
covered?
11 If yes, give the required information Village Schedule
schedule wise. a)
b)
c)
d)
Schedule-1
a)
b)
c)
d)
Schedule-2
a)
b)
c)
d)
12 Give the names of organizations a)
which have utilized the census data in b)
last five years. (use separate sheet if c)
required) d)
13 Is there any other agency involved in (Yes/ No)
collecting similar data?
14 If yes, is there any interaction with the (Yes/ No)

55
 agency involved in collecting similar
data?
15 Are there any efforts made for data (Yes/ No)
reconciliation between the agencies?
16 Are there any guidelines issued by the (Yes/ No)
Ministry requiring interaction among
the Nodal officers on a regular basis?
17 Any suggestion you would like to give Use separate sheet if required
for improving the census work of
minor irrigation?

C. Quarterly data
1 Give the sources from which quarterly data are 1
compiled 2
3
4
5

2 Data quality based on verification or cross checking done by MOWR

(for quarterly update)
S. No. State Data quality Is the quarterly data Reasons* for
(satisfactory received in time delay
or not) (Yes/No)
1 Andhra Pradesh
2 Arunachal Pradesh
3 Assam
4 Bihar
5 Chhattisgarh
6 Goa
7 Gujarat
8 Haryana
9 Himachal Pradesh
10 J&K
11 Jharkhand
12 Karnataka
13 Kerala
14 Madhya Pradesh
15 Maharashtra
16 Manipur
17 Meghalaya
18 Mizoram
19 Nagaland
20 Orissa
21 Punjab
22 Rajasthan
23 Sikkim
24 Tamil Nadu
25 Tripura
56
 26 Uttar Pradesh
27 Uttarakhand
28 West Bengal
Union Territory
1 Andaman and Nicobar
2 Chandigarh
3 Dadra & Nagar Haveli
4 NCT of Delhi
5 Puducherry
* Lack of sufficient staff, Delay in receipt of information from the various departments,
Priority to other important work, any other (specify)

3 In what form the quarterly data are received? a) Hard copy

b) CD
c) E-mail
d) Any other (specify)
4 Are the Annual reports generally brought out in (Yes / No)
time?
5 If no, tick the items reporting delay Reasons* for delay
a) Receipt of data

b) Consolidation of data

c) Analysis of data

d) Tabulation of results

e) Report writing

f) Any other (specify)

* Lack of sufficient funds, lack of sufficient staff, lack of sufficient number of computers,
postal delay, any other (specify)

6 Suggestions for improvement of work related to Use separate sheet

Quarterly data and Annual reports

Name
Designation
Signature with date

57
 INDIAN AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(ICAR)
LIBRARY AVENUE, NEW DELHI-110012

Evaluation of Rationalization of Minor Irrigation (MI) Statistics Scheme

Questionnaire for Collection of Information from State

(To be filled-up by Nodal Officer)

A. Identification Particulars:
S. No. Particulars Information
1 Name of the State
2 Name of the respondent
3 Designation of the respondent
4 Email address of the respondent
5 Fax number of the respondent
6 Telephone number of the
respondent
7 Mobile number of the respondent

B. Census data:
1 Which agency was identified for data Govt./ Private
collection?
2 Whether the training organized for data State (Yes/No)
collection? District (Yes/No)
Block (Yes/No)
3 Was there any difficulty faced in use of (Yes/No)
instruction manual for data collection?
4 If yes, specify a) Understanding the instructions
b) Some part of instructions not clear
(specify)
c) Some items in instruction manual
are missing (specify)
d) Some definitions are not clear
(specify)
e) Difficulty in calculating Irrigation
potential created/utilized
f) Any other (specify)

5 Whether any difficulty faced in collection (Yes / No)

of data on a particular item
6 If yes, specify a) Farmer not available
b) Farmer not cooperative
c) Difficulty in getting the records (in
case of village schedule)
d) Any other (specify)

58
7 Target fixed for completion of data Month
collection work Year
8 Actual date of completion of data Month
collection Year
9 Give reasons for delay, if any a) Lack of sufficient staff
b) Lack of sufficient funds
c) Priority to other important work
d) Any other (specify)

10 Was there any supervision of data (Yes / No)

collection work carried out by the nodal
officer at the state level?
11 If yes, give the number of villages
inspected (If more than one supervisory
staff inspected the village at the same
time, the village should be counted only
once)
12 Specify the software used for data entry

13 Target date fixed for completion of data Month

entry? Year
14 Actual date of completion of data entry Month
Year
15 Give reasons for delay a) Insufficient number of computers
b) Lack of sufficient staff
c) Delay in awarding the work in case
of outsourced
d) Lack of sufficient funds
e) Any other (specify)

16 Whether data entry carried out through (Yes / No)

outsourcing?
17 Is the software provided by MOWR for (Yes / No)
data scrutiny and data entry user friendly?
18 Are there meetings between MOWR and (Yes / No)
Nodal officers?
19 How many meetings held with MOWR
during the last five years?
20 Indicate, through which mode the Nodal Telephone, Fax, Internet
officer is connected to MOWR? (Tick the
relevant mode of communication)
21 Are the present criteria of allocation of (Yes / No)
funds adopted by MOWR for census work
satisfactory?
22 If not, suggest alternate methods Use separate sheet

23 Indicate amount required for carrying out a) State

MI Census work at different levels b) District
c) Block

59
 d) Village
e) Stationary
f) Printing of schedules
g) Any other (Specify)

24 Are there any items in the schedules on (Yes / No)

which information on MI is not fully
covered?
25 If yes, specify Village schedule
a)
b)
c)
Schedule-1
a)
b)
c)
Schedule-2
a)
b)
c)
26 Are the nodal officers connected to each (Yes / No)
other?
27 If yes, tick the mode of connectivity? a) Personal meetings
b) Internet
c) Fax
d) Telephone
28 If connected, give the frequency of a) As and when required
interaction between the nodal officers b) Quarterly
c) Half yearly
d) Yearly

29 Infrastructure at state level

a) Staff position
Name of post Sanctioned Filled-in Vacant Reasons* Additional posts **
(number) (number) (number) for vacant required over and above
post the sanctioned posts, if
any
1 2 3 4 5 6

*Ban on filling-up the vacant posts, any other (specify)

** Give both number and type of posts

60
 b) Funds
Amount Released Whether Whether If not, reason* for Whether
sanctioned (Rs.) released in fully utilized not utilization sanctioned
(Rs.) time amount adequate
(Yes/No)
1 2 3 4 5 6

* States are using their own funds, did not carry out the assigned work for which funds were
released, any other (specify)

c) Others
Item Available Whether If not adequate additional
(Number) adequate requirement, if any
(Yes/No)
Accommodation
(area or number of rooms,
write clearly)
Vehicle
Computer Old
New
Furniture
Any other* (specify)
* Give both number and type

29 Give suggestions for improvement of work related to MI Use separate sheet

census data

C. Quarterly data
1 Give the sources from which quarterly 1
data are compiled 2
3
4
5
2 Is the quarterly data sent in time? (Yes / No)
3 Suggestions for improvement of work related to quarterly data Use separate sheet

Name
Designation
Signature with date

61
 INDIAN AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(ICAR)
LIBRARY AVENUE, NEW DELHI-110012

Evaluation of Rationalization of Minor Irrigation (MI) Statistics Scheme

Questionnaire for Collection of Information from District
(To be filled-up by district level officer involved in MI Scheme)

A. Identification Particulars:

S. No. Particulars Information

1 Name of the State
2 Name of the District
3 Name of the respondent
4 Designation of the respondent
5 Email address of the respondent
6 Fax number of the respondent
7 Telephone number of the respondent
8 Mobile number of the respondent

B. Census data:

S. No. Particulars Information

1 Which agency was identified for data Govt./Private
collection?
2 Whether the training was organized (Yes/No)
for data collection?
3 Whether any difficulty faced in use of (Yes/No)
instruction manual for data collection?
4 If yes, specify a) Understanding the instructions
b) Some part of instructions not clear
(specify)
c) Some items in instruction manual
are missing (specify)
d) Some definitions are not clear
(specify)
e) Difficulty in calculating Irrigation
potential created/utilized
f) Any other (specify)

5 Whether any difficulty faced in data (Yes/No)

collection on any particular item?
6 If yes, specify a) Farmer not available
b) Farmer not cooperative
c) Difficulty in getting records (in
case of village schedule)
d) Any other (specify)

62
 7 Target date fixed for completion of Month
data collection work? Year
8 Actual date of completion of data Month
collection work Year
9 If data collection work was not a) Lack of sufficient staff
completed in the allotted time, give b) Lack of sufficient funds
reasons c) Priority to other important work
d) Any other (specify)

10 Any additional item on which MI data Village Schedule

need to be collected?
Schedule-1

Schedule-2

11 How many villages inspected to a) District level

supervise the data collection work? b) Block level -
12 Whether data entry carried out at the (Yes / No)
district?
13 Target date fixed for sending the filled Month
in schedules to state headquarter? Year
14 Actual date of dispatch of filled in Month
schedules to state headquarter? Year
15 If schedules not sent in time, reasons a) Delay due to insufficient staff
b) Lack of sufficient funds
c) Priority to other important work
d) Delay due to data entry
d) Any other (specify)

16 How many meetings held between

Nodal officer and district/block officer
during last five years for MI census?
17 Indicate through which mode the a) Meeting
district / block officers are connected b) Internet
to the Nodal officer? c) Phone
d) Fax
18 Any suggestions for improvement of Use separate sheet
MI census work

Name
Designation
Signature with date

63
 INDIAN AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(ICAR)
LIBRARY AVENUE, NEW DELHI-110012

Evaluation of Rationalization of Minor Irrigation (MI) Statistics Scheme

Questionnaire for Collection of Information from Village

(To be filled-up by Primary worker)

A. Identification Particulars:

S. No. Particulars Information

1 Name of the State
2 Name of the District
3 Name of the Block
4 Name of the Village
5 Name of the Respondent
6 Designation of the Respondent

B. Information related to Minor Irrigation Census:

S. No. Particulars Information

1 Whether the training was organized (Yes/No)
for data collection?
2 Was there any difficulty faced in use (Yes/No)
of instruction manual for data
collection?
3 If yes, specify a) Understanding the instructions
b) Some part of instructions not clear
(specify)
c) Some items in instruction manual
are missing (specify)
d) Some definitions are not clear
(specify)
e) Difficulty in calculating Irrigation
potential created/utilized
f) Any other (specify)

4 Whether any difficulty faced in data (Yes/No)

collection on any particular item?
5 If yes, specify a) Farmer not available
b) Farmer not cooperative
c) Difficulty in getting records (in
case of village schedule)
d) Any other (specify)

6 Target date fixed for completion of Month

data collection work? Year

64
 7 Actual date of completion of data
collection work
8 If data collection work was not
completed in the allotted time, give
reasons
9 Whether filled in schedules were sent
to district/block headquarter in time?
10 If not, reasons for delay
Month
Year
a) Lack of sufficient funds
b) Priority to other important work
c) Any other (specify)
(Yes / No)
b) Priority to other important work
c) Any other (specify)

11 How many meetings were held with

district/block officers during last five
years?
12 Indicate through which mode the Telephone, Fax, Internet
primary workers are connected to
district/block officers? (tick)
13 Any additional item on which MI Village Schedule
census data need to be collected?
Schedule-1

Schedule-2

14 Any suggestions for improvement of Use separate sheet

MI Census work

Name
Designation
Signature with date

65
 ANNEXURE II

FOURTH CENSUS OF MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES

REFERENCE YEAR 2006-07

VILLAGE SCHEDULE
I. IDENTIFICATION: (USE 3rd MI CENSUS (2000-01) CODES ONLY
State: ________________ Code: District: _____________________ Code:
Block: _________________ Code: Village: ______________________Code:
Date of Enumeration:
II. SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
1. Is Village Tribal/ Non-Tribal? Code:
Tribal 1, Non-Tribal -2
2. Name of Major/ Medium Scheme ________________________________
(Note: The information in item 3 to 11 of this schedule shall be based on village records)

3. Geographical Area Ha.

4. Cultivable Area Ha.
5. Net Area Sown Ha.
6. Net Area Irrigated through Canal Ha.
7. Net Area Irrigated through Tanks Ha.
8. Net Area Irrigated through Tubewells Ha.
9. Net Area Irrigated through other wells Ha.
10. Net Area Irrigated through others sources Ha.
11. Total Net Area Irrigated (column 6+7+8+9+10) Ha.
12. Average Ground Water level (in Meters)
13. Number of water body
(a) For irrigation
(b) For non irrigation
14. Whether Water Users Association (WUA) exists in the village Code:
Yes -1, No -2

66
If yes, Number of Water Users Associations:
_____________________________________________________________________
Schedule wise summary of M I schemes in the village
NO. OF GROUND WATER SCHEMES
NO. OF SURFACE WATER SCHEMES
NO. OF TOTAL SCHEMES

Checked by: Signature of Enumerator:

Name: Name:
Designation of Supervisory officer: Designation of Enumerator:

67
 FOURTH CENSUS OF MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES
REFERENCE YEAR 2006-07

SCHEDULE 1: GROUND WATER SCHEMES

I. IDENTIFICATION: USE 3rd MI CENSUS (2000-01) CODE ONLY

State: _______________________ Code: District: ________________ Code:
Block: _______________________ Code: Village: _________________Code:
Date of Enumeration:
II. SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
1. Serial Number of scheme:
2. Type of Scheme Code:
Dug Well 1, Shallow Tube well - 2, Deep Tube well - 3
3. Owner of the Scheme (Name in case of individual farmer)
Name __________________________________ Code:
Govt. owned - 1, Co-operative owned - 2, Panchayat owned - 3,
Owned by Group of farmers - 4, Owned by individual farmers - 5, Others 6
4. Khasra number /Plot No./Survey No. in which the scheme is located
__________________________________
5.(a) Total Holding of owner (in case of individual owner only) Ha.
(b) Social Status of Owner (in case of individual owner only) Code:
Scheduled caste -1, Scheduled tribe 2, OBC- 3, Others 4
6. Year of Commissioning of the Scheme Code:
On or before 2000-2001 - 1, during 2001-02 - 2, during 2002-03 - 3,
during 2003-04 4, during 2004-05 - 5 , during 2005-06 - 6 , during 2006-07 - 7
7. Nature of scheme Code:
Dugwell : Pucca -1, Kuchha -2, Dug-cum-bore well - 3, Others - 4
Shallow Tubewell : Shallow Tube well 1, Filter point-2, Others - 3
Deep Tubewell : Deep Tube Well - 1, Others - 2

68
8. Details of the scheme
( a ) Depth of the well (in metres)
( b ) Diameter (unit in meters for dug well and mm for tube well )
( c ) Depth of Bore (in meters) (in case of Dug-cum-borewell)
( d) Distance of nearest well (in metres)
9. (a) Cost of construction of the scheme (Rs.)
(b) Cost of machinery (Rs.)
(c) Cost of maintenance during (2006-07) (Rs.)
10. Major source of finance Code:
Bank loan - 1, Government fund - 2, Own savings - 3, Money lender - 4, Others 5
11. Current Status of the Scheme Code:
In use - 1, Temporarily Not in Use - 2, Permanently Not in use - 3
12. Reason code for Temporarily "not in use" Scheme (code - 2 in item 11) Code:
Non availability of adequate power 1, Mechanical break down 2,
Less discharge in the well - 3, Any other reason - 4
13. Reason code for Permanently "not in use" Scheme (code - 3 in item 11) Code:
Due to salinity - 1, Dried up - 2, Destroyed beyond repair - 3
Due to sea water intrusion - 4, Due to industrial effluents - 5,
Due to other reasons - 6
14. Water distribution / application method used Code:
Open Water Channel (lined / pucca) 1, Open Water Channel (unlined / kucha) - 2
Under ground pipe 3, Surface pipe - 4, Drip - 5, Sprinkler - 6, Other - 7
15. Lifting device Code:
Submersible pump - 1, Centrifugal Pump - 2, Turbine - 3, Manual/animal - 4, Other - 5
16. Source of energy Code:
Electric - 1, Diesel - 2, Wind Mills - 3, Solar - 4, Manual/animal - 5, Others - 6
17. Horse Power of Lifting device HP
(Ignore if lifting device is manual/animal driven)

69
18. Number of days operating pump (ignore, if lifting device is manual/animal driven)
During Kharif season Days
During Rabi season Days
19. Average hours of pumping per day (ignore, if lifting device is manual/animal driven)
During Kharif season Hrs
During Rabi season Hrs
20. Culturable Command Area Ha.
21. Whether the scheme is located in the command of Major & Medium Schemes like
Canals etc. Code:
No --- 1 (Keep item 34 to item 38 blank)
Yes --- 2 (Keep item 27 to item 31 blank)
Yes (for augmentation only) --- 3 (Keep item 22 to item 38 blank)
SEASON WISE IRRIGATION POTENTIAL CREATED (IPC)
22. Kharif Ha.
23. Rabi Ha.
24. Perennial Ha.
25. Other Ha.
26 Total Ha.
SEASON WISE ACTUAL AREA IRRIGATED DURING 2006-07 (IPU)
27. Kharif Ha.
28. Rabi Ha.
29. Perennial Ha.
30. Other Ha.
31. Total Ha.
32. Whether the scheme is functioning well since its commissioning? (Y / N) Code:
33. If No, Maximum Potential utilised from the Scheme in any year Ha.

70
 SEASON WISE AREA IRRIGATED BY THE MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES
(DURING 2006-07) AS SUPPLEMENTARY SOURCE IN THE COMMAND OF
MAJOR & MEDIUM SCHEMES
34. Kharif Ha.
35. Rabi Ha.
36. Perennial Ha.
37. Other Ha.
38. Total Ha.
39. Reasons for under utilisation of schemes Code:
Non availability of adequate power 1, Mechanical break down 2,
Less discharge in the well - 3, Any other reason - 4, Not applicable 5

Checked by: Signature of Enumerator:

Name Name
Designation: Designation:

71
 FOURTH CENSUS OF MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES
REFERENCE YEAR 2006-07

SCHEDULE 2: SURFACE WATER SCHEMES

I. IDENTIFICATION: USE 3rd MI CENSUS (2000-01) CODE ONLY

State: _______________________ Code: District: ____________Code:
Block: _______________________ Code: Village: _____________Code:
Date of Enumeration:
II. SPECIFIC INFORMATION:
1. Serial Number of scheme:
2. Type of Scheme Code:
Surface Flow Scheme 1, Surface Lift Scheme - 2
3. Owner of the Scheme (Name in case of individual farmer)
Name __________________________________ Code:
Govt. owned - 1, Co-operative owned - 2, Panchayat owned - 3, Owned by Group of farmers
- 4, Owned by individual farmers - 5, Others 6
4. Khasra number /Plot No. /Survey No. in which the scheme is located
_____________________________
5.(a) Total Holding of owner (in case of individual owner only) Ha
(b) Social Status of Owner (in case of individual owner only) Code:
Scheduled caste -1, Scheduled tribe 2, OBC- 3, Others 4
6. Year of Commissioning of the Scheme Code:
On or before 2000-2001 - 1, during 2001-02 - 2, during 2002-03 - 3,
during 2003-04 4, during 2004-05 - 5 , during 2005-06 - 6 , during 2006-07 - 7
7. Nature of scheme Code:
Surface Flow Scheme: Reservoirs - 1, Tanks -2, Other Storages -3, Permanent diversion
- 4, Temporary diversion - 5
Water conservation-cum-ground water recharge schemes /percolation tanks/check dams etc
6, Spring Channel - 7, Other - 8

72
Surface lift Scheme: On River - 1, On Stream - 2, On drain/canal - 3,
On Tanks/Ponds/Reservoirs - 4, Others - 5
8. (a) Cost of construction of the scheme (Rs.)
(b) Cost of machinery (Rs.)
(c) Cost of maintenance during (2006-07) (Rs.)
9. Major source of finance Code:
Bank loan - 1, Government fund - 2, Own savings - 3, Money lender - 4, Others - 5
10. Current Status of the Scheme Code:
In use - 1, Temporarily Not in Use - 2, Permanently Not in use - 3
11 . Reason code for Temporarily "not in use" Scheme (code - 2 in item 10) Code:
Non availability of adequate power 1, Mechanical break down 2,
Less discharge of water - 3, Storage not filled up fully - 4
Siltation of canal/storage - 5, Breakdown of channels - 6, Any other reason - 7
12 . Reason code for Permanently "not in use" Scheme (code - 3 in item 10) Code:
Due to salinity - 1, Dried up - 2, Destroyed beyond repair - 3,
Due to sinking - 4, Due to other reasons - 5
13. Water distribution / application method Code:
Open Water Channel (lined / pucca) 1, Open Water Channel (unlined / kucha) - 2
Under ground pipe 3, Surface pipe - 4, Drip - 5, Sprinkler - 6, Others -7
14. Lifting device (in case of Surface lift scheme) Code:
Submersible pump - 1 , Centrifugal Pump - 2, Turbine - 3, Manual/animal - 4,
Other - 5
15. Source of energy Code:
Electric - 1, Diesel - 2, Wind Mills - 3, Solar - 4, Manual/animal - 5, Others - 6
16. Horse Power of Lifting device (ignore, if lifting device is manual/animal driven) HP
17. Number of days operating pump (ignore, if lifting device is manual/animal driven)
During Kharif season Days
During Rabi season Days

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18. Average hours of pumping per day (ignore, if lifting device is manual/animal driven)
During Kharif season Hrs
During Rabi season Hrs
19. Culturable Command Area Ha.
20. Whether the scheme is located in the command of Major & Medium Schemes like Canals
etc. Code:
No --- 1 (Keep item 33 to item 37 blank)
Yes --- 2 (Keep item 26 to item 30 blank)
Yes (for augmentation only) - 3 (Keep item 21 to item 37 blank)
10. Current Status of the Scheme
SEASON WISE IRRIGATION POTENTIAL CREATED (IPC)
21. Kharif Ha.
22. Rabi Ha.
23. Perennial Ha.
24. Other Ha.
25. Total Ha.
SEASON WISE ACTUAL AREA IRRIGATED DURING 2006-07 (IPU)
26. Kharif Ha.
27. Rabi Ha.
28. Perennial Ha.
29. Other Ha.
30. Total Ha.
31. Whether the scheme is functioning well since its commissioning? (Y / N) Code:
32. If No, Maximum Potential utilised from the Scheme in any year. Ha.

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 SEASON WISE AREA IRRIGATED BY THE MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES
(DURING 2006-07) AS SUPPLEMENTARY SOURCE IN THE COMMAND OF
MAJOR & MEDIUM SCHEMES
33. Kharif Ha.
34. Rabi Ha.
35. Perennial Ha.
36. Other Ha.
37. Total Ha.
38. Reasons for under utilisation of schemes Code:
Non availability of adequate power 1, Mechanical break down 2,
Less discharge of water - 3, Storage not filled up fully - 4, Siltation of canal/storage- 5
Breakdown of channels - 6, Any other reason - 7, Not applicable - 8
39. Specific features of Reservoirs, Tank, Other storages
(a) Designed Storage (in cubic metres)
(b) Filled up Storage (during 2006-07) Code:
Full - 1, upto 3/4 - 2, upto 1/4 - 3, Nil/Negligible filled up - 4
(c) Status of filling up of storage Space Code:
(based on around 50% filling up of storages during last 5 year)
Filled up every year - 1, Usually filled up - 2, Rarely filled up - 3, Never filled up - 4
(d) Number of Villages covered by the scheme
40. Whether the Scheme has benifited Ground Water in the area Code:
Yes - 1, No - 2, Can't say 3
Checked by: Signature of Enumerator:
Name Name
Designation: Designation:

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 ANNEXURE III

SUGGESTED REVISIONS IN THE FOURTH CENSUS

OF MINOR IRRIGATION SCHEMES
Village Schedule:
Following modifications are suggested in serial number 2 of village schedule

Is there any major/medium irrigation scheme existing in the village?

If yes, name the scheme

Status of the scheme (major/medium)

Name of other villages covered under the scheme

Source wise net irrigated area needs to be recorded under serial number 6 to 10.

Item under serial 13 may be modified as

a) Only for irrigation
b) Only for non irrigation
c) Both for irrigation and non irrigation
Schedule 1: Ground Water Schemes

Information on owner of the scheme (Serial number 3) may be shifted to the

Identification part.

Serial no. 2 may be changed to Serial no. 2 (a) and 2 (b). Serial no. 2 (a) should cover
information pertaining to type of scheme and serial no. 2 (b) should cover information
pertaining to Nature of the scheme (currently information on nature of the scheme is
covered under S. No. 7).

Information under S. No. 6 be recorded as follows:

Year of commissioning of the scheme:

An item requiring information on year of disuse or failure of scheme may also be

added in the Schedule.

Detail of the scheme (Serial No. 8): may be modified as follows

a) Depth of the Well (in meters)
(i) Dug well
(ii) Shallow tubewell

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 (iii) Deep tubewell
b) Diameter of well (in meters)
c) Diameter of bore (in milimeters) in case of shallow/deep tubewell
d) Distance from the nearest well (this item should be kept only if it is used in
analysis and presentation of results)

Serial No. 9 may be deleted.

Serial No. 10 major source of finance: Subsidy provided by the Government may also
be included.

Under serial no. 15 the name of lifting machine may be added (Electric motor, Diesel
engine, Wind Mill, Solar panel, manual etc.).

Irrigation potential created at the time of commencement of the scheme may be

added.

If there is any revision in Irrigation potential created (increase or decrease may be

recorded along with date).

It is better to collect information on season wise irrigation potential created (Sr. no.
22-26) in the form of crop wise, season wise target fixed for irrigation. All the crops
grown by the farmer should be covered.

Provision be made in the Schedule for collecting information on Season wise, crop
wise actual area irrigated. All the crops grown by the farmer should be covered.
Schedule 2: Surface Water Schemes

Owner of the scheme (Serial number 3) may be shifted to the Identification part.

Serial no. 2 may be changed to serial no. 2(a) and 2 (b). Serial no. 2(a) should cover
information pertaining to type of scheme and serial no. 2(b) should cover information
pertaining to Nature of the scheme (currently information on nature of the scheme is
covered under S. No. 7).

Information under S. No. 6 be recorded as follows:

Year of commissioning of the scheme:

An item may be added in the Schedule containing information on year of disuse or

failure of scheme.

Serial No. 8 may be deleted.

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 Serial No. 9 major source of finance: Subsidy provided by the Government may also
be included.

Under serial no. 14 the name of lifting machine may be added (Electric motor, Diesel
engine, Wind Mill, Solar panel, manual etc.).

Irrigation potential created at the time of commencement of the scheme may be

added.

If there is any revision in Irrigation potential created i.e. increase or decrease may be
recorded along with date.

It is better to collect information on season wise irrigation potential created (Sr. no.
21-25) in the form of crop wise, season wise target fixed for irrigation. All the crops
grown by the farmer should be covered.

Provision be made in the Schedule for collecting information on Season wise, crop
wise actual area irrigated. All the crops grown by the farmer should be covered.

Serial number 39: Designed storage (in cubic meters). Experiences of field visits
reveal that it is very difficult to provide correct information in case the structure is
irregular. Part (c) status of filling up of storage (based on around 50% filling up of
storages during last 5 year): This information is also difficult to get as it is required
for 5 years. The primary workers have reported that it is difficult for the respondent to
correctly recall and provide the information. This item should be deleted from the
schedule.

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