State Balanced Growth Fund – Phase 2

In response to the need for targeted and strategic development, the State Balanced Growth Fund scheme underwent reformulation/redesign as per the Government Order (MS) No.108, PD&SI Department, dated: 15.09.2022.

The primary aim of the revised State Balanced Growth Fund is to mitigate regional disparities hindering uniform development across the state. The specific objectives for the initial two years focus on addressing backwardness in key measurable outcomes, particularly in health, nutrition, and education across districts. The scheme is designed to intervene in the following parameters:

1. Improving the nutritional status of children in the first 1000 days, including pregnant and lactating women.
2. Enhancing the reading, writing, and mathematical skills of primary school children in Tamil and English.
3. Providing growth monitoring devices to 2757 Anganwadi Centers.

Under the Reformulated SBGF, the following 23 blocks across 14 districts have been selected for developing the Health parameter:

The selected districts for developing the Education parameter include Villupuram, Salem, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Ariyalur, and Thiruvarur. Additionally, 2757 Anganwadi Centers across the state have been chosen for developing the Nutrition parameter. Projects under the revised SBGF are set to be implemented from the fiscal year 2022-23 to 2023-24, focusing on improving nutritional status and educational skills, along with providing growth monitoring devices.

The State Level Empowered Committee, chaired by the Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, plays a crucial role in approving action plans, considering specific proposals, and granting sanctions. The committee comprises:

• Secretary to Government (Planning & Development)
• Secretary to Government (Finance)
• Secretary to Government (dealing with the sector under which projects are formulated)
• Full-Time Member
• Additional Full-Time Member
• Members dealing with the particular subject
• The Member Secretary of the State Planning Commission serves as the Member Secretary of the State Level Empowered Committee. At the district level, District Collectors monitor the program, involving line department officials.