Evaluation Study MSE Cluster Development - Ministry of Micro ...

Chapter No: 4 – Soft Interventions in Sampled ClustersThe essential features of the Diagnostic Study listed above not only reflects the contentsof the study to be undertaken but also reflects some essential features that arenecessary for the Cluster Development Programme to be sustainable.4.4 The Way Ahead (Actionable Issues)The measures that are immediately required to induce the strong and long lasting impactof such interventions are as follows:Planning and selecting soft interventions according to the characteristics and needs ofthe cluster identified and studied during the diagnostic study. These interventions alsoneed to be properly sequenced.The period of implementation of these soft interventions, which currently extends over aperiod of three years causes the diffusion and slackness of effort and thus needs to beshortened to a period of 12-18 months.The funds allocated for these interventions are at present inadequate and needs to beenhanced and a portion of these funds earmarked for the concurrent monitoring andassessment of these interventions, specially during the 11th Five Year Plan whichspecifically aims at ‘inclusiveness’. The funds allocated should be released in a timelymanner and in accordance with the monitoring reports. They should be released forspecific well-sequenced interventions in instalments.The training and focused skill development of the cluster development executive and thenecessary facilities for his or her effective functioning is a prime ingredient for thesuccessful implementation of soft interventions.The term “soft” interventions should be avoided and replaced by a more appropriateterm such as ‘Basic’, or ‘Preparatory’ or ‘Primary’ or ‘Enabling’ or ‘Catalytic’ interventions.87