3.5 The great next step

A key function of the NTI was to respond to problems and queries raised by various DTCs, STCs and programme managers situated all over the country. The NTP is a national programme. It should not function in scattered, discrete DTCs implemented around the country without technical links and ready support. There should be uniformity in work procedures.

If freedom of action, according to discretion of DTOs was encouraged or flexibility allowed to an extent that different DTCs follow different procedures, then supervision and assessment of the NTP would be rendered difficult. As one progresses, changes for the betterment of the programme methodology or strategy may become necessary. These should be accommodated judiciously after considerable deliberations by the NTI or chosen centres.

The NTI’s work, therefore, did not end in training of DTP key personnel, implementation and energising the concerned. It also had to keep a scientific eye on its actual functioning and growth. This task was to be executed in many ways. One was, work done in the various DTCs had to be recorded in standard cards, records and forms which were amenable for inferential statistical computing. In 1963, index cards, treatment cards, quarterly reporting forms were designed and distributed to certain districts on a pilot basis. These were then modified to be used for the national recording and reporting system. In 1964, these were printed with UNICEF assistance and distributed to all DTCs.