The government felt that if the schemes need to make an impact on the health condition of people, there was a need to strengthen capacities for data collection, assessment and review for evidence based planning, monitoring and supervision.

The survey will be carried out by private agencies but supervised by RGI officials.

'The field work for the survey would commence during 2009-10 and the first set of results is likely to start flowing during 2010-11. Based on the experience of this exercise, a decision will be taken on future expansion of the survey to other parts of the country,' a statement issued here said.

The NRHM was launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to bring improvement in the health system and health status of people living in far-fetched and inaccessible areas.

It aims to provide universal access to equitable, affordable and quality health care and also to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.