Question : MID TERM LOAN TO WEST BENGAL

(a) whether a mid-term loan of Rs. 865 crore sanctioned by the Ministry of Finance for the State of West Bengal, has not been released so far;

(b) if so, the reasons therefore;

(c) whether the Government are seriously considering releasing the same at the earliest considering the current financial position of the State; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE & COMPANY AFFAIRS (SHRI ANANDRAO V. ADSUL)

(a) to (d): An amount of Rs. 878 crores has been approved as a Medium Term Loan to Government of West Bengal, which, however, can be released only after the supplementary grants for the year 2002-03, are approved by the Parliament.