Question : FINANCIAL SUPPORT UNDER MPLAD SCHEME TO RENEWAL SOURCES

(a) whether the Government have taken up the matter with the State Governments to ensure upward financial allocations alongwith proper utilization of the allocated funds for the new and renewed source of energy;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the State Governments have also been requested to avail the financial support under MPLAD scheme;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the importance of renewed energy source abundantly available in the country is growing due to increased imported oil; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the funds to the States for such Energy Sources?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), (SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)

(a) & (b): The Ministry is regularly taking up the matter with State Governments for matching financial requirement under State plan budget required for implementation of various renewable energy projects sanctioned by the Ministry. The Ministry also reviews utilization of allocated funds to the States for implementation of the programmes through periodic meetings with them.

(c)&(d): The Ministry have been requesting State Governments to avail financial support from the MPLAD Scheme for the implementation of socially orientated programmes such as Biogas, Solar Photovoltaic and Biomass Gasifier for meeting various energy needs of rural areas.

(e) & (f): As India has a vast potential of non-conventional energy sources such as solar, wind, small hydro power and biomass, the use of renewable energy sources is growing gradually for meeting various energy requirements such as cooking, heating, lighting etc. throughout the country. The Ministry has been providing financial support under its various renewable energy programmes to harness renewable energy sources such as Biomass, Wind, Solar, Biogas, etc. and has allocated Rs.339.25 crores for the current financial year 2001-2002 for implementation of various non-conventional energy programmes in various States of the country.