Question : DDP & DPAP AREAS

(a) whether the Government of Gujarat has represented to the Government of India for considering Desert Development Programme (DDP) areas at par with Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP) areas for financial assistance under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) as recommended by the Planning Commission;

(b) if so, the steps the Union Government proposes to take to fulfil the said request;

(c) whether the Government of Gujarat has requested for considering DDP areas at par with DPAP areas regardless of whetherit is a new project or ongoing project and that the Union Government should revise its guidelines accordingly; and

(d) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION; PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND TEXTILES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE). (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a)to(d) Yes, Madam.

The modified guidelines for funding under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) issued by the Ministry of Water Resources, in October, 2013, stipulate that for the purpose of determining the quantum of assistance, a project benefiting Desert Development Programme (DDP) Area/ Desert Prone Area will be treated at par with those benefiting DPAP areas. The new projects will be eligible for Central Assistance @ 90% for projects in Special Category States, and 75% for projects in Non-Special Category States.

The ongoing projects already under AIBP and benefiting Desert Development Programme (DDP)/ Desert Prone Area will continue to get Central Assistance @ 25%. The DDP areas will be as identified by the Ministry of Rural Development in their published documents.

In accordance with the above, the Government of Gujarat is eligible for 25% Central Assistance.