Question : RASHTRIYA SUM VIKAS YOJANA

(a) whether the Government have launched ` Rashtriya Sum Vikas Yojana`;

(b) if so, the main objective of this Scheme; and

(c) the progress of this scheme as on October `2002 ?

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

(a) to (c) : The Rashtriya Sum Vikas Yojana (Development and Reform Facility) is a new initiative which has been introduced in the current year to foster balanced regional development. There are three components of the scheme; (i) Backward Districts Initiative; (ii) Special Plan for Bihar, and (iii) Special Plan for KBK Districts of Orissa. No specific guidelines are contemplated at this stage as it is felt that the development problems of the districts are diverse and need to be tackled through innovative approaches.

The Backward Districts Initiative is being taken up on a pilot basis in the current year and 25 districts have been identified.

As this scheme has been introduced in the current year till date Rs.50 crore have been disbursed to the Govt. of Orissa for the Special Plan for the KBK districts of the State