(a) the amount spent on Media and Publicity in the year 2001-2002 and 2002-2003;
(b) the budgetary allocation for media and publicity for the said years;
(c) whether any publicity consultant was appointed;
(d) if so, the amount paid for consultancy or as salary;
(e) whether the appointment was sanctioned by the Government;
(f) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(g) the sources of making payment to him?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI U.V. KRISHNAM RAJU)
(a) An amount of Rupees 5461.72 lakh and Rupees 1678.00 lakh was spent on Media and Publicity in the year 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 respectively.
(b) The Budgetary allocation for media and publicity for the years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 was Rupees 2859.00 lakh and Rupees 2250 lakh respectively.
(c) Yes Sir, a consultant was appointed on full time basis for a period of one year with effect from 22nd February, 2002 for the purpose. The consultant held the post till 8th July, 2002.
(d) The consultant was engaged at consolidated salary of Rupees 22,400/- (fixed) and total amount of Rupees 1,00,981/- was paid for the services provided by the consultant.
(e) The appointment was made with the approval of Department of Personnel and Training and as per guidelines issued for the appointment of consultant.
(f) Does not arise.
(g) The salary to the consultant was paid out of the sanctioned budget grant of the Ministry.