Question : SUBMISSION OF PROJECTS UNDER MSDP

(a) whether the Union Government has restructured the Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP) and has identified new blocks and towns for its implementation;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations are not submitting their projects to the Union Government for the development in minority concentrated districts in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor, State-wise;

(e) whether the State Governments/UTs are not utilizing the funds allocated under the said Programme; and

(f) if so, the details of the funds allocated and utilized by them during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise and the steps being taken by the Union Government for the full utilization of funds?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI NINONG ERING)

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. During 11th Five Year Plan the Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) was implemented in 90 Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs). The programme has been restructured and 710 Minority Concentration Blocks (MCBs) and 66 Minority Concentration Towns (MCTs) have been identified for implementation of the programme during 12th Five Year Plan. Out of these, 165 MCBs and 66 MCTs are those minority concentration areas which were not covered under MsDP during 11th Five Year Plan.

(c) & (d) Project proposals under MsDP are being submitted by the States/UTs to this Ministry and such project proposals have been received from West Bengal, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Assam during the current year till date out of the 26 States/UTs where blocks/towns have been identified for implementation of MsDP.

(e) & (f) Under MsDP, during the period from 2008-2012 (11th Plan period) and 2012-13 & 2013-14 till date (12th Plan period), the State/UT wise details of fund approval, release and utilization are annexed. National and regional conferences with the officials of States /UTs are held and the progress of MsDP reviewed. Further, the official of this Ministry visits the States and review the implementation of the scheme. In addition, as a follow up action regular review meetings with States/UTs are held through Video Conferencing and States/UTs are also reminded and sensitized through regular communications at higher levels of the Ministry for further utilization of funds.