Question : GRANTS FOR TRAINING PROGRAMME UNDER NHM

(a) whether a number of State Governments including West Bengal have sent proposals to the Union Government seeking release of grants for conducting the training programmes under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM).

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) the details of proposals cleared, State-wise;

(d) whether the training programmes have not been started by many State Governments due to non-release of grants; and

(e) if so, the time by which remaining proposals are likely to be cleared and grants released?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a) to (c): Human Resource Development is one of the components under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), wherein there is provision for organizing training and exposure visit of the farmers, training of gardeners, supervisors, and entrepreneurs. Annual Action Plans containing proposal for taking developmental programmes in horticulture as well as HRD activities have been received from the participating States including West Bengal for the year 2005-06 and 2006-07. The list of States whose Action Plans have been approved and the details of funds provided for conducting the training programme during 2005-06 and 2006-07 is given at Annexure.

(d) & (e): Funds have been released to all the participating States of NHM for taking up HRD activities.