Question : ALLOCATION OF FUNDS UNDER BRGF

(a) whether funds are not being allocated from Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) for the development of industrial infrastructure and providing electricity due to which industries are not being set up in backward areas in the absence of infrastructure and power;

(b) if so, the talks held with the Department of Planning and Finance in this regard along with the outcome thereof;

(c) the manner in which industries are likely to be set up in backward areas in the absence of infrastructure and power along with the reaction of the Government in this regard; and

(d) the remedial steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI NIHALCHAND)

(a), (c) & (d): The Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF) provides financial resources for supplementing and converging existing develop- mental inflows into identified backward districts so as to bridge critical gaps in local infrastructure and other development requirements that are not being adequately met through existing inflows. Funds under the BRGF can be utilized by the Panchayati Raj Institutions for any work which has been included in the Annual Action Plan prepared in a participatory mode as per the local felt needs and duly consolidated and approved by the District Planning Committee.

(b) : Does not arise in view of reply above.