Question : PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT WORK

(a) whether the Government has conducted any survey to assess the position of States with regard to progress in development work and law and order situation therein;

(b) if so, the State which is lagging behind in developmental works and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether any investigation has been conducted in regard to funds provided to such States for their projects;

(d) if so, the outcome of the investigation conducted in this regard so far;

(e) whether the Government is considering any scheme for the backward States; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)

(a) to (d): `Police` and `Public Order` being state subjects Law and Order situation in the States is the responsibility of the State Governments. In case of serious incidents of breach of public order, the Central Government also reviews and monitors the situation in association with the concerned States. As regards developmental schemes, the Central Ministries/Departments have a system of regular review and take steps, whenever required, to improve the implementation of the Schemes.

(e) & (f): In this year`s budget the Finance Minister has announced establishment of a Backward Regions Grant Fund. An allocation of Rs. 5000 crore has been made in the Plan for 2005-06, and an equal amount will be allocated every year in the next four years.