(a) whether the Government have decided to relax the terms and
conditions of the Central loan assistance for the State
implementing reforms in the irrigation sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the criterion laid down for providing that loan assistance;
and
(d) the time by which this decision is likely to be made
effective?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI BALASAHEB VIKHE PATIL)
(a) to (d) : Yes Sir, The criteria for releasing the Central
Loan Assistance (CLA) under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits
Programme (AIBP) has been relaxed w.e.f. 1.2.2002 for reforming
States which agree to revise their water rates in phases so as
to recover full operation and maintenance cost within a period
of 5 years. Now the reforming States under general category will
get CLA in the ratio of 4 :1 (Centre : State) instead of the
existing 2 : 1 and under Special Category, in the ratio of
1 : 0 (Centre : State) instead of the existing 3 : 1. CLA norms
for non-reforming States will remain unchanged.