(a) whether the Government proposes a separate development policy for the Himalayan States in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the funds allocated for the purpose; and
(c) if not, the time by which the said policy is likely to be implemented?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) MINISTRY OF PLANNING, MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)
(a) to (c): The eleven Himalayan States of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura have been given ‘Special Category Status’ for the purpose of plan assistance from the Central Government with following benefits:
(i) A major portion of the Normal Central Assistance (56.25%) is distributed to eleven Special Category States and the remaining (43.75%) among eighteen General Category States.
(ii) Only Special Category States receive Special Plan Assistance (for projects) (90% grant) and Special Central Assistance grants (untied) (100% grant).
(iii) The assistance for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) flows to Special category States as 90 per cent grant whereas for General Category States, it flows as back- to-back loans.
(iv) The state share in Centrally Sponsored Schemes is usually lower for Special Category States, especially the States of North East region as compared to General Category States.
In addition, keeping in view their special characteristics, for North Eastern Region (NER there is provision for earmarking of funds (10%) of several central Ministries/Departments for NER, and a mechanism of non-lapsable Centre Pool of Resources (NLCPR). In the current budget, Rs. 100 crore has also been kept for setting up of a National Centre for Himalayan Studies in Uttrakhand. The Government has also proposed setting up of National Centre for Himalayan Studies and National Mission for Himalayas. The conservation of Himalayan ecology and a common development model for Himalayan States are important priorities of the Government.
A statement showing Central assistance on the plan side under different schemes released to Himalayan States in the last three year is enclosed at Annex-A.