(a) whether the Government proposes to simplify the process of according approval to mega irrigation projects;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the extent of simplifications made with regard to approvals from the Central Water Commission and investment approvals from NITI Ayog; and
(c) the details of improvements made after May-2014 in the complex process of Central assistance under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) for irrigation schemes?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION
(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(b) A Mission has been established for implementation of 99 ongoing irrigation projects under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP), prioritized in consultation with states for their completion in phases by December, 2019. Following simplified procedure has been approved for approval of the revised cost estimate for these 99 prioritized irrigation projects:
i. No separate clearance/Advisory Committee clearance/Investment Clearance is required for funding of the projects, which have a cost escalation of upto 20% on approved cost (AIBP component) as on 01.04.2012.
ii. Fast track proforma clearance from Central Water Commission (CWC) is sufficient for projects where revised cost may be more than the 20% over and above approved cost as on 01.04.2012 and no separate investment clearance from MOWR, RD&GR is required.
(c) The following methodology for Central Assistance (CA) has been approved:
i. PMKSY Mission has been given powers to approve the proposal of release of CA on the basis of joint proposal prepared by State Government and CWC, third party monitoring report along with other progress reports etc.
ii. PMKSY Mission has been delegated full power to sanction the release of CA in respect of 99 prioritized projects for AIBP and Command Area Development and Water Management Programme (CADWM) works.
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