Question : CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS UNDER PMGSY

(a) the details of roads constructed so far under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and those to be constructed during 2007-08, State-wise;

(b) the norms fixed for allocation of funds alongwith the per kilometer average cost of construction of roads under PMGSY;

(c) the funds made available and utilized during the Tenth Plan so far year-wise, alongwith the funds earmarked for the year 2007-08, State-wise;

(d) the number of villages connected so far and likely to be connected thereunder in each State;

(e) the details of States which have spent more than 50% of the allocated fund, till- date;

(f) the action taken/to be taken against the States who could not spend the earmarked amount within stipulated time; and

(g) the steps taken to achieve the targets and to spend the earmarked amount within fixed time frame and to link all the villages with roads?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU)

(a) Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), since inception of the programme, 36870 number of road works involving 1, 11,461.04 km of road length has been completed. For the year 2007-08, the Bharat Nirman target is to provide connectivity to 20071 habitations with a road length of 43,989.93 km and upgradation/renewal of 59,316.284 km of road length. State-wise details are given in Annexure-I.

(b) The allocation of the original Rs.1 per litre cess to the States is based on a weightage of 75% for need (share of unconnected Habitations in the total unconnected Habitations of the country) and 25% on coverage (share of connected Habitations in the total connected habitations of the country). The distribution of additional cess of Rs.0.50 per litre is being targeted to the States primarily on the basis of proportion of road lengths to be covered under Bharat Nirman Programme. No State specific average unit cost of construction has been fixed. For each road a Detailed Project Report is prepared based on site investigation and the cost of the project determined on the basis of the prescribed specification and design requirements.

(c) Up to the end of the Tenth Five Year Plan (as on 23.02.2007), a sum of Rs. 21210.91 crore has been released out of which Rs. 19,040.95 crore has been utilized (up to January 2007). A statement indicating State-wise funds released and expenditure incurred is annexed as Annexure II. The State-wise allocation for the year 2007-08 is being worked out.

(d) Projects have been cleared for providing connectivity to 60,566 habitations out of which 33,041 habitations have already been connected.

(e) All the States have utilized more than 50% of the funds released to them.

(f) &(g) Even though, the responsibility for the implementation of the programme is with the States, achievement of the programme is regularly reviewed by the Ministry. Attention of the State Governments is being regularly drawn with regard to the pace of execution of the Programme, monitoring of quality and maintenance of assets created.