(a) the total number of Self Help Groups covered by NABARD for poverty alleviation
during 1999-2000 in West Bengal;
(b) whether the Government propose to cover more number of Self Help Groups
during 2000-2001; and
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise, West Bengal in particular?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI V. DHANANJAYA KUMAR) :
(a) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has reported that
during the year 1999-2000 it has disbursed refinance amounting to Rs. 169.62 lakhs in
West Bengal for 2317 Self Help Groups (SHGs) in West Bengal.
(b) and (c) The Finance Minister has in his Budget Speech indicated that during the
year 2000-2001, an additional one lakh SHGs would be covered/credit linked. Many of
them are likely to be in West Bengal.