Question : RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND

(a) the aims and objectives of Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF);

(b) the details of loans and assistance provided under the RIDF schemes/ programmes/ projects during each of the last three years and the current year in the country, State/UT-wise including Andhra Pradesh;

(c) the amount of loan sanctioned by the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) to create new RIDF units in the country during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether the Government proposes to increase the funds under RIDF; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) created in NABARD mobilizes funds from commercial banks and channelizes them to State Governments so as to enable them to invest in the critical infrastructure development that is urgently needed for the well-being of the society. This Fund is available for a wide range of activities ranging from Anganwadi Centers to Mini Hydel projects. It bridges the resource gap of the States to complete the sunk and written off investments so as to realize their full benefits. It also physically connects the remote villages to the main stream through its concepts of last mile connectivity by investing in village roads.

(b) The State-wise details, including Andhra Pradesh, of loans disbursed under RIDF during the last three years is given in Annexure-I

(c) The details of amount of loan sanctioned by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development(NABARD) during the last three years and current year, as available with NABARD, is given in Annexure II to V.

(d) &(e) The corpus for RIDF has increased from Rs. 2000 crore during 1995-96 to Rs. 20,000 crore during 2013-14.