(a) whether it is a fact that the State Government of Maharashtra has sought grant–in–aid
for the Simbhastha Kumbhamela to be held at Nasik and Trambakeshwar in
Maharashtra during 2003-2004 to the tune of Rs. 100 crores from the Central
Government;
(b) if so, whether the Union Government have principally agreed to provide the
grant–in– aid; and
(c) the time by which the grant-in-aid is likely to be released by the Union Government?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES
AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC
GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PLANNING AND MINISTR OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC
ENERGY AND DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (SHRIMATI VASUNDHARA RAJE)
(a) to (c) : Yes, Sir. The Government of Maharashtra requested, a Special Central
Assistance of Rs. 100 crore, Rs. 50 crore each to be given for the years 2001-02 and 2002-
03 for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela at Nasik and Trimbakeshwar to be held during 2003-
2004. In the meeting held between the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and the
Chief Minister of Maharashtra on 23 August, 2001, to finalise the Annual Plan 2001-02, it
was agreed to provide one time additional Central Assistance of Rs. 50 crore for creation
of urban infrastructure for Kumbh at Nasik. Union Government has released this amount
to Government of Maharashtra.