Question : PENDING PROPOSALS UNDER AREA DEVELOPMENT

(a) the details of the proposals received by the Union Government from the State Governments under the Area Development Programmes, Scheme-wise/State-wise;

(b) the action taken by the Government thereon;

(c) whether the Government has received any proposal regarding changes in the guidelines of various schemes under Area Development Programmes;

(d) if so, the details thereof and steps taken by the Government in this direction;

(e) whether the Government has received any request to authorize State Governments to relocate watershed targets at the district level in accordance with local conditions;

(f) if so, details thereof and the reaction of the Government in this regard;

(g) whether there is a monitoring system to ensure proper implementation of these projects; and

(h) if so, details thereof ?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU)

(a) to (h): The Department of Land Resources is implementing the Area Development Programmes i.e., Drought Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Desert Development Programme (DDP) and Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP) under ‘Hariyali’ Guidelines. Proposals for new projects under these programmes are sanctioned every year as per procedure in the Guidelines. The Common Guidelines for Watershed Management are being drafted by the Ministry. The Ministry has not invited any fresh proposals from the States during the year 2007-08. The Ministry has also not received any proposal from the State Governments to relocate watershed targets at the district level in accordance with the local conditions. The performance of the area development programmes is monitored on a regular basis through quarterly reports, web based online monitoring system and regular performance review committee meetings held from time to time. The Proforma of the Utilization Certificate has also been modified to ensure that the expenditure is commensurate with the physical achievements of the project.