(a)whether the Union Government has released its share under National Welfare Scheme for
fishermen to the State Governments particularly to Kerala;
(b)if so, the details thereof during the last three years, State-wise;
(c)whether any amount out of the sanctioned assistance is yet to be released by the Union
Government under the scheme;
(d)if so, the details thereof during the said period, State-wise;
(e)the reasons therefor; and
(f)the time by which the said amount is likely to be released?
THE MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)
(a)to(f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.399
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30TH APRIL, 2007.
(a): Yes Sir.
(b)to(d): The Centrally Sponsored National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen is implemented
in all the States/UTs including State of Kerala. Out of the total Central assistance of
Rs.225.00 crore released during the 9th and 10th Plan for implementation of welfare
scheme for fishermen across the country on receipt of proposals, a sum of Rs.26.05 crore
constituting 11.15% of the total allocation have been released to the State of Kerala.
The State-wise details of funds sanctioned and released during the last three year
(2004-07) and the balance to be released under the National Scheme for Welfare of
Fishermen is annexed. Out of Rs.95.57 crore sanctioned under the welfare scheme to
various States/UTs during 2004-07, a sum of Rs.78.11 crore has been released and
Rs.17.46 crore is yet to be released.
(e)&(f) Under the Welfare Scheme, Central assistance is extended on receipt of proposals
from the State Government on need basis, availability of matching share in the State budget
and performance of the scheme i.e. submission of utilization certificate and physical
progress report in respect of earlier releases. The State Governments are eligible to get
balance amount on submission of aforesaid information subject to availability of funds
under the scheme.