Question : COCONUT FARMERS OF SRIKAKULAM

(a) whether his Ministry had sent a proposal of Rs.6.15 crore as relief for the affected coconut farmers of Srikakulam District to the Planning Commission last year;

(b) if so, whether Planning Commission has communicated its concurrence to the said proposal;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government have since released this amount to Andhra Pradesh;

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the time by which this amount is likely to be released to Andhra Pradesh?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHRIPAD Y. NAIK)
(a): Yes, Sir.

(b)&(c): Planning Commission has concurred with the proposal to provide Rs.6.15 crores as relief to coconut farmers affected by cyclone in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.

(d) to (f): During the year 1999-2000, a sum of Rs.1.00 crore was released by the Coconut Development Board to Government of Andhra Pradesh for this purpose. As regards the balance amount of Rs.5.15 crores, the proposal is under the active consideration of Government of India.