Question : RAJIV GANDHI GRAMEEN VIDYUTIKARAN YOJANA

(a) whether amount provided to various States for rural electrification under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) has not been utilized properly and fully;

(b) if so, the State-wise details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government proposes to enquire about the under utilization of the huge fund allotted for the purpose;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government proposes to issue order/instructions to State Governments to give electricity connections to all poor families below poverty line; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL )

(a) to (d) : The Government of India launched `Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) – Scheme for Rural Electricity Infrastructure & Household Electrification, in April 2005 envisaging access of electricity to rural households. The Government of India has accorded approval for capital subsidy of Rs.28000 crore for execution of RGGVY during phase-I of 11thPlan in addition to Rs.5000 crore approved for execution of RGGVY during 10th Plan period. The electrification works for the sanctioned projects under RGGVY are at various stages of implementation. There is no upfront allocation of funds for any State under RGGVY. Funds are released against sanctioned projects in installments based on the reported utilization of amount in the previous installment(s) and fulfillment of other conditionalities. However, cumulatively, an amount of Rs.25730.69 crore has been disbursed for the sanctioned projects in the country, as on 31.07.2011. The details of electrification works of un/de-electrified villages and release of BPL connections alongwith the funds disbursed for the sanctioned projects under RGGVY, as on 31.07.2011, State-wise, is at Annex.

(e) & (f) : Under RGGVY, there is a provision of providing free electricity connection to BPL households. In 576 sanctioned projects in 10th& 11th Plan under RGGVY, as per Detailed Project Report (DPR) provided by State Government, BPL families covered are 2.33 crore. As on 31.07.2011, against the total targeted coverage of release of electricity connections to 2.33 crore BPL households, about 1.69 crore BPL connections have been released.