(a) whether the Government contemplate to provide adequate amount of Central Fund from the Non-Lapsable Central Pool Resources for Rural Electrification in the Bodo-Tribal dominated areas within the Bodoland territory;
(b) if so, the steps taken so far in this regard; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION ( SHRI ARUN SHOURIE )
(a) to (c): The proposal of the Government of Assam regarding electrification of tribal villages of the State was considered for funding under the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources. An amount of Rs. 0.68 crores has been released towards the first instalment during 2001-2002 from the Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources for electrification of 20 tribal villages in Assam. In addition, an amount of Rs. 60.11 crores from the Pradhan Mantri Gramodya Yojana (PMGY) and Rs. 26.52 crores form Minimum Needs Programme (MNP) have also been disbursed to Government of Assam for village electrification in the State during 2001-2002. In the Union Government, the allocation/disbursement of funds are made State-wise and therefore, these figures are not available for Bodo tribal dominated areas.