Question : RURAL ROADS

(a) whether the Government have decided to release Rs.2500 crore to the States as their share from the diesel cess for the development of rural roads;

(b) if so, whether the guidelines for the allocation of funds have been finalised;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the share of each State therein;

(e) if not, the time by which the funds are likely to be released;

(f) whether the Government purpose to earmark separate funds for the development of rural roads in the backward regions and the areas predominently inhabited by SCs/STs;
(g) if so, the details in this connection;
(h) whether any mechanism has been evolved to monitor the use of funds as well as development of the rural roads; and
(i) if so, the details in this regard?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUNDARLAL PATWA)

(a) to (i): A sum of Rs.2,500 crore has been earmarked in the budget of 2000-01 for the construction of Rural Roads under Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY). The Government are currently in the process of formulating a Rural Roads Programme, which would, inter-alia, deal with the allocation of funds and implementation strategy.