Question : PRADHAN MANTRI GRAM SADAK YOJANA

(a) whether the Government is contemplating to provide connectivity to unconnected rural habitations having a population of 500 and above persons in plain areas and 250 and above persons population in scheduled areas under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY);

(b) If so, the details of the funds provided during the last three years and the current year in different States and Union Territories in the country as per the change in the guidelines of the scheme, State-wise;

(c) whether the demand of State Governments to include escalation costs of the materials and excess amounts spent towards tender premium for payment has been considered; and

(d) if so, the details alongwith the decision taken by the Union Government thereon?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. C. P. JOSHI)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to part (a) to (d) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 173 due for reply on 22.11.2010

(a): Yes, Sir. Pradhan Manti Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has been launched in December, 2000 to provide all-weather connectivity to eligible unconnected rural habitations with population of 500 persons and above in plain areas and 250 persons and above in hill States, tribal (Schedule V) areas and desert areas (as identified in the Desert Development Programme). Recently, the guidelines have been amended to include the habitations having population of 250 persons and above in Left Wing Extremism affected districts, as identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, for coverage under PMGSY.

(b): There is no change in primary objective of the scheme. The guidelines for the programme are, however, modified keeping in view contemporary policies of the Union Government and requirements of the State Governments. A statement indicating funds released to different States and Union Territories during last three years and current year is given in Annexure.

(c) & (d): The issue of cost escalation raised by the States was examined. As per PMGSY guidelines, generally the works are required to be completed in 12 months time, therefore, the contracts under the programme are fixed price contracts. States are allowed to compute value of tender premium for the entire state for a phase/batch and if still it exceeds total amount sanctioned by the Government of India, the increased amount (tender premium) is to be borne by the State.