Question : BUDGET FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION CORPORATION

(a) whether budget outlay for Rural Electrification Corporation for the years 1998-99 and 1999-2000 has been sharply curtailed in comparison to the last year;

(b): if so, the reasons and its justification therefor;

(c) whether Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar and Rajasthan would be highly affected due to decline in plan outlay; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER (SHRIMATI JAYAWANTI MEHTA)

(a) & (b) : Government has provided a budgetary support of Rs.430 crores to Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) during the year 1999-2000 under Normal Programme and Rs.175 crores under Minimum Needs Programme for carrying out RE works in the country. Year-wise details of budgetary support given by the Government to Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) for the period 1997-98 to 1999-2000 are given as under :-

Rs. in crores

Year	Normal+	MNP#	1997-98	348	175	1998-99	450	175	1999-2000	430	175
+ Budgetary Support including equity from MOP	# Funds outlay approved under Minimum Needs Programme (MOF).