(a) the details of the schemes related to Panchayats and rural development for which less amount has been released as compared to sanctioned amount during the year 2014-15, scheme and State-wise; and
(b) whether the progress of these three schemes have been affected; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI NIHAL CHAND)
a) The schemes implemented by the Ministry, i.e the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) and Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA), support States/ UTs to develop and empower their Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Under RGPSA, the budgetary allocation for 2014-15 was to the tune of Rs. 1050 crores at BE stage. Under the scheme a total of Rs. 1569.56 crore as Central Share has been sanctioned to 28 State/ UTs during 2014-15. The allocation was reduced at RE stage to Rs. 483 crores towards State Component. Out of the above, Rs. 481.45 crores have been released as 1st instalment of Central Share towards the sanctioned activities (details are at Annex-I). Second instalments of Central Share were not released to any State.
Under BRGF, the Budget allocated under District component of BRGF during 2014-15, stood at Rs. 5900.00 crores under two component, a Capacity Building Grant of Rs. 272 crores and Development Grant of Rs. 5628 crores. The allocation was reduced to Rs. 2837.00 crores at RE stage and due to this only the 1st instalment of Rs. 2779.41 crores to 185 districts (out of 272) as Development Grant component and Rs. 57.59 crores to 11 States (out of 28) as Capacity Building Grant component could be released. (Details are at Annex-II).
b) & c) The funds for BRGF and the State component of RGPSA stand transferred to States to be met from their own resources. State Governments are to make necessary arrangements. The Government is providing strategic support for strengthening the capabilities of PRIs.