Question : PMGSY IN LWE AFFECTED DISTRICTS

(a) whether the expenditure levels under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Left Wing Extremist (LWE) affected districts is lower than the national average despite a greater need for developing infrastructure in these districts;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to link the small and minor bridges to PMGSY roads in the LWE affected districts which can go a long way in improving the conditions in these districts;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the estimated amount required to complete small and minor bridges which remain unlinked to PMGSY roads;

(f) whether the Union Government proposes to/provide assistance for construction of the bridge in Malkangiri district of Odisha;

(g) if so, the details thereof; and

(h) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a)&(b) The average utilization of funds in LWE affected districts is below the national average utilization as the contractors are not coming forward for bidding which delays the implementation of the Scheme. For effective implementation of PMGSY and for incentivizing the contractors in LWE affected/ IAP districts some of the major relaxations made in the PMGSY guidelines are as follows:

(i) All habitations in 78 Selected Tribal and Backward Districts under Integrated Action Plan (IAP), whether in schedule-V areas or not, with a population of 250 and above (in 2001 census) will be eligible for coverage under PMGSY as against the population of 500 in other areas.

(ii) Cost of bridges upto 75 metres under PMGSY will be borne by the Government of India as against 50 metres for other areas.

(iii) The minimum tender package amount is reduced to Rs. 50 lakhs.

(iv) The time limit upto 24 calendar months would be allowed for completion of work. However, no extra liability, if any, on account of cost escalation shall be met from the programme fund provided by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

(v) While formulating estimates and preparing DPRs, cost of insurance premium against risks such as damaging or burning of plants and machinery etc. of contractors can also be included.

(vi) The difference in cost between CC road and bituminous road would be shared by Centre and States concerned in the ratio of 90:10 instead of 50:50 in the case of other States. Proposals of such CC roads up to 20% of the total newly proposed roads in the highly affected blocks can be accepted as against 10% in respect of other States.

(c)to(h): As stated at (ii) above, cost of bridges upto 75 metres on roads under PMGSY will be borne by the Government of India. Proposal received from the State Governments are considered as per the scheme guidelines.