Question : HILL AREA DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

(a) whether the Union Government has provided special assistance for various developmental activities in the hilly regions under the Hill Area Development Scheme;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether any special package has been announced for the hilly areas;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(e) the details of the achievements of the scheme so far in the current plan period; and

(f) the criteria for selection of hilly regions under the Hill Area Development Scheme?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING (SHRI M.V. RAJASEKHARAN)

(a): Yes, Sir. Special Central Assistance is being provided to the State Governments for the designated hill areas under the Hill Area Development Programme (HADP) / Western Ghats Development Programme (WGDP).

(b): A statement showing the funds released to the State Governments for the hill areas covered by HADP / WGDP during the current Five Year Plan period and the expenditure reported by the State Governments against the same is enclosed.

(c): No special package has been announced for the hill areas covered by HADP / WGDP.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): The statement enclosed in reply to part (b) above shows the expenditure reported i.e. the financial achievement against the funds released to the State Governments during the current plan period.

(f): The designated hill areas covered by HADP were identified by a Committee of the National Development Council in 1965. The western ghats talukas covered by WGDP were identified in 1972 by a High Level Committee set up for the purpose.