Question : SAMPOORNA GRAMEEN ROZGAR YOJANA

(a) whether the Government is considering to set up a special fund to encourage development activities in the neglected rural areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government has reviewed the performance and functioning of Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) the grants provided and utilized under this Yojana since its inception, Statewise;

(g) whether certain States have demanded more funds for effective implementation of the Yojana; and

(h) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?

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

(a) to (c): Government has taken up development of rural areas through various existing programmes/schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA), Indira Awas Yojna (IAY), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Swaranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) / National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), Prime Minister`s Rural Development Fellows Scheme (PMRDFS), Integrated Watershed Programme, etc.

(d) & (e): The Ministry has put in place a comprehensive system of monitoring and review of the implementation of all the programmes, including that of SGRY / MGNREGA, which inter-alia include Periodic Progress Report, Performance Review Committee, Area Officers` Scheme, National Level Monitors and Vigilance & Monitoring Committees at the State and District levels.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was launched in 200 identified districts [including 150 National Food for Work Programme (NFFWP) districts] w.e.f. 2nd February, 2006 in phase-I. From this date, NFFWP got subsumed under MGNREGA. Another programme called Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) which was in operation in all the districts in the country also got subsumed under MGNREGA in the 200 identified districts w.e.f. 1.4.2006. 130 additional districts were covered under MGNREGA in phase-II with effect from 1.4.2007 and all the remaining rural areas have been covered under the Act with effect from 1.4.2008. SGRY was thus discontinued with effect from 1.4.2008.

(f) to (h): Do not arise in view of the above.