(a) whether any steps have been taken by the Government for involving private
sector in rural development;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the areas identified for the purpose; and
(c) the details of facilities and the concessions given / to be given to the private
sector in this regard?
MINISTER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH)
(a) to (c) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred in Reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 150 due on
02.12.2005
The Ministry of Rural Development has approved two special projects for
generation of self-employment with private participation. The areas covered by these
projects and the details of concessions/facilities offered to the private sector for these
projects are indicated below:
(i) Livelihood Advancement Business School: The objective of the project is to
identify and make available potential livelihood options for 35,000 below
poverty line (BPL) youth in the age group of 18–35 years and train them in
skills according to the market requirements, thereby working towards
achieving the goal of poverty reduction. Dr. Reddy`s Foundation is to
implement the project in 7 States. The total cost of the project is Rs. 14 crore,
out of which the Government share is 75%.
(ii) Self-Help Group Mobilization, Capacity Building and Credit Linkage:
The objective of the project is group mobilization, capacity building and credit
linkage of the Self Help Groups (SHG). ICICI Bank will be implementing the
project in two states to promote SHG of BPL beneficiaries. The total cost of
the project is Rs. 15 crore over a period of five years to be borne by the
Central Government. An amount of Rs. 15,000/- will be provided by the
Government per SHG as the cost of group formation. The credit will be
provided by ICICI Bank from their own resources.
2. While the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is implemented by
the State Governments, the works are executed by contractors who are generally in
the private sector. The contracts are awarded through well established tendering
procedures. In addition, the Ministry of Rural Development has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shree Warana Rural Roads
Development & Maintenance Co-operative Society Limited (WARANA) and
Government of Maharashtra to enable the Society to execute PMGSY works in three
districts of Maharashtra. The MOU envisages planting of fruit trees by the Society on
the sides of the roads and the revenue from these trees would accrue to the Society.
3. A National Fund for Rural Development (NFRD) also exists, to which
individuals, corporate and non-corporate bodies can make donations. The NFRD is
envisaged to act as a channel for mobilizing efforts and resources for rural
development. The accruals to the Fund are to be used for rural development projects,
which may be implemented by the private sector also.