(a) whether under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) various States had utilised a sum of Rs. 1450 crore during 1996-98, but no addition in the irrigation potential has been achieved;
(b) if so, the reasons thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to completely utilise the allocated amount?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES (SMT. BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY)
(a) to (c) During the period 1996-98, Central Loan
Assistance (CLA) of Rs. 1452.19 crore under Accelerated
Irrigation benefits Programme (AIBP) was made available to
various States. As reported by these States, potential of
about 297.00 th. ha. was created under AIBP during this
period. As per the AIBP norms, next instalment of CLA is
released for a project only when the State Government has
fully utilized the CLA released earlier.