Question : RURAL DEVELOPMENT BLOCKS

(a) whether category of States that have lesser number of Rural Development Blocks;

(b) whether some of the category States have proposed some new Rural Development Blocks and have the paraphernalia in position for such newly created blocks offices;

(c) whether the State Governments have formally recommended the recognition of such newly created Rural Development blocks; and

(d) if so, the difficulties in recognizing such Blocks and releasing the grant to such Rural Development Blocks to enhance the speed of rural development in backward areas of the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT(SHRIMATI SURYAKANTA PATIL)

(a) to (d) The subjects relating to the rural development comes under the purview of the State Governments, including creation of new Blocks, restructuring of Blocks, positioning of staff/officials at district/block levels etc. The Ministry of Rural Development do not have any role either in categorizing the States on the basis of Blocks or recognition of such newly created Rural Development Blocks. The Ministry of Rural Development provides financial assistance and guidance to the State Governments for implementation of its schemes/programmes.