Question : INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT UNDER BRGF

(a) whether the Government has noticed that the funds released under Backward Region Grants Funds (BRGF) are not being utilised by the State Governments for infrastructure development and to restore the continuous power supply for the industrialisation of the backward regions;  

(b) if so, the details thereof; and  

(c) the appropriate steps taken or proposed by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI V. KISHORE CHANDRA DEO)

(a) to (c) The ‘Development Grant’ component of the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) Programme relate to untied funds used for bridging critical gaps in local infrastructure and meeting other local developmental requirements. As per BRGF Guideline, the Panchayats, Municipalities and other Local Bodies are free to utilise these funds for any purpose other than for construction of religious structures or welcome arches or similar such activities. Ministry of Panchayati Raj has noted that these funds have been utilised for works like construction of Anganwadi Centres, Panchayat Ghars, roads, culverts, bridges, community halls, water supply etc. It is left to the Panchayats, Municipalities and other Local Bodies to decide whether the BRGF Development Grants are to be utilised for power supply, industrial infrastructure development etc. as per the BRGF Guidelines.