Question : CESS ON DIESEL AND PETROL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN RURAL AREAS .

(a) whether any decision has been taken to spend the amount earned through levying of cess on the diesel and petrol on the construction of roads in the rural areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the names of the States where the said amount is proposed to be spent on road construction works in the rural areas during the ensuing three years alongwith the length of such roads; and

(d) the extent of roads constructed in terms of percentage in the rural areas of the said States so far?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT

( DR. DEBENDRA PRADHAN )

(a) to (d) : 50% of the amount collected by way of cess @ Rupee 1 per litre on diesel would be earmarked for the development of rural development and social sector. This would include rural road development in all the States. Details and modalities in this regard have not yet been finalised .

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