Question : MODEL SALT FARMS

(a) the details of presently functionalmodel salt farms established by the CentralSalt and Marine Chemicals ResearchInstitute (CSMCRI) and SaltCommissioner in the country, State/UT-wiseincluding Gujarat;

(b) the financial assistance provided/being provided by the Government to suchfarms during each of the last three yearsand the current year, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government hasreceived any proposals/requests fromvarious States/UTs including Gujarat toenhance its share under the ModifiedNamakMazdoorAwasYojana (MNMAY),contribution of 50% of the amount in theprojects approved by the States for thebetter welfare activities and developmentin salt producing areas and for setting upmore such salt model farms;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;and

(e) the follow-up action taken by theGovernment thereon along with thefinancial assistance provided to suchprojects?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(SHRIMATI NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)

(a): The office of Salt Commissioner has established three model salt farms in the country as following:-

1. At Nawa (Rajasthan), in collaboration with the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research institute (CSMCRI) and Government of Rajasthan, by meeting 1/3rd of the total cost.

2. At Ganjam (Odisha), in collaboration with the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research institute (CSMCRI) and Government of Odisha, by meeting 1/3rd of the total cost.

3. At Marakanam (Tamil Nadu), in collaboration with the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research institute (CSMCRI), by meeting 2/3rd of the total cost.

The Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research institute (CSMCRI) has established five model salt farms in Gujarat as following:

1. At Dharasana, in collaboration with Rural Technology Institute, Gujarat (RTIG)

2. At Kharaghoda in Degam&Kuda in collaboration with Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

3. At Vensar in Maliya in collaboration with Area Networking & Development Initiative (ANANDI)

4. At Bherai in Rajula in collaboration with AgariyaHeetRakshakManch (AHRM)

5. At Santalpur in Patan District in collaboration with AgariyaHeetRakshakManch (AHRM)

(b): During the last three years, Rs.18.00 lakh were released by the office of Salt Commissioner for the model salt farm at Marakanam, Tamil Nadu. The CSMCRI received financial assistance from the Government of Gujarat for the model salt farms established by them in the State.

(c): Yes, Madam.

(d)&(e): The Government of India issued approval for Modified NamakMazdoorAwasYojana (MNMAY) on 16th December, 2010. The Scheme was circulated to various salt producing States for finalizing the implementation proposals as per the approved scheme. The State Governments, including Gujarat, wanted enhanced funding from the Central Government. Since the financial parameters of the Scheme were fixed by the Planning Commission, the States were repeatedly requested to send proposals as per the approved schematic framework. As no implementation proposal, as per the approved scheme, was received from any of the State Governments concerned, the Central Government decided not to proceed further in the implementation of the scheme. The Scheme has not been continued in the 12th Plan. Hence no fund was sanctioned by the Central Government under the scheme during the last three years and the current year.

The Central Government received a request from the Government of Gujarat in February 2012 suggesting that the Central Government may contribute 50% of the amount in the projects approved by the State Government for the better welfare activities and development in salt producing areas including model salt farms. In the absence of any concrete and specific proposal, no decision could be taken. The State Government has been informed. However, this Department, through Salt Commissioner, provides financial assistance for execution of various labour welfare and development works. The details of expenditure incurred in this regard for the last three years and the current year is at Annexure.