(a) whether the Union Government has sanctioned funds for the development of areas in Bihar adjoining Nepal border;
(b) if so, the details of the funds sanctioned for the purpose, District-wise;
(c) the agency through which the aforesaid amount is likely to be spent and whether the recommendation made by Member of Parliament would be given priority; and
(d) if so, the details in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)
(a)to(d): The funds are being released under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) to the State of Bihar for developmental activities in border blocks of seven (07) districts which form International Border with Nepal. Govt. of India releases funds to the State Government and the State Government further re-allocate the same to the executing agencies in the border areas as per BADP guidelines. The Govt. of India has released Rs.728.00 Lakh in each of the last two years viz. 2003-04 & 2004-05.
As per information received from the Govt. of Bihar, the amount of schemes taken up in the year 2003-04 and 2004-05 district wise is as under:-
(Rs. in lakh)
S.No. Name of the district Amount allocated during 2003-04 Amount allocated during 2004-05
1. Madhubani 389.695 440.068
2. Sitamarhi 77.605 66.550
3. Kishanganj 78.895 48.160
4. Supaul 27.775 30.690
5. Araria 39.490 63.086 6. East Champaran 57.880 31.700
7 West Champaran 42.880 44.918
As per guidelines, the schemes/works to be taken up under BADP by the State Government are approved by the State Level Screening Committee (SLSC) headed by the Chief Secretary of the State. As regards the executing agencies, the State Government may choose from any of the following: -
(i) State Government;
(ii) Central Government;
(iii) Central Para-Military Organizations located in the State;
(iv) Voluntary agencies; and
(v) Panchayati Raj Institutions/District Councils and Traditional Councils.