Question : DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL ROADS

(a) whether the proposal to earmark funds under the merged schemes of `Roads in Special Areas` and `Rural Connectivity through all weather Roads` will be extended to Naxalite infested regions in the States like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Bihar;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons for not considering the development of rural roads in the Naxalite areas;

(d) whether any new Centrally sponsored scheme is on the anvil for development of rural roads on priority; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUNDAR LAL PATWA)

(a) to (e): The Central Government are currently in the process of formulating a National Rural Roads Programme (NRRP), in which context a National Rural Roads Development Committee has been set up. The question of allocating a proportion of funds for Special Problem Areas, (including Naxalite threat perception) would receive attention, as part of the proposed Programme.