(a) whether the Government of Bihar has returned the funds provided for rural Development Schemes to the Union Government without spending or investing under various rural development schemes during the last three;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the details in respect of funds which could not be utilised has been returned during the said period?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M. VENKAIAH NAIDU)
(a) to (c): The Government of Bihar has not returned any funds to the Ministry of Rural Development during the last three years. However, the State has not been able to obtain the full allocation made by the Ministry of Rural Development during the said period. During the year 2001-02, the State could not obtain an amount of Rs. 454.55 crore, out of its allocation, for the following reasons:
(i) Defective accounting and auditing
(ii) Low Expenditure
(iii) Excess Opening Balance
(iv) Non-receipt of proposal