Question : URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN NEW REGION

(a) whether the Union Government has cleared 17 projects and schemes this year under the lump sum provision for urban development projects in the North- Eastern region;

(b) if so, the details thereof, alongwith quantum of sum involved;

(c) the numberand details of the Urban Development projects indicating the estimated cost, the central expenditure incurred and the amount released by the Union Government for each project in the North-Eastern States during each of the last three years and current year, State-wise;

(d) the reasons for delay in execution of the projects;

(e) the cost-over-run suffered by each project due to such delay in implementation of these projects; and

(f) the steps taken to streamline implementation, avoid delays and leakage of funds?

THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD):

(a) and (b) In the current year up to 10th March, 2005, Ministry of Urban Development has sanctioned Rs.10436.76 lakhs for 33 projects in the North East. Of these 21 are new and the remaining 12 are on-going projects for which 2nd and 3rd instalments have been released. Details are enclosed as statement-I

(c) Details are enclosed as statement-II.

(d) and (ej Most of the projects are reported to have been completed within the scheduled time frame. Nor have any cost over-runs been generally reported so far.

(f) To expedite execution/implementation of projects, officers from the Ministry and NBCC visit the project sites and liaise with officials of the State Governments, municipal bodies and executing agencies. During the visit project review meetings are also held.