Question : Area Development Programmes

(a) whether the Government proposes to restore provisions for Area Development Programmes like special plan for KBK, BRGF, IAP for LWE affected districts in view of developmental needs of the most vulnerable and backward regions of Odisha;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government will provide a special package for KBK-K region of Odisha for continuation of the said programmes from budget provision available with NITI Aayog; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE
(SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

(a) & (b) : Following the 14th Finance Commission recommendations the scheme - ‘Backward Regions Grant Funds’ has been delinked from support from the Centre since 2015-16. Further, the 12th Plan committed liabilities of Union Government towards the Special Plan for the KBK districts of Odisha have been discharged by releasing ‘Special Assistance’ of Rs.132.07 crore in 2015-16 and Rs.367.93 crore in 2016-17 to the State of Odisha.
(c) & (d): As per Union Budget: 2020-21 documents, there is no separate budget line with NITI Aayog for financial assistance to States.
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