Question : NON-LAPSABLE FUND FOR NORTH EASTERN REGION

(a) whether some Ministries are not providing 10% of its budgetary allocation to the North-Eastern Region;

(b) if so, the name of such Ministries;

(c) the steps taken to rectify such recalcitrant attitude of the Ministries;

(d) whether the Government propose any special drive to spend the non-lapsable fund for North-Eastern Region within a time frame; and

(e) if so, the details in this regard?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER, DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT OFNORTH EASTERN REGION ( SHRI ARUN SHOURIE )

(a) to (e): All Union Ministries/Departments are required to spend atleast 10% of their Budget(s) on schemes/projects for the benefit of the North-Eastern Region and Sikkim. The following Union Ministries/Departments have been specifically exempted from the requirement because of the location/scheme specific nature of the plan provision in their Budgets:

1.	Expenditure

2.	Revenue

3.	Planning 

4.	Ocean Development

5.	Space
6.	Supply

7	Atomic Energy

8.	Economic Affairs

9.	External Affairs
10.	Petroleum & Natural Gas
11.	Sugar & Edible Oils
12.	Steel
13.	Legal Affairs
14.	Personnel and Training
15. Bio-Technology
16. Science & Technology
17. Scientific and Industrial Research
18 Social Justice and Empowerment (to spend only 2% of their Gross Budgetary	Support relating to Scheduled Caste Sector)
19. Official Language

In order to ensure that adequate Plan allocation is made for the North East (and Sikkim), Union Ministries/Departments are required to indicate a separate Head in their Demands for Grants for the purpose of making lump-sum provision (10% of Budget) for the North East and Sikkim. Shortfalls in meeting this target are pooled in a Central Pool of Resources. The broad objective of this Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources is to ensure the speedy development of the North Eastern Region (and Sikkim). In order to achieve this broad objective, specific and viable projects particularly those in the infrastructure sector are undertaken from the Central Pool for which project specific assistance is released. Since its operationalisation during the financial year 1998-99, an assistance totaling to Rs. 1346.72 crores has so far (as on 31.3.2002) released from the Pool for various projects in the North East and Sikkim. Assistance from the Central pool will continue to be provided until 10% norm is met by all the Union Ministries/Departments (except those specifically exempted).

Question : NON-LAPSABLE FUND FOR NORTH EASTERN REGION

Answer given by the minister

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