Question : SCHEMES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF FORESTS

(a) whether it is a fact that Union Government is implementing various schemes for the protection, conservation and development of forests in the country ;

(b) if so, the total grants so far provided by the Union Government to States for maintenance of forests in 2005-06 and 2006-07, State-wise ;

(c) whether 12th Finance Commission has recommended an additional grant of Rs. 1000 crores for a period of five years for the maintenance of forests ; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and steps taken or being taken by the Government to ensure that grants provided are utilized judiciously ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) Yes, Sir. The Ministry is implementing various Centrally Sponsored Schemes for protection, conservation and development of forests in the country. These schemes are Integrated Forest Protection Scheme (IFPS), Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, National Afforestation Programme (NAP) and Management of gregarious flowering of bamboo in North Eastern States.

(b) Details of central assistance provided to the States and Union Territories for protection of forests during the financial year 2005-06 and during 2006-07 are placed at Annexure I.

(c) Yes, Sir. XIIth Finance Commission has recommended an additional grant of Rs. 1000 crores for maintenance of forests for a period of five years (2005-06 to 2009-10).

(d) Details of additional grant-in-aid to States provided for maintenance of forests by XIIth Finance Commission are placed at Annexure II. The guidelines for release and utilization of grants-in-aid provide for a monitoring mechanism to ensure proper utilization of the grants-in-aid.