(a) whether the Government has launched any scheme for the development and upgradation of basic infrastructure in the backward areas of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of funds allocated and utilized under the said scheme during the last three years, State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ
(SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL)
(a) to (c): The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has not launched any scheme for infrastructure development and upgradation in the backward region of the country. However, grants under Fifteenth Finance Commissions are released to the rural local bodies to, inter alia, utilise for the felt needs under the 29 subjects enshrined in the XI schedule of the Constitution that include infrastructure such as roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, waterways in rural areas of all region. Panchayats can create and maintain infrastructure purely out of the Finance Commission Grants or through convergence of other scheme such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Further, as informed by the Ministry of Rural Development, under Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) all-weather road connectivity in rural areas catering to the access needs of the entire population of the target habitation is being created for which financial assistance is provided to the States. The roads constructed under PMGSY cater to all the strata of the society. Nevertheless, backward regions of the country viz. Scheduled Tribal and backward districts have got specific focus in the scheme by giving special dispensation. The State/UT-wise funds released and utilised under the PMGSY scheme is at Annexure.
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