(a) whether the Government is aware that several villagers are loosing their land
following its acquisition for implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana (PMGSY);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the responsibility of the Union Government under PMGSY in this regard;
(d) whether the Government has received suggestions/requests for review of the
policy; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT(DR. C. P. JOSHI)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred in reply to parts (a) to (e) of the Lok Sabha Starred Question No.
311 due for reply on 24.07.2009.
(a)to(c): The Government is aware that at times private land of villagers is needed for
construction of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). As per the
7th Schedule of the Constitution of India, rural roads are within the jurisdiction of the
State Governments. As per the PMGSY guidelines, fund for construction of the roads is
provided by the Government of India. However, it is the responsibility of the State
Government/District Panchayat to ensure that lands are available for taking up road
works. The State Governments are required to lay down guidelines for voluntary
donation, exchange or other mechanisms to ensure availability of land. The State
Governments may also acquire land required for road construction, if deemed necessary,
at their own cost.
(d): Yes Sir.
(e): Government of Himachal Pradesh had represented before the 13th Finance
Commission for providing fund for acquisition of the land for roads under PMGSY.
Hon`ble Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir has also requested that fund for acquisition of
land for construction of roads under PMGSY should be provided by the Central
Government.