Question : FUNDS FOR INLAND WATER TRANSPORT SECTOR

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government have decided to give 90 per cent grant instead of 50 per cent reimbursable loan to States for development of the Inland Water Transport Sector;

(b) if so, whether it is also a fact that the Government have sought assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for Inland Water Transport development;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Asian Development Bank has initiated a technical assistance mission for the IWT Sector; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING (SHRI SU. THIRUNAVUKKARASAR)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b)&(c) Yes, Sir. Proposal for obtaining external assistance has been processed by the Govt. World Bank have shown interest to provide such assistance. However, before giving this assistance they would like to update the studies based on which proposals for assistance were prepared.

(d) Yes, Sir.

(e) The ADB technical assistance mission has approved technical assistance of US $ 1.125 million under which they would appoint consultants for up-dating studies and preparation of IWT investment projects before sanctioning assistance.