Question : SPECIAL AREA PROGRAMME

(a) the funds sanctioned, released and utilized by the State Governments under Special Area Programme Grants under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise including Odisha;

(b) the number of district and regional councils assisted under Programme during the said period, State-wise and year-wise;

(c) whether some districts have been excluded under the Programme during the said period; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, State-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI MAHADEO SINGH KHANDELA)

(a): A Statement indicating funds released to the State Governments including Odisha under Special Area Programme “Grants under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution” during each of the last three years and expenditure reported by the States is at Annexure. No funds have been released to States under this Programme in the current year till date.

(b): This Ministry does not provide direct funding to district and regional councils under the programme.

(c) & (d): Does not arise in view of reply to (b) above.