Question : PMGSY

(a) whether the progress of work under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is very slow in Jammu & Kashmir in comparison to other States and further proposals have not been received and sanctioned under the scheme upon the completion of Phase VI;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government is also aware that most of the works in the State are being executed through sub-led contractors who do not possess necessary machinery and equipments needed for executing works under PMGSY;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore; and

(e) the corrective measures taken or proposed to be taken by the Government for proper implementation of PMGSY in J&K?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a)&(b): The progress of works under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is relatively slow in Jammu & Kashmir as compared to some other States in the country. Some of the major reasons for slow progress of works are,

# time taken in getting permission for diversion of forest land and felling of trees thereon,

# non receipt of responsive bids in 1st or subsequent calls,

# harsh climatic conditions,

# inadequate contracting capacity in the State, and

# Security related problems.

The State Government has submitted proposals for Phase-VII which has been examined by National Rural Roads Development Agency (NRRDA) and some discrepancies have been found. The State Government has been asked to rectify them. Compliance is still awaited from the State.

(c): No, Sir.

(d): Does not arise.

(e): As per PMGSY Guidelines, implementation of the PMGSY is executed through agencies of the State Governments. The State Governments have been advised to expedite the pace of execution of projects.LOn the part of the Ministry, the following steps have been taken to facilitate timely completion of works under PMGSY.

# State Governments have been advised to augment executing capacity.

# Bidding document provision have been rationalized to enlarge the pool of eligible contractors.

# Delay in tendering and award of works also results in time overrun in execution of projects. In order to address this delay, State Governments have been advised to take recourse to e-tendering of the projects under PMGSY which would not only expedite the process of tendering, it would also enhance transparency and competitiveness in the bidding process.

# Performance incentive for timely completion of projects has been introduced in September, 2006 under which contractors delivering projects within schedule are accorded higher weightage in qualification assessment in future contracts.

# State Governments have been advised to closely monitor the schedule of implementation and levy liquidated damages, wherever required.

# Review and monitoring meetings are being held regularly for proper monitoring of the progress.