(a) whether the Government propose to modify the conditions laid
down for declaration of Special Category State;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government propose to declare Orissa a Special
Category State; and
(d) if not, the manner in which the Central Government plan to assist
the poorest State like Orissa by extending them the benefit of
Special Category State for sustainability of their financial
positions?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE
MINISTRY OF SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES, AND MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES
& PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF
ATOMIC ENERGY AND DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (SHRIMATI VASUNDHARA RAJE)
a) Yes, Sir.
(b), (c) & (d) The issue of modifying the conditions laid down for declaration
of a State as a Special Category State has to be examined in the context of
revision of Gadgil Formula which is the basis for inter-state allocation of Central
Assistance. The revision of Gadgil Formula for allocation of Central Assistance,
and change in the criteria for classification of Special Category Status was
considered in the full Planning Commission meeting held on 27th and 29th June,
2001, and it was felt that given the difference of opinion among the State
Governments, and the sensitivity of this issue, it was necessary to discuss it
further and evolve a consensus before alternatives are considered by NDC. It was
agreed, therefore, that this agenda would be taken up separately. Subsequently,
NDC meeting was held on Ist September, 2001 wherein it took note of
suggestions made for looking into the criteria for granting special category status
to some States and it was agreed that these should be examined.