Question : NABARD ASSISTANCE TO RURAL ROAD PROJECTS

(a) whether the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) has provided financial assistance to various States including Madhya Pradesh for rural road projects;

(b) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years and the current year State and project-wise;

(c) the funds utilized and length of roads constructed during the above period; and

(d) whether norms and time limit for completion of these projects were also fixed and if so, the details thereof along with the time and cost overrun of such projects?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI BIRENDER SINGH)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (d) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No.327 due for answer on 19.3.2015.

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. As informed by the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), financial assistance has been provided by NABARD to various States for rural roads other than PMGSY roads by way of loan directly negotiated between NABARD and the State Governments including the State of Madhya Pradesh, under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) facility of NABARD. The State-wise details of physical (length of road) and financial sanctions under RIDF for Rural Roads during the last three years (2011-12, 2012-13 & 2013-14) and current year (2014-15) are given in Annexure-I.

(c): The information in respect of length of roads constructed/completed, state-wise and project-wise is not maintained centrally at NABARD. However, the position in respect of State of Madhya Pradesh is given in the Annexure II.

(d): The norms and the time limit for completion of rural roads projects are generally fixed as per Indian Road Congress (IRC) norms. Normally, road projects have to be completed within a time period of 3-4 years from the date of sanction in respect of North-Eastern States and 2-3 years in respect of other States.