Question : FUNDS FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

(a) whether the Budget for Rural Development has been reduced by 26 per cent as compared to last year;

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

(c) the names of the new schemes launched and the amount allocated therefor, State-wise during last year and the current year;

(d) whether States have demanded more funds for different schemes;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) Whether North-Eastern States have demanded revision of funding pattern for Centrally sponsored rural development schemes; and

(g) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SURYAKANTA PATIL )

(a) No Sir.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) In November, 2004, a new scheme National Food for Work Programme (NFFWP) has been launched in selected 150 backward districts of the country. The State-wise allocation is given at Annexure.

(d)& (e) Some States have been raising the demand for more funds from time to time. The Programmes implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development are broadly allocation based and as enhanced allocations have been made for these programmes in the past, States also get their enhanced share. Any specific demand of the States for more funds is considered on the basis of availability of funds and their eligibility.

(f)&(g) The States of North Eastern Region have requested for changing the funding pattern of the Rural Development Schemes from the ratio 75:25 to 90:10 between the Centre and the States. The matter is under consideration.