Question : WORKS PROJECTS UNDER BRGF PROGRAMME

(a) the details of the works/projects which have been taken up in various districts under Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) Programme during the last three years and the current year, State- wise;

(b) the funds allocated, released and utilized and the districts covered under the said programme during the said period, year and State-wise;

(c) whether the works/projects taken under the said programme are monitored;

(d) if so, the details thereof including the role of the Panchayats in this regard;

(e) whether the Government provides training to Panchayat members and workers for proper implementation of the programme;

(f) if so, the details thereof; br>
(g) whether the Government proposes to involve the Members of Parliament along with panchayat Heads in the implementation of the said programme; and br>
(h) if so, the details thereof ?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYTI RAJ (SHRI NIHALCHAND)

(a) : As per the Progress Reports received in the Ministry, funds under the District component of Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) Programme have been utilised for developmental works/ projects like construction of anganwadi centres, panchayat ghars, roads, culverts, bridges, community halls, water supply, etc.

(b) : The details of funds allocated, released and utilized and the number of districts covered under the BRGF Programme during the last three years and the current year, State-wise are given at Annex.

(c) & (d) : For monitoring the works/ projects undertaken under the BRGF Programme, M/o Panchayati Raj has prescribed auditing of Panchayats funds/ works and the Audit Reports are submitted to the Ministry alongwith other requisite documents for release of funds. The utilization of funds is monitored by this Ministry through various documents viz. periodic Physical & Financial Progress Reports, Utilization Certificates, Audit Reports of Statutory Auditors, etc., submitted by the State Governments. BRGF Guidelines also provide for audit of works through a Review Committee at District Level and Social Audit and Vigilance at the Panchayat levels. The States have been advised that the Annual Action Plan is to be discussed and ratified in the Gram Sabha and list of activities undertaken under BRGF Programme during the preceding year are to be voluntarily disclosed before the Gram Sabha to facilitate empowerment of Gram Sabha and strengthen social audit function of the Gram Sabha.

(e) & (f) : The funds released to the States under the Capacity Building (CB) Grant component of BRGF Programme are used primarily to provide training to Panchayat members and workers for proper implementation of the BRGF Programme.

(g) & (h) : Annual Action Plans proposing the works/ projects to be taken up under the Programme are prepared at the Panchayat level by the Elected Representatives of Gram Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies in consultation with the Gram Sabha. The Annual Action Plans prepared by the Panchayati Raj Institutions in a District are consolidated and approved by the District Planning Committee (DPC) constituted in accordance with Article 243 ZD of the Constitution. As per the said Article, the Legislature of a State may, by law, make provision with respect to the composition of the DPC and the manner in which the seats in such Committees shall be filled.