(a) whether the Government propose to set up a Central Development Board for the
reconstruction of Orissa State after the destruction caused by the recent super
cyclone;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING, MINISTER OF
STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME
IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE OF THE DEPARTMENT
OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC GRIEVANCES IN THE
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS.
( SHRI ARUN SHOURIE )
(a), (b) & (c). The Government has no proposal to set up a Central Development
Board for the reconstruction of Orissa State in the aftermath of super cyclone. But, an
Authority at the Ministerial level headed by the Defence Minister has been set up by
the Government of India, to expedite rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the
cyclone affected areas of Orissa. The Authority is known as Orissa Cyclone
Reconstruction Authority (OCRA), and is serviced by the Department of Agriculture
and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture.
The aforesaid Authority will not take over the functions either of the State
Government or of the concerned Ministries/Departments which will be followed as per
the normal procedure as laid down in the Transaction of Business Rules and allocation
of work, and functions of the Orissa Government as a State of the Union. The
Authority will, however, provide the highest forum both at the Centre and State for
consultation, and guidance for a joint effort for restoration, rehabilitation and
reconstruction work in the cyclone affected districts of Orissa in a coordinated and
concerted manner.