Question : UTILISATION OF FUNDS BY PRIS

(a): the funds allocated and released to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) alongwith expenditure reported by States under various schemes during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise and scheme-wise;

(b): the norms and rules governing the utilization of funds allocated to PRIs;

(c): whether the Union Government has taken note of the complaints regarding irregularities/mismanagement of funds by some States including Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh during the said period;

(d): if so, the detail thereof and the action taken thereon;

(e): whether the Government proposes any enhancement in the allocation of funds to States under these schemes; and

(f): if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ(SHRI V. KISHORE CHANDRA DEO)

(a): The details of funds allocated and released to the States for the Local Bodies including the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) under the Development Grant component of Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) Programme along with the expenditure reported by the States are at Annex-1.

(b): The untied development grants under the BRGF can be utilized by the Panchayats, the Municipalities and other local bodies for bridging critical gaps in local infrastructure and meeting other local developmental requirements, based on the demand raised in the Gram/ Ward Sabhas. While claiming the grants, the States/ districts are required to furnish the District Plan duly approved by the District Planning Committee and the Utilisation Certificates, Progress Reports and Audit Reports against the grants received earlier.

(c) and (d): Yes, Sir.The Ministry has received some complaints in respect of Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, etc.Such complaints have been taken up with the State Governments concerned for necessary action.The details are at Annex-2.

(e) and (f): The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has proposed to the Working Group of Planning Commission on Area Programmes for the Formulation of the Twelfth Five Year Plan for enhancement of the annual allocation of Development Grant under BRGF to at least Rs. 20,000 crore in the Twelfth Plan.