Funds withheld for Assam projects

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JUNE 23. The Ministry of Rural Development has not released any funds to the Assam Government under the Employment Assurance Scheme, the Indira Awas Yojna, Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojna, Swaranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna, Annapurna, DRDA Administration and the National Family Benefit Scheme due to non- release of the State's share for 2000-01. Of a total central allocation of Rs. 604 crores, the State Government had taken only Rs. 242 crores for 2000-01.

This was disclosed after a meeting here on Friday between the Rural development Minister, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu, and the new Congress Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Tarun Gogoi.

Reacting to Mr. Gogoi's plea to reduce the North-Eastern States' share from 25 per to 10 per cent, Mr. Naidu said the issue would be decided by the National Development Council through the Union Cabinet.

Mr. Naidu said while the Ministry was particularly sympathetic to the special needs of the North-East, the Chief Minister must come forward for making the necessary budgetary allocations to match the State's share for rural development schemes and to go for better fund utilisation of rural schemes. He urged Mr. Gogoi to review the performance of various rural development programmes and gear up the administration for proper and full utilisation of the funds.

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Section  : Other States
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