Date:18/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/11/18/stories/2006111806601000.htm

Back More support for irrigation projects

Our Bureau

New Delhi, Nov. 17

The Union Cabinet has relaxed several norms including project size, of Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) to extend support to a larger number of projects under the scheme. The AIBP extends financial assistance to the States for completion of identified ongoing irrigation projects. The decision allows extending coverage to all approved major and medium irrigation projects in drought-prone, tribal areas, states with lower irrigation potential compared to national average and districts identified under PM's package for agrarian distress, even if they don't satisfy the 1:1 criteria. The 1:1 criterion allows taking up a project in a State only after an ongoing project is completed. "The move would help complete ongoing approved projects of any plan, which the State Governments undertake to complete within four years. It will help achieve the targets as envisaged under Bharat Nirman Programme," the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr P.R. Dasmunsi, said here.