14.20 hrs.
MATTERS UNDER RULE 377
Title: Need to sanction additional Central Assistance to Gujarat Government to ensure early commissioning of the River Bed Power House of Sardar Sarovar Project.
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI (KUTCH): The Government of Gujarat have requested the Government of India for an “additional Central assistance” for import of equipment from Japan for River Bed Power House of Sardar Sarovar Project.
With a view to smoothen the financial constraints, it was proposed that an additional Central assistance be provided by the Government of India so that the equipment manufactured in Japan can be purchased. On this specific issue, the Ministry of Water Resources has been actively supporting the participating States. The Ministry of Water Resources has requested the Ministry of Finance that the projected requirement of Rs.294 crore be provided as an additional Central assistance. With a view to expedite the sanction of additional Central assistance, the Gujarat Government have requested the hon. Prime Minister. It has been our experience in the past that the States are not in a position to honour their dues, as per the directives contained in the final decision of the Tribunal Award.
It is true that due to non-availability of OECF assistance, procurement of turbo-generating sets for River Bed Power House of the Sardar Sarovar Project has been delayed indefinitely. I request the Union Government to sanction additional Central assistance to ensure commissioning of the River Bed Power House of the Sardar Sarovar Project without further delay.
