Centre to give funds to states to complete irrigation projects

New Delhi: The Centre has decided to provide financial assistance to state governments for early completion of various incomplete major, medium and minor irrigation projects.

Irrigation being a state subject, water resources projects are planned and executed by the respective state governments from their own resources, Textile Minister Santosh Gangwar said on behalf of Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati. "However, various projects which cannot be completed by state governments from their own resources and are in an advanced stage of construction are provided grants under Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme for Major/Medium Irrigation and Minor Irrigation projects," Gangwar said. He said for projects receiving central assistance of 25 percent and up to 50 percent of project cost, the 90 percent Central Assistance has been disbursed after release of at least 50 percent share of the state. For projects receiving assistance higher than 50 percent, the 50 percent of Central Assistance will be given after the state releases its full share, he said.