Bihar Govt's performance on RIDF appreciated

PATNA: Chief general manager, Nabard (Mumbai), B S Shekhawat on Wednesday appreciated the performance of the state government on rural
infrastructure development front during the past four years.

Addressing a day long workshop for the state government officials on `Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)', he revealed that earlier Bihar figured as one of the worst performers on this count.

He said that the RIDF was in operation since 1995-96 providing term loans at a concessional rate to the state governments for financing their rural infrastructure projects. The Bihar government has been able to avail a loan facility of only Rs 3,000 crore so far, he said. He, however, pointed out that it was during the last four years that performance on this front had somewhat improved though it still needs much improvement.

Nabard Bihar regional office CGM Sandip Ghosh called upon the government officials to go for new areas where these projects could be taken up in the state. He informed that Nabard has sanctioned a large number of projects in road, bridge, irrigation and social sectors. In 2008-09, Nabard sanctioned infrastructure projects worth Rs 752 crore under RIDF whereas in 2009-10 the target is Rs 700 crore.

A presentation on new areas like seed farms, marketing infrastructure, fishery, animal husbandry and many more was made by Nabard before the state government officials.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, principal secretary, finance, Navin Kumar assured Nabard officials that it would go for infrastructure development in new areas. He appreciated Nabard's initiative in holding a day long workshop for all government departments concerned.