India, Aug. 12 -- The Government of India issued the following news release:

There is no program known as Rashtriya Pashudhan Abhiyan that has been implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, to promote the goat farming business. However, the Department, through the National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme, is offering 50% capital subsidy up to rs 50 lakh for the establishment of goat breeding farms. This initiative also extends to poultry, sheep, pig, horse, camel and donkey breeding farms, as well as feed and fodder units, including Silage, Total Mixed Ration and Seed grading units. Eligible applicants consist of individuals, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmer Cooperative Organizations (FCOs) and Section 8 companies.

Department through Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) are releasing subsidy directly to all eligible beneficiaries, including for approved goat projects, in a sequential manner, contingent upon the availability of funds and adherence to all guidelines stipulated in the regulations and also approval of State Level Executive Committee. There are some instances where the delay has been observed, on examination it was noticed that the completion of the project by applicant has been delayed and also release of instalment of loan by banks.

In Chandrapur district, five projects have been approved for goat farming. The total cost of these projects is rs 3.08 crore, with a sanctioned subsidy of rs 1.39 crore. Currently, subsidies have been distributed to two beneficiaries within the district, totalling rs 0.30 crore. Remaining 3 projects are pending at different level such as State Implementing Agency (SIA), Bank and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).

District-wise number of projects approved and number of approved projects yet to receive subsidy in the State of Maharashtra including Chandrapur is at Annexure.

There is currently no provision for offering any special assistance to the State Government in addressing the delays in grant distribution to beneficiaries. However, to accelerate the processes, there is a provision for granting rs 1.05 Cr. to the State Governments as Administrative Cost for establishing an entrepreneurship development facilitation help desk, as well as for organizing workshops and skill-based training. To ensure effective and decentralized implementation, each state has been assigned a State Nodal Officer (SNO) responsible for facilitating project appraisal, monitoring and verification of projects. The Department regularly conducts Video Conferences, review meetings and field visits with the State Implementing Agency (SIA) to supervise the benefits of the projects. Additionally, a Central-Level Bankers Coordinating Committee (CLBC) has been established under the Chairpersonship of the Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, to review the pendency and also the difficulties faced by the beneficiaries.

The release of subsidy is dependent on the compliance of the projects, availability of bank loan and other clearance. There is no prescribed time limit.

Annexure

Table Omitted (The document can be viewed at https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2155520 )

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.