(Reopens DEL78)

The connectivity will be provided by clubbing the population within a path distance of 10 kms and treating as a cluster for eligibility. The Cabinet also sanctioned a proposal to provide new connectivity to 1,410 left out, unconnected habitations with population of 250 persons and above (as per the 2001 census) in the 10 Hill States and desert areas (as identified under the Desert Development Programme (DDP)). This is estimated to cost Rs 8,551 crore. Ramesh said the Ministry's proposal seeking road connectivity in 9,112 left out, unconnected habitations with population of 500 persons and above (as per the 2001 census) in plain areas has also been approved by the Cabinet. An amount of Rs 13,850 crore is the estimated cost for this project. The government also decided to connect 2,687 left-out unconnected habitations in Tribal (Schedule-V) areas (other than 82 Naxal-affected districts) and blocks adjoining the international border under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP). It was approved to provide new connectivity to these habitations, at an estimated cost of Rs 5,929 crore and allowing upgradation of certain roads measuring about 2,000 km in these areas at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore, based on a road condition survey which will determine an upgradation priority list. PMGSY was launched in the year 2000 and has the objective of providing all-weather connectivity to all unconnected habitations with population of 500 persons and above 250 persons and above in hilly states, desert areas , Tribal Schedule-V areas and 82 selected tribal and backward districts as identified under Integrated Action Plan in rural areas of the country. The net number of total eligible unconnected habitations is 1,64,849. This is likely to increase to 1,78,184 habitations on account of today's relaxation.