Road map of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
The NITI Aayog has laid out a detailed roadmap for the irrigation scheme’s implementation in mission mode, with emphasis on prioritising ongoing projects. The move will fast-track Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pet project, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Project prioritisation forms the core of the road map. Projects sanctioned under all four components of PMKSY need to be taken up in such an order so those that can be completed in the shortest possible time with available funds are accorded the highest priority, a report by the Aayog said. The scheme has a `7,400-crore allocation for FY18. According to Aayog recommendations, command area development and water management (CAD&WM) projects already completed should be accorded first priority to harness potential. Similarly, projects being taken up under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP) must also include CAD&WM works in order to ensure irrigation potential created is utilised without any time lag. Based on the present status and cost-benefit analysis in terms of quick returns with wider coverage, it is proposed to implement the PMKSY projects (AIBP and CAD&WM components) in three phases. The 23 early bird projects under AIBP and 46 projects under CAD&WM are proposed for implementation in phase I for providing assured irrigation for 22.40 lakh hectare, said the report.