§ 10. Mr. PoundTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on British aid programmes in India. [132048]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID provided £161 million of bilateral development assistance to India in 2002–03. In the New Delhi Declaration of January 2002 the Prime Minister looked forward to expenditure of over £300 million. We are making progress towards the budget and expect to be able to disburse some £200 million in 2003–04.
Our programme helps government deliver pro-poor policies and services. We are working closely with four focus states committed to poverty reduction, including on their programmes of fiscal and public sector reform increasing access to basic health, education, and urban 236W services for the poor and empowerment of the marginalised. We also support the efforts of the Union Government and civil society in these areas nationwide.
Our priorities for this year are to:
agree, in consultation with Government of India, a new Country Assistance Plan, confirming the strategic partnership and outlining DFID's programme of support to the 10th National Development Plan;help focus state governments develop social sector investment plans and innovative approaches to livelihoods and empowerment for poor people and women;help improve governance, especially through public sector reform, civil service reform, increased access to justice, and anti-corruption initiatives;further strengthen our links with key multilateral partners.