Date:17/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/17/stories/2006011702391900.htm

Back AP earmarks Rs 23,000 cr for rural amenities

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , Jan. 16

THE Andhra Pradesh Government plans to provide basic amenities to 21,000 villages across the State over a period of three years under `Indiramma' scheme, involving over Rs 23,000 crore, the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has informed the Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, here on Monday.

Stating that the gigantic scheme is being taken up in a phased manner, the Chief Minister has sought Central support for the programme, according to an official press release. Reacting to CM's deliberation, the Union Minister felt it better to implement such gigantic schemes at the national level instead of confining it to Andhra Pradesh alone, the release said.

Further, the Chief Minister said that it was his aim to implement the scheme proportionately in the three regions of the State - Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana, without giving scope to any misapprehensions or misgivings.

The State Government proposes to launch the first phase of `Indiramma' scheme in the new financial year. The scheme would be given a final shape during the Collectors' conference to be held on January 30 and 31. Works would start in April in one third of the rural areas.