Date:24/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/24/stories/2007052407580300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

NREGP in one village in each mandal, says Prakasam district Collector

Special Correspondent

ONGOLE: In a clarification to the news item published in these columns on Tuesday under the caption "NREGP works only in one village in Prakasam", district Collector, B Udaya Lakshmi, here today said that they have launched the programme in one village in each mandal to begin with and they would extend the program to other villages in a phased manner.

She said that they have identified several works worth Rs. 12 crores for execution in 146 villages and they would be taken up depending on demand for employment from local workers. She clarified that they are confining the programme only to one-third of villages in each mandal as per instructions issued by Secretary, Rural Development. The Government implemented the programme in all villages in 12 districts where it was launched last year.

But it wanted to limit the programme only to first phase of Indiramma villages in the six districts where the programme is being implemented from this year.

Duty exemption

Referring to another item regarding delay in issue of no objection certificate exempting Central Excise duty on cement pipes to the contractor executing Kandukur drinking water supply scheme, she said it was a financial issue that needed indepth study before according permission. As she was busy, she asked the Joint Collector to study the issue and report.

The Joint Collector did report to her but as his observations lacked clarity she referred the file to him again. She blamed the public health officials for not briefing her properly whether the estimates including or excluding Central Excise from the cost of cement pipes.

As the matter involved financial commitment of nearly Rs. 4 crores, it needed thorough study before making a decision, she felt.