Date:21/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/21/stories/2007112155951100.htm

Karnataka

Funds to improve basic facilities in most backward villages

Staff Correspondent

It is based on the recommendations of the Nanjundappa panel

Raichur: The Government has released funds to the Raichur district administration to improve basic facilities in the most backward villages in the district based on the recommendations of the High Power Committee for Redressal of Regional Imbalances, headed by late D.M. Nanjundappa.

According to sources, the Government released Rs. 26.59 crore last month to the district administration directing it to utilise the funds in the next two years to improve basic facilities in the most backward villages in four taluks (excluding Raichur taluk) in the district.

The sources told The Hindu here on Tuesday that the Government has asked the district administration to identify essential basic facilities required in the most backward villages in the four taluks and prepare an action plan giving priority to improving rural transportation, augmenting drinking water and constructing drains.

The district administration should submit the finalised action plan to the Government seeking its approval.

Of the funds released, Rs. 10.40 crore has been reserved for 2007-08 and Rs. 16.19 crore for 2008-09. Of this, Rs. 2 crore each has been allocated to Manvi and Sindhanur taluks, Rs. 3.40 crore to Deodurga taluk and Rs. 3 crore to Lingsugur taluk for development activities during this fiscal.

A sum of Rs. 5.34 crore has been earmarked for Lingsugur taluk, Rs. 6.85 crore for Deodurga taluk and Rs. 4 crore has been allocated for Sindhanur taluk to be utilised in 2008-09.

The previous Janata Dal (Secular)-BJP coalition Government had made a budgetary provision of Rs. 1,536 crore to take up development works in the most backward villages in 39 taluks in the five districts of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.

According to Deputy Commissioner J. Ravishankar, the district administration will provide basic facilities in the four taluks in accordance with the funds allocated. He has decided to convene a meeting of implementing officials of various Government departments and the zilla panchayat to prepare an action plan.

It has been decided to launch the development works in the identified villages by next month with a target to complete them before the end of this financial year.