Date:29/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/29/stories/2008072955210100.htm

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Project works to be speeded up

Special Correspondent

Redeployment of staff to be over in a month
Computerisation of local bodies soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Development Council, which met here on Monday, has decided to speed up implementation of Centrally-sponsored projects.

Briefing presspersons on the decisions of the Council, Minister for Local Self-Government Paloli Mohammed Kutty and Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac said a permanent arrangement would be made to solve problems encountered in the implementation of Central projects, especially lack of coordination between government agencies and local self- governments.

The Council resolved to give emphasis on agriculture production as part of the food security programme, implementation of the EMS Housing Scheme and the Total Cleanliness Programme.

They said the redeployment of staff to the local self-governments would be completed in a month. An engineer would be assigned to two village panchayats. Each panchayat would have an overseer.

Dr. Isaac said the government would stand guarantee for the loans to be taken for implementation of the EMS Housing Scheme. The project would be completed in three years.

The Minister said computerisation of local self-governments would be completed at the earliest. ‘Data mechanics’ would be appointed for one or two years to provide support to the panchayats in the use of computers.

The government also proposed to increase the allocation for the food security programme to Rs.400 crore. The extent of paddy fields would be determined at the district level and included in the watershed development programme for routing assistance.

Mr. Mohammed Kutty said expenditure in the implementation of Centrally-sponsored schemes was around 58 per cent last year because of delays in matters such as land acquisition. The remaining amount could be spent in the coming years.

Earlier, inaugurating the Council meeting, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan criticised delays in implementation of Central schemes. Such delays undermine Plan implementation and lead to cost escalation. This should be ended.