Date:18/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/18/stories/2008121850520300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Progress of development works reviewed

Staff Reporter

Remove encroachments on water bodies, says Collector

Teachers should motivate students to read books and newspapers

NAMAKKAL: Collector U. Sagayam reviewed the progress of various development works taken up under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam in Puduchatram block on Tuesday.

Inspecting the works at the Kalyani and Karadipatti village panchayats, the Collector directed the officials to remove encroachments on the water bodies and water carrying channels in the block.

The local body officials should initiate measures to harvest rainwater, he said and instructed them to plant more saplings in the vacant lands and public places.

While inspecting a panchayat union primary school in Karadipatti, he asked the teachers to encourage students studying in Standard III and above to develop their general knowledge. Teachers should ask questions and motivate students to read books and newspapers.

Mr. Sagayam said the district administration had sanctioned a sum of Rs. 30 crore for carrying out works under NREGS in all the blocks.

A sum of Rs. 5.50 crore was disbursed as wages to the workers under the scheme, he said. District Rural Development Agency Project Officer Samuel Inbadurai and senior officials accompanied the Collector.