MP slams state government for non-utilisation of funds
Out of Rs 57.74 crore released by Centre, only Rs 14.11 cr used
MP R Dhruvanarayana slammed the state government for failing to utilise the funds released by the central government. He also said the state government hadn’t distributed the title deeds to the original residents of the forest.
Addressing a media conference here on Tuesday, he said state government is neglecting the rights of people living in the forests. Even though the government has been in power for four years, it hasn’t taken any developmental measures. A meeting with forest minister C P Yogeeshwar and social welfare minister A Narayanaswamy held in Bangalore with regard to rights of forest dwellers on Monday has also failed.
The central government is striving for the well-being of Jenukuruba and Koraga
community residing in parts of Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Under the Comprehensive Development Plan, the Centre has released Rs 57.74 crore.
These communities, which belong to the Scheduled Tribe, had to be provided housing and other basic amenities. But, the state government as only utilised Rs 14.11 crore of the total funds released in the last four years.
The Centre had released Rs 20 crore in 2007-08, Rs 32 crore in 2008-09. But, due to lack of utilisation, funds were not released in 2009-10. A scheme to build houses for families at a cost of Rs one lakh hasn’t been successful. Due to this Rs 23.53 crore hasn’t been utilised effectively. The chief minister should convene a meeting with officials concerned and take stern action, he demanded.
Title deeds
Thousands of people are living in forests in Shimoga, Chikamagalur and Uttara Kannada districts. The Centre has implemented the Forest Rights Act to provide them with lands. But, the state government has taken the last spot in providing title deeds to the forest dwellers.
Andhra Pradesh has distributed more than one lakh title deeds, 2.6 lakh in Chattisgarh, 1.32 lakh in Odisha and 84,750 in Tripura have been distributed. But in Karnataka only 6,073 people have received title deeds.The state government has shown least interest in issuing title deeds, he added.
MGNREGS
Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the state government has utilised only Rs 18.58 crore of the Rs 52.92 crore released. More than 65 per cent is remaining.
In the review meeting held seven months ago, the issue was brought to the notice of district-in-charge minister S A Ramdas. But there has been no development.
Former zilla panchayat president Siddhartha, member Siddegowda and block Congress president Manju were present at the media conference.
