Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) Priyank Kharge on Tuesday instructed Chief Executive Officers of all Zilla Panchayats (ZPs) to ensure systematic implementation of the ‘E-Swathu’ initiative that is aimed at regularising houses and plots in the rural areas of the state.
Priyank, who reviewed the implementation of departmental programmes, said that the government hoped to bring one crore properties into the legal fold through the E-Swathu initiative. The RDPR Minister asked the ZP CEOs to ensure all Panchayat Development Officers were acquainted with the recently published regulations for the E-Swathu programme. “Arrangements must be made to train the officials in all districts,” he said.
Taking stock of the Local Economic Acceleration Programme, the minister instructed the officials to identify properties in Gram Panchayats where structures that could generate a steady stream of revenue for the local governing bodies could be constructed. Priyank assured the GPs of the government disbursing funds for revamping
and refurbishing GP properties near tourist and pilgrimage sites.
The minister, meanwhile, expressed concern over the pace at which property tax was being collected in some districts.