“The district is sure to have such problems in summer. But you should handle the matter so that no village complains of not having enough drinking water,” he told the authorities.

He was speaking at the progress review meeting of the Zilla Panchayat on Saturday at the Panchayat auditorium.

“Funds upto Rs five crore have been approved to dig borewells all over the district. In addition, Rs seven crore has been approved to revive the old borewells that have dried up,” Muniyappa said and instructed the authorities to utilise the funds for the respective work efficiently.

He advised the authorities to provide proper supply of drinking water by connecting tanks in the district under the MGNREGS and ensuring the tanks get water supply from the adjacent fields.

Everybody’s property

Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar Meena, who spoke at the meeting, said, “Water does not belong to one person. It is national property. The district administration should therefore take steps without fail or hesitation to solve the problem of water shortage in Kolar district.”

Zilla Panchayat technical division executive officer Devaraj said there are about 3,500 government borewells in Kolar district. But as many as 2,206 have dried up.

He promised that work would be undertaken to revive the borewells.

‘Let people stay’

Muniyappa said projects should be implemented such that people who come to Kolar remain in the district. He promised to give necessary help to ensure action in this direction.

“People are attracted to the projects undertaken near Kuppam by Chandrababu Naidu. But in Kolar, every facility, including roads, water supply and underground drainage system, is in bad shape. Most people who come to Kolar feel like getting away from here as soon as possible. The facilities should therefore be improved and new, effective and efficient projects should be implemented quickly. This will ensure development and even improve the look of the place,” Muniyappa explained.

Employment projects

Referring to the MGNREGS, the Minister said the project was a way to realize the dream of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who wanted to wipe out suspicion that funds released by the Central Government in New Delhi for development of villages did not actually reach the rural areas.

“Utilise the project to solve local problems like lack of amenities. Help the local organizations become self-dependent by undertaking income-generating projects. Do not waste the funds given by the government on unnecessary works. The project aims to give jobs for people who can and want to work. Public welfare should also become a part of the project,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner said projects under the MGNREGS should never be considered to be merely work. “Think of it as social service and you will have a sense of satisfaction when you undertake the projects,” he advised.

Shortage of funds

Zilla Panchayat deputy secretary Lakshminarayana said 1,72,725 employment cards have been distributed. “Although project work in Kolar taluk has been completed, as much as Rs 13 crore of the funds are yet to be released. Srinivaspur taluk is yet to get Rs 3.64 crore and Mulbagal taluk has to get Rs three crore,” he declared.

He also advised authorities to give importance to development of the SSLC system.

“Steps should be taken to improve the results of students staying in hostels. The project to give loans to physically challenged people has already been implemented and eligible people should get loans. The loan amount given to people who buy cattle is very little. The Commissioner should be requested to increase this amount. Pay attention towards proper implementation of various developmental projects,” he added.

People complain to Muniyappa

Union Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa arrived in the city on Saturday morning. Visiting the Railway Station first, he hoisted the Kannada flag. He inquired about the problems faced by the passengers at the Station.

Learning of the arrival of the Union Minister at the review meeting, several persons came to ask for solution of various problems.

They submitted memoranda demanding preference for local people in government jobs. They complained that candidates from other states with absolutely no training were given preference over trained women from the local areas for the post of Lower Women's Health Assistant under the National Rural Health Commission of the State.