JOIN USFormulate action plans, gram panchayats told
This was disclosed by the minister at the inauguration of a nine-day workshop for Zilla Panchayat Presidents at Abdul Nazir Sab State Institute for Rural Development, here on Tuesday.
Even though complaints are heard on a regular basis that there is paucity of funds, he said effective implementation of existing grants would ensure improved development of villages.
Rural roads
Describing the developmental projects being pursued by the Ministry for Rural Development, Shettar said that he would be visiting Delhi to seek approval for ` 1,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Using the funds, about 4,000 to 5,000 km of roads can be developed in rural areas, he added. He said that Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has already announced that each constituency can develop an additional 20 km at a cost of ` 28 lakh per km. He said that the move is aimed at providing quality infrastructure.
Sanitation
Explaining that sanitation is also key aspect in rural development, he said that 39 lakh toilets had already been constructed in the State.
Mentioning that another 20 lakh toilets have to be built, he expressed anguish that villagers were failing to make use of ` 3,000 subsidy being provided the government.
Suggesting that Grama Sabha’s develop a detailed action plan, Shettar said that it can become successful through honest and effective implementation.
Speaking on the occasion, Director, Abdul Nazir Sab State Institute for Rural Development, S A Ashraful Hassan said that over 95,000 TP and ZP members had been trained at the institute.
He said that 30 ZP presidents will be taken to the neighbouring Kerala for studying the practices approached by them.
Describing the training for ZP Presidents as the first of its kind, he said that even ZP Vice Presidents and members would also be given training.
Plans ahead
Observing the importance of water, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Jagadish Shettar mentioned that a separate engineering division will be established to ensure that water supply work is undertaken, in keeping with the population of the area and its requirements.
Even though many MLAs are opposing the move, he said that a separate water supply engineering division will come into force. On the occasion of International World Water Day, Shettar said that the time isn’t far away when countries will go to war against each other for water.