ZP chief seeks report on funds for specially-abled

Education dept asked to provide furniture to schools

Zilla panchayat president Suneetha Veerappagowda directed all departments to submit monthly reports of funds allocated for the development of specially-abled to the district specially-abled welfare officer within the stipulated period.

She was speaking at a review meeting of the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) held at the ZP Hall here on Monday.

Even though Rs 15 lakh has been set aside for the welfare of specially-abled, the funds haven’t reached the beneficiaries. Officials should ensure that the facilities available for specially-abled reach beneficiaries in each grama panchayat.

Mentioning the housing scheme, she said, the government is providing funds to the poor to construct houses. Several people are combining personal and government funds to build houses. But several grama panchayat development officers are raising objections. Is it wrong for poor to construct quality houses? she questioned. She directed the taluk executive officers to allow construction of houses, using both personal and government funds.

Several schools in the district lack laboratory equipment and furniture. Students are made to sit on the floor, which will affect their health. She told the public education department officials to make use of Rs 2.75 crore funds to furnish the schools.

Food and civil supplies department deputy director informed the members that applications for ration cards are being provided at all grama panchayats. The last date for receiving applications is yet to be finalised. She said applications would be scrutinised and cards would be distributed.

Rainfall

The district has received 882.3mm rainfall in December, 2011. In December 2010, the district had received 1050.0 mm, said agriculture department joint director.

ZP vice-president Shivaram, education and health standing committee president Siddaveerappa, Chandresh, ZP secretary Gopal, project officer Vasundharadevi and others were present.