Delegation to meet CM over funds for drinking water

Zilla Panchayat is awaiting approval of Rs 12 crore action plan

The Zilla Panchayat meeting was presided by ZP President V M Vijaya. The members said Rs 12 crore action plan was sent to the government during 2009-10. However, even after the end of the financial year, the funds have not been released.

Zilla Panchayat former vice president B C Leelamma said: “there is severe drinking water problem in my constituency. However, the government has not released funds. What was the need to prepare an action plan of Rs 12 crore without any direction from the government. Whether it is possible to start the work and then adjust the funds after government approves it? she asked.

Zilla Panchayat Standing Committee on Education and Health President Manumuthappa said “Zilla Panchayat has not received any direction from the government to formulate an action plan for drinking water. Expecting the government’s approval and based on the direction of MLAs the action plan was prepared.”

Zilla Panchayat President V M Vijaya said “a delegation will meet Chief Minister and Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development within 15 days in this regard. We will pressurise to release atleast half of the amount of the action plan.”

The meet also decided to complete the remaining development work undertaken in 2008-09 utilising remaining Rs 4.43 crore through piece contract system.

The meet also approved to provide Rs 149.83 lakh for the Zilla Panchayat engineering division to complete the drinking water project in Somwarpet taluk.
Zilla Panchayat former president H B Jayamma urged to release the funds released under Paschima Ghatta Abhivridi yojane and for the construction of roads and bridges to Zilla Panchayat.

“The government is not releasing funds under 12th Finance Commission to Zilla Panchayat. What Zilla Panchayat members have to do if the funds are given to MLAs. It is a waste to come and sit in the meeting. Let us all tender resignation to Zilla Panchayat,” she added.

The meeting was held amidst the walk out by Congress members.