JOIN USSwacch Bharat funds yet to reach beneficiaries
The Swachch Bharat Mission, implemented to make Mandya free from open defecation, had evoked good response in the district with people coming forward by constructing toilets at their homes.
Now, with the government delaying the release of financial assistance, which amounts to Rs 18.86 crore, more than 10,000 beneficiaries of the district are affected. They have been made to frequent gram panchayat offices and return home with assurances from officials.
It may be mentioned that the government provides a financial support of Rs 12,000 for each family for constructing toilets. It is Rs 15,000 for the SC/ST communities. The funds will be directly remitted to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries have been checking their bank balance regularly hoping that the funds are remitted. But they are disappointed as the financial assistance is not yet disbursed.
They complained that the gram panchayat officials too are not responding to their queries. Maddur MLA D C Thammanna had raised the issue during the KDP review meeting held recently. Zilla Panchayat CEO Sharat had disclosed that the Centre has released the funds and they to be distributed district-wise and later disbursed.
More funds have been sought and they are expected to be released in the first week of November. The funds would then be released to gram panchayats, he had assured.
The ruralites who are already reeling under crop loss, sugar cane due problems and crash in silk cocoon prices are left burdened further with the delay in funds under Swachcha Bharat Mission.
Malavalli MLA P M Narendraswamy said if there is further delay in releasing dues, the people would be reluctant to spend from their pockets to build toilets. Hence, it is important to release the amount immediately, he added.