Speaking at the Zilla Panchayat general body meeting here on Wednesday, he said the funds will be released within one month. The government is not involved in development politics. Implementing the recommendations made by the Nanjundappa Committee has enabled more funds to backward and less developed districts in comparison to developed districts in the State.
Gowda said the government is not trying to curb the powers of Zilla Panchayat. “We strongly resent government’s move, if it decides to take measures to restrain the powers of ZP,” he added.
Congress Members Bhujanga Shetty and Raju Poojary alleged that the ZP is not receiving any funds for drinking water projects and road repair works for the last two years. The matter was referred to 3rd Finance Commission Chairman A G Kodgi. However, all attempts failed to yield any benefits, they said. The issue concerning the housing schemes rocked the floor of the house leading to discussion over the issue. Congress Member Raju Poojary said Udupi district has not received benefits under Indira Awas Yojane and Ashraya Yojane for the last two years. ZP CEO N Rajashekhar said that new housing scheme Basava Indira Awas Yojane is being introduced in the district. The target was to construct 1,000 houses in each Assembly constituency. A committee under the presidentship of MLA will be constituted and the list of the beneficiaries will be approved by the committee. Members Sudhakar Kulal and Madan Kumar demanded modification to the process of registration of housing schemes. Lack of infrastructure in the SC/ST colonies across the district was also discussed in the meeting. Congress members demanded that the new circular briefing the funds released for infrastructural facilities in SC/ST colonies should be revised. The new amendment to the circular should be cancelled, they demanded.
Social Welfare Department Officer informed that Rs 11.36 lakh has been allocated to each taluks in the district. Administrative approval has been sanctioned to construction works worth Rs 10.50 lakh in Kundapur taluk. The work will commence soon after the monsoon. The fund allocated for the purpose should be utilised in the SC/ST colonies of the district. There are about 50 SC/ST colonies in Karkala taluk, 104 colonies in Udupi taluk and 164 colonies in Kundapur taluk, he informed. The CEO informed the house that Yellur Gram Panchayat Secretary has been kept under suspension.
