Funds for PR institutions: Hassan ZP flays Govt

A heated debate was witnessed over the issue at the monthly meeting held here on Monday.

As soon as the meeting began, former ZP president C N Balakrishna raised the issue and said that the government was not at all responding to the resolution adopted and sent to the government seeking release of funds to take up repair works of damaged transformers, drinking water supply works, road repair and other works. In fact, a proposal has been sent to officials concerned for the release of funds. The members threatened to stage a protest in front of the Chief Minister’s residence if he failed to release grants immediately.

Anathi Chandrashekhar and Annappa Shetty, both members also condemned the government for showing disrespect to the Panchayat Raj Institutions by not releasing grants on time. There is no meaning in sending proposals to the government seeking release of funds,  if no action was taken in this regard.

Shankar, another member sought details of grants to be released by State Government. Chief Executive Officer S T Anajankumar  informed the meeting that the government was yet to release Rs 596 lakhs for various developmental works. The principal secretary, Department of Panchayatraj and Rural Development has promised to release Rs 3.32 crore to mitigate drinking water crisis in the district shortly.

Regarding non-completion of kitchens in various government schools under mid-day meals scheme, the CEO said the construction of 928 kitchens is under progress and it will be completed soon. There is a demand for the construction of another 75 kitchens. The deputy commissioner would be requested to sanction the same.

The CEO promised members that he would direct Gram Panchayat Secretaries to release funds for the works being taken up under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme( MNREGS). The ZP has already given its nod for the action plan, he added.

Shortage of staff

The ZP members also complained regarding shortage of doctors, lack of building and other infrastructure in Primary Health Centres(PHCs) like Didaga, Bailahalli, Anthi, Navile, Nuggehalli. They accused the government of not filling up of vacancies and providing basic facilities for PHCs, community health care centres sanctioned by the H D Kumaraswamy Government.

Hostels

The members also demanded the government to sanction more hostels for dalits, backward classes and minorities in view of shortage of hostels in the district.

 Decisions

CEO Anjankumar said Rs 45 lakh has been earmarked for rain water harvesting in government schools. The intention of this programme was to ease drinking water crisis in schools by storing rain water by using available technology.

A sum of Rs 555.80 lakh has been released for the construction of kitchens, promised to appoint teachers for Morarji Desai Residential Schools after discussing the issue with Deputy Commissioner and to maintain teacher, student ratio in all government schools.