JOIN USMLC grants: Raw deal for Chikkaballapur
While as many as 199 works have been carried out in Kolar district during the period 2005-06 to 2009-10 the number has not crossed even 60 in Chikkaballapur district. Particulars obtained by Deccan Herald from the Deputy Commissioner’s office under Right to Information Act has revealed these facts: No funds have been released during 2003-04 and 2004-05. Majority of the funds released in the subsequent five financial years have been utilised for works in Kolar district.
Out of the 40 works taken up in 2005-06 only five are in Chikkaballapur district. Similarly, 20 out of 62 in the year 2006-07, a mere seven out of 61 in 2007-08, 11 out of 48 in the year 2008-09 and a handful of six out of 40 works taken up in the year 2009-10 are in Chikkaballapur district. On the other hand, the number of works carried out in Kolar district during the said period is 199.
Out of a total of Rs 3.49 crore released during the period 2005-06 to 2009-10 administrative sanctioned has been secured for utilisation of Rs 2.40 crore. While a sum of Rs 1.78 crore has been released, grants of Rs 1.09 crore is yet to be released. The sum stands at Rs 64.66 lakh during the present financial year. Implementation officer has to submit a report to the Deputy Commissioner on the grants unutilised over the last four years.
Notwithstanding the disparity in release of funds, a major portion of the money has been utilised for construction of roads, schools, drainage, community halls and creation of other infrastructure in both the districts.
Congress candidate and sitting Member of Legislative Council, however, Naseer Ahmed has exuded confidence of victory in spite of the huge difference in the funds released to Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts.