HP to create Rs 30 crore corpus fund

Shimla, Mar 5 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government will create a Rs 30 crore corpus fund under the Urban Renewal Scheme for providing municipal and other facilities to the local people, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said.

It would provide ready funds to the urban local bodies for carrying out development programmes in their respective areas, he said, while addressing a reception organized in his honour by the members of Aila Parishad, Panchayat Samities and Nagar Parishad at Nahan in Sirmaur district, last evening.

Mr Singh said the municipalities and other urban bodies need to generate their income to sustain their functioning and provide people the best of facilities.

The government would, however, continue with its financial and other support for the smooth functioning of the local urban bodies, he said.

He said about 15 government departments have been brought under the supervisory control of the panchayati raj institutions, while hoping that the PRIs would exercise their authority in a responsible manner and ensure that the policies and programmes of the state government were implemented.

All endeavours of the state government for development of rural areas and upliftment of the weaker sections of the society would be successfully provided the elected members performed their duty with dedication, he said.

The chief minister said government will provide funds for development by rising above political and other considerations to ensure uniform and balanced development of the state.

He directed the PRIs to ensure that only the deserving beneficiaries benefit under different poverty alleviation programmes.

Mr Singh thanked the people of the state for re-imposing their faith with his government.

State Assembly Speaker G R Musafir was also present on the occasion.

UNI AS PS PA BD1754