'Centre impressed with State's rural development projects'

Mumbai, May 17 (UNI) Union Rural Development ministry has increased financial allotment to Maharashtra looking at its progress in various rural development projects.

Principal secretary (rural development) Dr J M Phatak told reporters that the State was allotted Rs 9760 crore in 2000-01 while now the allocation for 2006-07 stands at Rs 31,444 crore.

''The increase has been due to implementation of various schemes in the State,'' Dr Phatak said.

He informed 50 lakh people have applied for identity cards from twelve districts in the State under the National Rural Employment Gurantee Scheme.

He also informed that there are 1.23 lakh self help groups in the State. Zilla parishad and panchayat samiti members would be given training from May 22 in phases in Pune, he said.

UNI JM MAZ SKB2033