Team of experts to study BRGF scheme for 6th Schedule states

Shillong, Sept 11 (UNI) Union Minister in-charge, Panchayati Raj, Mani Shankar Aiyar today said a team of experts would visit all the sixth schedule states in the country to find means to adapt the newly formulated Backward Regions' Gram Fund (BRGF).

BRGF scheme would be implemented from January, 2007 next year.

Therefore, all the 6th scheduled states have a tight deadline to come to an accepted formula to take benefit of the centre's scheme, added the Union Minister.

'' The experts during their visit to the region would delve how best to conform the scheme to ground realities in 6th scheduled states, '' Mr Aiyar said.

The Union Minister was here en route to Silchar to attend a Panchayati meeting. He held discussion with Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob and Chief Minister J D Rymbai at Raj Bhavan.

Before leaving for Silchar this afternoon via Guwahati, Mr Aiyar told reporters that three districts of Meghalaya - Ri-Bhoi, South and West Garo hills - had been selected under BRGF scheme by the Centre.

In states with a Panchayati Raj system in India, BRGF was being implemented through the Panchayats, he said.

However, in states like Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland where Panchayati Raj is absence, the Union Minister said a team of expert would visit for the 'adaptation' of the BRGF schemes.

'' The experts during their visit to the region, would explore the possibilities to conform the scheme into ground realities in 6th scheduled states, '' Mr Aiyar stated.

The team is expected to visit in the next three months soon after the Chief Secretaries level meeting of all these states in New Delhi.

Mr Aiyar informed that Meghalaya would host a meeting of Chief Ministers of all sixth schedule states to give the Rs 5000 crore schemes its final shape.

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