Bharat Nirman campaign attracts crowd in Chhattisgarh

Dhamtari, Oct 10 (UNI) A five day ''Bharat Nirman'' campaign, aimed at spreading awareness on various central government sponsored development programmes, is evoking good response in Chhattisgarh.

There has been an impressive turnout at the stalls set up by various departments to provide information about development initiatives and other schemes since the campaign was kicked off here last evening.

Speaking at the inaugural function, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Congress MP Ajit Jogi said proper and timely utilisation of funds, being earmarked for development, was essential to acheive the goal.

''The general perception is that the entire funds for development did not percolate to the targetted people. We have to utilise judiciously the funds released for development schemes to derive maximum benefit'', he added.

Stating that people could closely monitor the working of projects being taken up in their respective areas, Mr Jogi said the Right to Information Act was an effective tool to find out whether the benefits of schemes were percolating down to the masses.

Chhattisgarh state Khadi Gramodyog Board Chairman Kruparam Sahu said the country's development would not be complete without development of rural areas.

Pointing out that cottage industries have to play an important role in the process, he complained that this sector was not getting adequate cooperation from nationalised banks.

Later, Mr Jogi distributed cheques of loans sanctioned to the farmers for purchase of tractors and other agriculture implements.

The campaign, which was launched by the Prime Minister on December 5, 2005, has covered more than 63 cities till date. The present campaign in Chhattisgarh will be followed by the second and third programme in the following months.

In this campaign, Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Sarv Siksha Abhiyan with mid-day meal schemes, Right to Information Act, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Integrated Child Health Mission and National Rural Health Mission programmes will be highlighted. During the five day campaign, resource persons will be available for an public interaction.

UNI JJ SP PB DS1555