Absence of panchayat bodies hurdle in J'khand development: Raghuvans

Ranchi, Jan 17 (UNI) Expressing concern over tardy progress of rural development of Jharkhand Union Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh today said that absence of panchayat bodies was main obstacle in rural development of state.

Talking to reporters here Mr Singh said according to 12th Finance Commission state was losing about Rs 480 crores in every five year in absence of panchayat bodies.

Mr Singh said the matter was pending with Supreme Court and hoped the matter would be sort out soon.

The Union Minister, on a two-day tour, also held a review meeting about various rural developmental schemes operational in the state.

Dissatisfied with the progress of developmental schemes, Mr Singh said the condition of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sada Yojna(PMGSY) and Drought Prone Area Programme(DPAP) was embarrasing adding only Rs 400 crores were spent umder PMGSY and only seven projects of DPAP were completed out of 273 that too sanctioned in 1995-96.

Mr Singh said state government had meagre infrastructure for proper implementation of National Rural Employement Gurantee Act (NREGA) adding about 50 blocks of the state were functioning without Bloc Development officers adding direction had been given to the government to ensure required infrastructure.

Mr Singh said about 52 per cent of fund allocated was spend under NREGA adding awareness among the people about the programme was necesary for its proper implementation.

The Union Minister also stressed on proper training and awareness regarding NREGA.

UNI