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

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

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

Mr Singh said the matter was pending with Supreme Court and hoped the it would be sorted 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 the 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 under PMGSY and only seven projects of DPAP were completed of 273 that too sanctioned in 1995-96.

Mr Singh said the state government had meagre infrastructure for the proper implementation of National Rural Employment Gurantee Act (NREGA) adding about 50 blocks of the state were functioning without Block 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