Chhattisgarh budget to focus on rural development: Raman

Kanker, Chhattisgarh Feb 12 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh today indicated that more than 70 per cent of the state's budget for fiscal 2007-08 would be earmarked for rural development.

Inaugurating a bridge constructed on river Mahanadi at an estimated cost of Rs 3.5 crore at Haradola, about 36 Kms from here, he said the budget would focus on extension of irrigation facilities in the villages, development of roads, construction of bridges and culverts and improving basic amenities in rural areas.

Dr Singh is scheduled to present his government's fourth budget later this month as he has retained the Finance portfolio following resignation by Finance Minister Amar Agrawal last month.

Stating that the budget allocation for irrigation for entire Chhattisgarh was just Rs 50 crore in undivided Madhya Pradesh, he said now it had increased to Rs 1000 crore. ''We are trying to increase it further in order to enhance irrigation facilities'', he added.

Referring to the criticism by opposition Congress that the BJP government has failed to properly manage the energy scenario, leading to frequent loadshedding, Dr Singh said the opposition parties were also aware that the present situation was due to the centre's decision to reduce the state's quota of power.

''Instead of coming out on streets and trying to mislead the people, the opposition Congress must try to impress upon its own party's government at the centre to do justice to Chhattisgarh. I am ready to accompany them to meet Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to demand allocation of more power from central quota'', he added.

Dr Singh said the power situation would be under control soon as there would not be any power-cut by Deepawali this year.

The Chief Minister said steps were being initiated to streamline public distribution system and its results would be visible very soon.

Speaking on the occasion, Revenue Minister Brijmohan Agrawal said administrative sanction had been granted for the construction of a bridge onthe Mahanadi at Girod at an estimated cost of Rs seven crore. This bridge will provide connectivity to a large number of villages, he added.

UNI