K'taka govt releases Rs 164 cr for Suvarna Gramodaya scheme

Bangalore, Feb 23 (UNI) The Karnataka government has released Rs 164.70 crore for the ambitious Suvarna Gramodaya scheme, under which over 1,000 villages in 26 districts would be developed, Karnataka Panchayati Raj Minister C M Udasi said today.

Addressing media here, he said the scheme, with a special focus on empowering people living in rural areas, would be formally launched by President A P J Abdul Kalam at Srinivasa Saradagi, a remote village at Chitapur taluk in Gulbarga district on February 25.

Over 63 per cent of the villagers are Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes and 70 per cent of them illiterates.

The Minister said in the selected villages, minimum basic facilities would be provided, including drinking water, sanitation and electricity.

However, the main focus would be on accelerating agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, sericulture and other land-oriented activities. Mr Udasi said, adding, the scheme has components to stimulate non-agricultural activities to generate employment opportunities for educated youth.

UNI