Poor construction quality of rural areas draws flak from MPs

Shimla, June 22 (UNI) Members of Parliament, cutting across party lines today expressed concern on the quality of works done particularly in the rural roads at the consultative committee review meeting held by the Rural Development Ministry here, an official spokesman said.

The meeting reviewed the implementation of rural roads, rural housing and rural drinking water supply of the United Progressive Alliance Governments flagship ''Bharat Nirman'' programme.

The spokesman said after initial teething problems, the parliamentarians expressed satisfaction in progress of the programme over the two year period.

The committee felt that coverage of all habitations for supply of safe and adequate drinking water for all seasons was still a challenge, which would be effectively addressed.

It also suggested modification in the guidelines for actively involving panchayti raj institutions in planning processes for preparing projects, keeping the local needs and conditions as well in monitoring and social audit, he said.

Out of the total investment of Rs 174,000 crore envisaged for development of basic infrastructure under Bharat Niram, Rs 85,000 crore would be utilised by Rural Development Ministry for three components of rural roads, housing and drinking water.

The committee emphasized the need to achieve targets of each component of the program and asked the ministry to step up its role about effective monitoring during the last two years the Bharat Nirman programme that ends by March 2009.

UNI